In the early evening of June 12, 2010, Ghana Together and Western Heritage Home lost our dear friend Leif Pederson. In spite of doctors’ best effort, his life could not be saved. And so we must say goodbye to our brother who has been part of our Ghana Together team since its inception, first as a delegate on our first journey under the sponsorship of Global Citizen Journey, and for three years as a Ghana Together Board member, serving as Vice President of Technology and Planning. Leif also served as Advisory Member of the Western Heritage Home Board, our partner NGO working with us in Axim, Ghana. We thank God for Leif’s life, and ask comfort for his family and friends across the globe. For those reading this who may wish to send their condolences to Leif’s family and close circle of friends, we invite emails addressed to info@ghanatogether.org.
Leif K. PEDERSON Born Chicago, IL September 18, 1957; Died Seattle, WA June 12, 2010. Dearly beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle and member of both local and global communities.
Leif passed away peacefully at Harborview Hospital after suffering sudden, unexpected complications from surgery six weeks prior.
Leif attended the University of Illinois (Bachelor's degree Computer Engineering, 1979) and the University of California-Berkeley (Master's degree Electri cal Engineering, 1981). Highlights of Leif's professional life include 6 years at AT&T in Boulder, Colorado and 15 years as a high level manager at Microsoft. He has two US patents in his name.
Since retiring from Microsoft in 2003, Leif contributed to many global humanitarian causes, and was a founding member of Ghana Together, a non-pro fit organization that built an orphanage in Axim, Ghana and which helps the local community with educational and social needs.
Leif was an avid photogra pher, drummer, boater, music aficionado and radio enthusiast, and an aspiring physicist. He loved to travel, living in Sweden for a year and visiting dozens of other countries. He made lasting friendships all over the world.
Leif is survived by his wife Sue Pederson and stepchildren Anna and Kevin Kaminski of Bainbridge Island, WA; two daughters, Kristin Pederson currently living in South Korea and Kelly Pederson of Woodinville, WA; father, Earl K. Pederson of Batavia, IL; brother Glenn E. and Mrs. Barbara J. Pederson and nephew Eric D. Pederson all of Sussex, WI.
Services will be held Friday, June 18, 2010 at 2:00 pm, at the Seabold United Methodist Church (of which he was a member), 6894 NE Seabold Church Rd, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 (206-842-3622). Dona tions in Leif's name may be sent to Ghana Together, 808 Addison Place, Mt. Vernon, WA 98273 (GhanaTogether.org).
