Pearson spent almost two decades at the club throughout the later years of the 20th century, where he played a key role in helping to guide Wolves through the uncertain times of the mid-1980s.
Born in Stafford, Pearson was an accountant by trade, while also qualified as a grassroots referee, who was initially appointed as club accountant at Molineux in October 1977 during Sammy Chung’s reign as manager, before being subsequently made secretary when Peter Redfearn left the club.
His time at Wolves coincided with a difficult period on and off the pitch, as the club endured some of its darkest days following relegation into the fourth tier, but Pearson helped steady the ship through double administration and into the Sir Jack Hayward era.
The loyal figure, who turned down the chance to switch to West Bromwich Albion at one point during his Wolves career, eventually moved on from Molineux in November 1994. He subsequently joined Derby County and during his decade at the Rams, Pearson’s tenure was marked by promotion to the top flight and the move to Pride Park stadium.
Following retirement, Pearson was a keen golfer, while he also enjoyed taking short walking breaks across the UK with his wife Joyce.
He sadly passed away on Sunday 17th July at Royal Stoke University Hospital, survived by his wife, children Tim and Graham, and two grandchildren. In a statement, his family wrote: “Keith is at peace after a three-year battle, bravely fought. Rest in God’s care.”
Richard Skirrow, who took on the Wolves secretary role in 1996 and served the club until 2017, became close friends with Pearson in retirement, building on their relationship that first came with being contemporaries at different clubs.
He said: “Keith was very conscentious, diligent and a true gentleman. He worked hard, had a generous spirit and he was well respected and very well liked. While he was at Wolves, he did everything he could in the best interests of the club.
“That was very much evidenced by the role he played in the difficult 1980s as he was there at the time of the two administrations in the 1980s – one in 1982 and the other in 1986. During these years, the future of the club was very uncertain, but Keith played a key role in keeping the club afloat in what were really difficult times.
“To me, Keith was a very good friend and companion, and he’ll be very much missed by all who knew him.”
The thoughts and condolences of everyone at Wolves are with Keith’s family and friends at this sad time.
