Arizona HCR 2027: Russell Pearce; death resolution

Bill Text

Odd Ball HCR2027 - 561R - H Ver of HCR2027 

 House Engrossed

 Russell 
 Pearce; death resolution

 State of 
 Arizona

 House of 
 Representatives

 Fifty-sixth 
 Legislature

 First Regular 
 Session

 2023

 HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 2027

A Concurrent Resolution

on the 
death of the honorable russell k. pearce.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

The Honorable Russell K. Pearce 
passed away on January 5, 2023 in Mesa at the age of 75 after a brief illness. 

����� Russell Pearce was born on June 23, 1947 and was a fifth 
generation Arizonan, growing up in a blended family that totaled 13 
children. He honorably served in the Army National Guard from 1965 
to 1972. During that time, he served a two-year mission from 1967 to 1969 
for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the areas of New 
York City, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts. 

����� A life-long learner, Russell Pearce earned a 
bachelor's degree in management from the University of Phoenix in 
1981. He continued his education by earning several certificates, 
including certificates from Harvard University, John R. Kennedy School of 
Government, Arizona State University in Advanced Executive Development, the 
University of Colorado, Motor Vehicle Legal and Law College, Arizona State 
University in Budget and Appropriations and the Supreme Court of Arizona, 
Arizona Judicial College. 

Russell Pearce cared deeply about 
Arizona, and he worked in a variety of public servant jobs his entire life. 
Before being elected to office, he worked as a deputy sheriff with the Maricopa 
County Sheriff's Office from 1970 to 1991, and from 1993 to 1994 he served as the 
chief deputy.� After being shot and critically wounded in the line of duty, he 
was nominated for the Medal of Valor award, which is the highest award in law 
enforcement. 

Continuing his civil service, Russell 
Pearce served as a judge in the North Mesa Justice Court, a pro-tem judge 
in the Maricopa County Justice Courts, the director of the Governor's Office of 
Highway Safety, the director of the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division and the 
chief deputy director of the Maricopa County Treasurer's Office. 

Russell Pearce was elected to the 
Arizona House of Representatives in 2001 until his term limit in 2009 and was 
subsequently elected to the state Senate, serving as the Senate President in 
2011. He believed in his constitutional duty to follow the rule of 
law and to protect Arizona's citizens by enforcing those laws. He 
believed in standing up for the taxpayers, efficiency in government and 
defending faith, family and freedom above all else.� He once wrote, "The 
greatness of our nation is measured by the character of its people."� 

Russell Pearce is survived by his wife 
of 47 years, LuAnne, and their children, Dodi, Sean, Colten, Justin and Joshua, 
Wyatt, Ethan and Tatum, and many grandchildren.

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of 
Arizona, the Senate concurring:

����� That the Members of the Legislature sincerely regret the 
passing of the Honorable Russell Pearce and extend their most sincere 
sympathies and condolences to his wife, his surviving family members and his 
many friends and colleagues.

UNAIMOUSLY ADOPTED BY THE HOUSE JANUARY 17, 2023.

UNAIMOUSLY ADOPTED BY THE SENATE JANUARY 17, 2023.

FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE JANUARY 17, 2023.