October 1, 2002: - It is with a great sense of loss and sadness that we must report that Rick Pearce, the former President and Chief Executive Officer of the Fraser River Port Authority, has lost his long, quiet, and determined battle with cancer. He died on September 22, 2002 at age 56.

Mr. Pearce headed the Port Authority, previously the Fraser River Harbour Commission, from 1978 to 2002. His involvement with port communities around the world had one goal - to promote and encourage cooperation between ports, thereby developing domestic and international trade through waterborne transport.

Throughout his career, his natural visionary leadership kept him seeking innovative solutions that would benefit the port communities. Mr. Pearce was a founding member of the Greater Vancouver Gateway Council. The Council represents the major transportation interests in the Greater Vancouver Region and works to sustain its significant economic contribution in the region by addressing issues of common concern. From 1989 to 1995, Mr. Pearce was Chairman of Transport Data Network International Inc. (TDNI), a Canadian pioneer in the development of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) for the transport industry. He also served as a Director of the Vancouver Board of Trade.

A tireless contributor to community life, Rick Pearce was a past President of the Royal City Rotary Club, and a past member of the Executive Committee of New Westminster’s Council on Community Economic Development. He was a member of the Executive Committee as well as President of the Board of Directors of the Kinsmen Rehabilitation Foundation of BC.

A memorial service and celebration of his life was held on September 30, 2002. The family requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the B.C. Cancer Foundation, Suite 200, 601 West Broadway, Vancouver, V5Z 4C2 or to the chairty of the donor's choice.