Kaye Pearson, IGFA Trustee and founder of Show Management, passed away on March 21, 2009 after a long, valiant battle with cancer. Kaye was 68 years old.
Born July 22, 1940 in Terre Haute, Indiana, Pearson's family moved to Miami, Florida when Kaye was a toddler. An avid angler and football player in high school, Kaye attended the University of Florida and the University of Miami, where he graduated with a business degree.
Kaye moved to Fort Lauderdale and became one of the areas most recognized entrepreneurs beginning with Pearson Potter Yacht Basin in 1971. He helped to develop marinas internationally, partnered in local real estate and building investments and sat on several company boards including the IGFA, Facing It Together and the Bank of Florida. His most important legacy and commitment was as founder and CEO of Show Management in 1976, his promotion company that owned and operated the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show, Palm Beach Boat Show and St. Petersburg Boat Show, in addition to a host of other special events.
Pearson sold Show Management in 2006, but remained closely tied to his successors.
Kaye received numerous awards in recognition of his vast accomplishments, including the International Superyacht Society Leadership Award, the Ft. Lauderdale Distinguished Citizen of the Year and was recently inducted into the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame. A true conservationist and avid fisherman and hunter, he won several fishing tournament championships aboard his vessel Showpiece. He owned the Bertram Hatteras Shootout, one of the world's most prestigious blue marlin fishing tournaments where he implemented a strict catch and release format. Besides the IGFA, Kaye was also active in several charities and associations including the Boys and Girls Club of Broward County, Fish Florida, Florida Ocean Science Institute and the Humane Society of Broward County.
Pearson is survived by his wife Cheri, daughter Jennifer Moore, granddaughter Alexandria Moore, brother Jerry and sister Janet Powell.
Rob Kramer, President of the IGFA said, "Kaye was a titan in the world boating and fishing communities who was always generous with his time and talents. He will be dearly missed by all his friends at IGFA and those who knew him."
A memorial service to celebrate and honor Pearson's life was held April 4, at the Bahia Mar Hotel & Yachting Center in Fort Lauderdale. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Broward County, the IGFA or the Humane Society of Broward County.
