November 26, 1928 – December 3, 2014
It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas Edwin Pedersen, who just turned 86 years old.
Over the past year Tom has bravely faced many health issues which required major surgery, but he always managed to bounce right back and continued to live a positive life. This time his determination could not help him.
Thomas was predeceased by his loving wife Elizabeth in September of 2008, whom he dearly missed. They had been married for 57 years. He is also predeceased by his father and mother, Arthur and Leeilla Pedersen.
Tom is survived by his brother Donald (Peggy) Pedersen of Toledo, Ohio, eldest son Tommy (Sherri) Pedersen of Cool, California, son Terry Pedersen of Burnaby, B.C., and daughter Heidi (Dave) Zawislak of Kamloops, B.C.
Tom was born in Oakland, California and joined the United States Navy soon after finishing school. During that time, he became pen-pals with his future wife Elizabeth from Kelowna, B.C. After meeting Mom in person and spending time together, they fell in love and married in Kelowna. They moved to Dublin, California where they raised their three children. In California, Tom worked at Kellog’s and then for the Lawrence Radiation Lab.
After coming to Kamloops for a family reunion, they decided it would be a good idea to move back to Canada so Elizabeth could be close to her family after missing them for so many years. When the family moved to Kamloops, Tom got a job at the Weyerhaeuser Pulp Mill and worked for over 20 years in the yard crew. He enjoyed the many friendships he made with all the great guys he worked beside who nicknamed him, “Yankee.”
He had some health problems in his last year but never lost his quick wit and sense of humour. Dad enjoyed making people laugh. Even at 85 years old he always gave a “wink” to a kind nurse. When he would get mischievous he would say, “Who me, good ol’ lovable Tom? I wouldn’t do that!” and then flash his charming smile. He enjoyed socializing everywhere he went and making new friends. He could share with you a lot of knowledge and information about many topics because he read a lot. Also, there wasn’t a Louis L’Amour book that he hadn’t read. Tom enjoyed gardening and fishing in his younger days and always loved watching a good John Wayne movie or boxing match on T.V.
The family will celebrate Tom’s life after the winter, in the spring of 2015.
YOU’LL NEVER WALK ALONE
You’re at peace now with Mom, Grandma & Grandpa, cousin Smitty and Dot and Dave’s mom Chrissie, having a good old time together again. You’ll forever be in our hearts and missed always!
The family would like to offer special thanks to Dr. Rod Densmore for all his support throughout the years; he was not only Tom’s trusted doctor but also his friend, to Dr. Azad, also Tom’s snow angel on Dominion Street, and to Kamloops Funeral Home.