Obituary of Merle Pederson

Merle Allan Pederson of Camrose passed away on Friday, October 28, 2016 at the age of 82 years. Merle Allan, second son of Orvil and Inga Pederson of the Armena District, was born on March 16, 1934. He was raised in a family of five boys and one girl. He started school in Lake Demay, went on to Svea School and completed grade 10 in New Norway. While in New Norway, Merle lived with his Uncle and Aunt (Marvin and Betty Johnson) and worked on their farm. He had many fond memories living on the farm, including walking with his cousins down the lane to meet the school bus. Merle enjoyed the farm life. He was first and foremost a farmer, and at the age of 16, he and his older brother Harvey began a mixed farming operation in the Lake Demay District. They lived in an old farm house with plenty of mice. Merle's first job was with Ferris Motors and then Phil Link's Esso Station. He also volunteered with the Camrose Fire Station as a firefighter. It was during this time that he met and fell in love with his future bride Lois Wiley of Saltcoats, Saskatchewan. On the cold day of November 7th, 1956 Merle and Lois were married in the United Church in Saltcoats. They first lived in Camrose and then after the passing of Merle's older brother Harvey, Merle and Lois moved to the farm to continue with the farming operation. In 1965, Merle began employment at Byers Flour Mill.This was a job to which he was well suited, as he was a farmer and a real "people person" .While there, he got to know many of the farmers in the Camrose and outlying areas, and was on a first name basis with each one (it was rare for Merle not to know someone when he was out running errands or out for coffee). He enjoyed family meals. On most Sundays after church the Pederson family would get together for food, fun and fellowship. Later in the evening at home, Merle would head into the kitchen for his weekly pancake supper. (The grandchildren all remember making pancakes with grandpa.) Every year he would gather up Lois and the kids, and head out to Saltcoats for a visit with Lois's family, with stops in Saskatoon to visit his brother Ralph. Merle enjoyed community picnics, ball games, wiener roasts, steak fry's and birthday parties. He most enjoyed spending time with neighbours and good friends. On October 28, 2016, at St Mary's Hospital in Camrose, Dad passed away with his wife of 60 years at his side. He leaves behind his loving wife Lois; his sons Darryl (Corry Lockhart) Pederson of Cochrane, Randall (Donna) Pederson of Camrose; and his daughter Dianne (Gerry) Vandenberg of Camrose. He also leaves behind 10 grandchildren: Adrianna, Ries, Kailen, Lyndon and Jordan; Randy, Justice and Hope (Carrie-Lee), Kathryn and Kendra. He also leaves behind his sister Marjorie (Lloyd) Grove, of Camrose, brothers Ralph (Jackie) of Saskatoon and Wayne (Carmen) of Leduc, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Merle was predeceased by his parents Orvil and Inga; his infant brother Henry and brothers Harvey and Lyle. Merle was a loving and faithful Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle and Brother-in-Law and he will be deeply missed. A Funeral Service was held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 4, 2016 from Messiah Lutheran Church with Rev. Calvin Skriver officiating. Inurnment has taken place in the Camrose Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to the Hospice Society of Camrose and District, St. Mary's Hospital, or to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta.