Born May 9, 1921, to Annie and Carl Pedersen in Manette, William Carl Pedersen left us March 5 in the wee hours of the morning. Son of immigrants, Bill’s Danish roots were an integral part of who he was. He completed his apprenticeship in the navy yard before joining the navy during WWII. Bill’s life changed when he graduated from U of W with a degree in personnel and married the love of his life, Carole Suzanne Pearson, in 1951.

Bill and Carole traveled the world and made lasting friendships in every culture where they rested. They were blessed with three children, Pilar, Richard and Cheryl, but there were many more extended members that made up the diverse Pedersen clan. There was always room for another place at the table, and no one will forget the warmth, the charm, and the music that emanated from Pedersen headquarters.

In 1980, after 23 years based in Palo Alto, California, which included stints in Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Kuwait, they returned to the Pacific Northwest and settled on Vashon Island. Health issues prompted a move to Tacoma in 1999. Carole departed in 2011 and Bill carried valiantly on. He recently moved to Wenatchee to be close to daughter Cheryl, and there he left us.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Annie and Carl, and sister Bernice. He leaves behind his three children, Pilar Pedersen of Alpine, Texas, Richard Pedersen, of Seattle, and Cheryl Pedersen Field of Mukilteo, as well as eight loving grandchildren.

Oh, he will be remembered! From the lives he impacted so deeply to the caregivers who attended him at the end, his spirited approach to living life, his humor and grace touched us all. Music Man, we know that Heaven will be much livelier and filled with music now that you’re there!