Joe Pearson was somebody whose life took in such disparate places as the Navajo Nation, New Zealand and the north east of Scotland.
But now, the psychologist, who had a positive influence on countless people across the world during his peripatetic career, before he spent the final 25 years of his life in a variety of roles in Moray, has died at the age of 80.
Mr Pearson was born in Illinois and initially took his first steps away from home in the US Navy as a young officer.
Yet, after three years at sea, during which time he met his wife Mara in New Zealand, he returned home to study foundation medicine.
However, he never completed his PhD with events transpiring to attract him into the indigenous Navajo Nation, which covers large sections of Arizona, Utah and New Mexico.
During 12 years within the territory, he worked in special education before returning to New Zealand as a researcher for a forensic psychiatric study at a medical school while also working in community care for young people.
He returned to the Navajo Nation seven years later to join a colleague and they subsequently established a substance abuse service for young people in a remote village community before handing the reins over to the group.
Mr and Mrs Pearson eventually returned to the Findhorn Foundation in 1993 after being impressed during an original visit to the Moray site in 1972. Within a year, the couple had settled permanently in the Forres area.
During his time in Scotland, Mr Pearson was the catalyst for various residential programmes while also working with the Moray Association for Mental Health.
He was also the caretaker manager of the Brook sexual health service for young people in Inverness and was a member of the British Psychological Society.
During his retirement, he also provided care in the local community while enjoying hiking, exploring the countryside and spiritual pursuits.
