January 11, 1942 - April 29, 2020
With broken hearts we share the news of the passing of Clifford Orval Pederson on Wednesday, April 29th at hospital with his wife and two of his children by his side.
Clifford was born inNipawin Saskatchewan, raised in Cumberland, and after beginning his family life in small fly-in logging camps, raised his family in Zeballos BC. Here he carried on his father's legacy as a faller, eventually becoming the Bullbucker where he treated his falling crew like family.
After retirement he went on to own a sawmill, contracted to the Ministry of Forests as a road maintenance foreman, and worked security at St Joseph's Hospital. In 2019 he retired for the last time from his and Georgina's camp watching job in Seymour Inlet. Cliff's big heart touched the lives of countless people through his 23 year position as mayor, foster parent, community activist and through his dedication to everything he did and everyone he loved.
Cliff was always at his happiest when in the outdoors gardening, camping, fishing, and hunting, surrounded by loving friends and family. Cliff lived his life with generosity, integrity and honesty. His moral was "be good and do good" and he taught his children that the meaning of life was found in family and that everyone had the responsibility to contribute to making the world a better place. With his constant encouragement he was our mentor and guiding light. He taught us empathy, compassion, and gratitude. His lessons and legacy will live forever in his children, his children's children and beyond.
Clifford was pre-deceased by his parents Alfred and Annie and his sisters Joy and Donna. He leaves behind siblings Gerry, Brian and Beverly; his wife Georgina; children Bill, Jeff and Tracy; grandchildren Lyndsey, Emma, Sophia, Levi and Sydney; step grandchildren Bailey and Makena; foster children Luke and Chris (among others); nieces Teresa, Terry, Isa, Tenea, and Claire; and nephews Steven, Glenn, Ryan, Matthew, Philip, Geordon, Graham, Garth, Hobin and Karlen. Cliff was beloved by many and his life and loss will be felt deeply by all.
Cliff's illness was sudden, sad and complicated, further compounded by the current world-wide health crisis. He will be forever missed but never forgotten as a husband, father, brother, Poppa, and friend. Like the song by his favorite singer, Hank Snow, he'll be "Movin' On".
The family would like to thank all the medical professional who helped to support us. A very special thank-you to Nurse Laurie who ensured that he was not alone in his final moments. A Celebration of Life will take place after the current health crisis is behind us.
"You placed gold on my finger You brought love like I've never known You gave life to our children And to me a reason to go on You're my bread when I'm hungry You're my shelter from troubled winds You're my anchor in life's ocean But most of all you're my best friend"