On the last day of March, we lost a great soul. Eric Charles Pearson, 57 years old, passed away at home surrounded by family. Eric was a loving husband, son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Born in San Diego, Eric grew up in La Mesa and was a lifelong resident of the area. Eric enjoyed good food, good drinks, and spending time with family and friends. He was known for his great cooking; he enjoyed preparing family favorites and trying out new recipes. Eric also loved going to restaurants and trying out new places. In 2008, Eric & his wife Tamara moved into their home in La Mesa. He loved spending time in the yard, swimming in the pool and relaxing in his beloved living room. Travel was important and he was always planning the next trip. This past year, he and Tamara enjoyed traveling to the Olympic Peninsula, Vancouver, Alaska, Portland and a trip down the Oregon Coast. His children cherished the many camping trips, barbeques and time they spent with him. In 2012 Eric became a grandfather and enthusiastically embraced it. His face lit with joy whenever he talked about or played with his grandchildren. Anybody who knew Eric knew what a loyal, caring, and generous man he was. Eric loved to talk, and could strike up a conversation with anyone. Beloved by all, Eric touched the lives of all who knew him. Eric learned to scuba dive when he was 13 years old and his love of the sea continued throughout his life. His final wish was to be buried at sea in a traditional maritime fashion. In true Eric spirit we will toast him with his favorite margarita at El Zarape (3201 Adams Avenue) on Wednesday, April 6th beginning at 3pm. Any friends who would like join the family are welcome. To honor Eric's love of the Anza Borrego desert, the family requests that In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Anza Borrego Foundation. Mail donations to: P.O. Box 2001 Borrego Springs, CA 92004 or call: (760) 767-0446 (option 2) or visit http://theabf.org/explore-anza-borrego (please note "in honor of Eric Pearson" in the comment section) Preparations were arranged by Legacy Funeral.