Born in Rødding Denmark on November 18, 1933 to Katherine and Arthur Sigurd Pedersen, Leo passed away January 19, 2023 with his son and daughter at his side. He was predeceased by his youngest son Eric Pedersen in 2018, and his wife of 61 years, Roma, in 2022. Survived by his children Wayne Pedersen, Audrey (Mark) Silbernagel, daughter-in-law Alison Robbins, grandchildren Lucas, Adam (Jenna), Ian (Thordis) Silbernagel, Jaren, Megan (Nathan) Pedersen; and sisters Eva (Ewart) Lock, Chilliwack; Lis (Rex) Farrell, Ladysmith; Verner (Gudrun) Pedersen, Aabenraa, Denmark and extended family in western Canada and Denmark.

In Denmark, Leo apprenticed at a building supply, served in the army, and played trombone in several dance bands. Leo schooled as an accountant after emigrating to Canada with other family members in 1957. He worked as a CGA at an accounting firm in Chilliwack. After moving to Oliver in 1972, he was a bookkeeper for several small businesses and did taxes for farmers. He dabbled in chimney sweeping, log home building, and sign making. Founding member of the Willowbrook Fire Department, volunteer with the International Hike and Bike Trail (Trans-Canada Trail), and the 232 Bighorn Air Cadets. Volunteer with the Kettle River Museum in Midway and the Oliver & District Heritage Society. Leo was a proud member of the Sagebrushers and RipOff Artists. Leo and Roma were BC Parks campground hosts for a few seasons.

Leo was an avid traveller, camper, explorer, maker, letter writer, square dancer, musician, reader, artist, woodcrafter, furniture maker, family log home builder with Roma, and more. Travelling as a family around North America in a camperized laundry van in 1971/1972 was a precursor to the extensive travels with Roma later in life.

The family wishes to express gratitude to the amazing staff of Sunnybank Centre, McKinney Place and South Okanagan General Hospital in Oliver. Thank you to Dr. Margaret Myslek and Dr. Mark Hamilton for their outstanding care.

A public gathering to celebrate the lives of Leo and Roma will be held Saturday, March 25, 2023 at the Quail’s Nest Art Centre in Oliver, B.C. from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.

Consider donating to Desert Sun Counselling & Resource Centre, desertsuncounselling.ca or World Neighbours Canada, worldneighbours.ca