Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility

Oregon PSR honors the life and legacy of Dr. John Pearson, whose decades of leadership and commitment to peace and justice helped shape our organization. John was a colleague and friend to many, and his influence will continue to guide our work. For more than twenty years, he strengthened OPSR through his service on the Board of Directors, his two terms as Board President, his role on our advisory board, and his participation in our programs. John said that what he valued most about OPSR was “the camaraderie…the fact that you’re working with a lot of well-meaning, good, very smart people.”

A pediatrician, pediatric neurologist, and dedicated educator, John devoted his professional life to caring for future generations, including those from families within the OPSR community. That care was amplified by the generosity he and his wife Nena extended to the organization. John understood that preventing harm required addressing the broader forces that shape human and environmental health, and he was a steadfast advocate on environmental issues (specifically concerned with the neurodevelopmental effects of toxins) and the dangers of nuclear energy.

Of the many issues John addressed at OPSR, nuclear abolition was always a central focus of his advocacy, a cause he referred to as “the most important issue of our time.” He believed in the transformative power of collective action, trusting that “using our political power, we can overcome the influence of those who profit financially or politically from these weapons.” He strived for a better tomorrow by sharing his deep knowledge in letters to the editor, remarks before city councils throughout Oregon, testimony submitted nationwide, and many other forms of public engagement.

When John memorialized OPSR co-founder Dr. Charlie Grossman, John described him as living “a life dedicated to medicine, peace, and the abolition of nuclear weapons.” Today, those words reflect John’s own legacy. His dedication, his enthusiasm, and his hope for a better future strengthened OPSR and inspired all who worked with him.

John will be deeply missed by colleagues, volunteers, community partners, and all who were touched by his generosity and compassion. Our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and everyone who is grieving his loss. As we remember John, we strive to honor his legacy by carrying forward the causes he cared so deeply about: advocating for peace, climate justice, and the abolition of nuclear weapons, because as John said, “It is up to us.”

To offer additional reflections on John’s legacy, we are grateful to share a statement from Kelly Campbell, Oregon PSR’s Executive Director from 2009 to 2023 and a current Advisory Board member.

Below is Kelly’s letter:

John Pearson was a pillar of the Oregon PSR community. I can hear him now, scoffing at that statement, and making some self-depreciating joke. But it’s true: John was integral to the work of the organization over the past two decades. John served in the leadership of the organization as a board member, did several stints as board president, and later joined the advisory board. Along the way, he was an active participant in the Healthy Climate team and the Peace and Justice team, attending meetings, representing the organization in coalitions, and doing a lot of the behind-the-scenes work. 

John and his wife Nena often hosted PSR events at their lovely home–from board retreats to holiday parties–and regularly put up out of town speakers overnight. John was passionate about all the issues PSR works on, none so much as nuclear weapons abolition. He presented to many Rotary Clubs, schools, and other organizations on the topic and even recruited his granddaughter as an intern on the subject. 

I got a chance to visit with John a few weeks before he passed. He was the same John, reminiscing about old times, talking with pride about his children and grandchildren, and even ribbing me about a long-running strategy disagreement we’ve had. It was hard to believe that he would not be with us much longer. 

One of my favorite memories of John was at a board meeting where we had just wrapped up a particularly contentious discussion. As board president, John spoke up in his perfect Monty Python accent, “and now, for something completely different,” eliciting widespread laughter and breaking through the tension, allowing the group to come back together as one. 

Thank you, John, for bringing your enthusiasm, curiosity, leadership, and sense of humor to Oregon PSR. You will be missed. 

–Kelly Campbell, Oregon PSR’s Executive Director 2009-2023, current Advisory Board member.