1948 – 2024
Vernon Pedersen, known to many as Vern, a loving Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa and Friend was born to Martin & Annie Pedersen in Didsbury, AB on May 30, 1948. He passed away peacefully on Saturday November 23, 2024 @ the Olds Hospital at the age of 76 years, after a very short battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia with his loving wife of 54 years by his side.
Vernon was raised on the family farm at Kevisville, AB from the age of 2. When he became of age, he helped with family chores (milking cows) and later joined the 4H club. Vern attended Red Raven School from 1954-1957 at Kevisville, AB in a one room schoolhouse. Later he was bused and went to school in Dickson until grade 6, then attended Spruceview school until graduation.
After graduation, he moved to Innisfail, AB where he met the love of his life, Marie in 1966 and entered the workforce working on the railway track for CP Rail, for 2 years. He then switched into the grain industry where he worked for 2 years before marrying Marie in 1970. They then moved to Didsbury, AB and he worked at the Alberta Wheat Pool elevator in Carstairs. His job at the elevator relocated the family to a few small towns in Alberta, Madden, where they started their family and had 3 children, Cindy, Michelle and Brent. Then Joffre and finally settling in Carstairs in 1981, where he resided for 43 years. He again worked at the Alberta Wheat Pool and later managed the elevator Agricore United (formerly Alberta Wheat Pool). Vern retired from the grain business after 38 years in 2007.
In 2008, Vern started with the Carstairs Coop Gas bar and worked there until 2020. This was the perfect job as he was able to socialize, which is what he did best! He also worked at the Pheasant Farm east of town for a few years as well as took on small jobs to occupy his time as he just could not sit still, he always had to be doing something. He helped farmers in the area during harvest, he cut grass, picked berries, and maintained gardens at PaSu Farms west of town and was always willing to lend a helping hand to family and friends when asked.
Throughout the years, Vern enjoyed playing ball (fastball & slow pitch), curling, pickleball and volunteered with COP (Citizens on Patrol) in Carstairs for 29 years. He was a big part of the community and always had time to chat with whomever crossed his path. It seemed that he could not go anywhere without running into at least one person he knew. He was very involved with his kids sports and activities and supported all the grandkids in their events, it was rare that he missed anything.
Vernon was predeceased by his parents Martin & Annie Pedersen, father and mother-in-law, Frank & Shirley Henderson, sister Shirley Stewart, brother Ralph Pedersen, brother-in-law Bob Stewart, great nephews Garrett Moore and Chandler Zawalykut.
He leaves to mourn his passing, his loving wife Marie, his daughters Cindy (Jeff) MacPherson and Michelle (Mike) Down & his son Brent (Robyn) Pedersen, all of Carstairs, AB. His six grandchildren, Alexis Pedersen (Jordan), Jenaka Down (Taylor), Brittney Pedersen (Marcel), Brayden Pedersen (Josette), Sophia MacPherson and Milli Donnelly. Two great grandchildren, Emma Down & Althea Sallai. Brothers Derald (Irene) Pedersen & Lyle (Donna) Pedersen. Sister-in-law Eleanor Pedersen & Darlene (Wayne) Baumgardt. Brother-in- law H. Dee (Linda) Henderson & Pat (Marilyn) Henderson, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Vern was an amazing man and will be missed by so many.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday December 20, 2024 @ 1pm at the Carstairs Community Hall, 1100 Lackner Way, Carstairs, AB.
In lieu of flowers, at Vernon's request, donations may be made to S.T.A.R.S. Air Ambulance.
