Obituary
It is with deep sorrow and much love we mourn the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend, Jan Pedersen on September 5, 2020.
Jan leaves behind his loving wife Judy, and five children; Jody Pedersen (Velma), Jamie Pedersen (Tracy), Adina Warring (Jeremy), Bill Pedersen (Traci) and Charles Pedersen (Dena); 14 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; as well as many colleagues and friends.
Jan is predeceased by his parents Carl and Greta Pedersen.
Jan was born on February 26, 1940 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Jan came to Canada from South Africa with his parents in 1954. Jan joined the IBB Local 146 in 1955 and became a full member in 1957. Jan joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1960, where he achieved the rank of sergeant and received many medals including a Purple Heart. Jan returned to Canada in 1964 and began working for Combustion Engineering. By 1967, Jan was promoted to Fitting Foreman, progressing to General Foreman and finally Erection Superintendent in 1974. Over the course of his 40 plus year career, Jan led the construction of boilers and refineries across Canada, New Zealand and Venezuela, leading multi-million dollar, multi-trade projects with more than 500 tradesmen per job under his span of control. Jan pioneered the method for backend boiler construction, which led to significant changes within the industry.
Jan took pride in mentoring apprentices and young tradesmen, including participating on the Government of Alberta Apprenticeship Board for ten years. Jan was known to take great lengths to get to know the men on his jobs, as well as for completing jobs to the highest quality, while also completing jobs on time and on budget. Jan expressed his good fortune to have had the opportunity to train under his father, Carl Pedersen, and Art Christie, who patiently taught him both the technical and business aspects of leading the work.
Jan was very proud when the Pedersen family became the first family in North America to have four generations of Boilermakers; father Carl Pedersen (1930); son Jody Pedersen (1983); and grandson Jason Pedersen (2010). Jan received recognition for 60 years of IBB Local 146 Union membership in 2018.
During his retirement, Jan spent considerable time continuing his interest in �building�, from cars to airplanes to boats. Jan enjoyed seeing his projects completed with the same level of detail and care he demonstrated in his career.
Jan also used his time in retirement to focus on and be with his family. This was especially important to Jan as his family grew. Jan and Judy spent countless hours with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, both on the farm or attending events and activities. The Pedersen farm was recognized by the family as the place to congregate to celebrate and share love and laughter.
Jan had a zest to build and a willingness to share his knowledge. Jan touched many lives, was loved by many and had a life well lived.
Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, a private service and funeral will be held.
The family would like to send thank you to Dr. Namit for your care and support for Jan over the last 25 years. Also a special thank you to Dr. Mohammed, Tofield Home Care, and Lamont Palliative Care Unit for your compassionate care of Jan in the last weeks of his life.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lamont Health Care Center, Palliative Room. Box 479, Lamont Alberta, T0B 2R0.
