Robert Pedersen, 89

Robert Pedersen, 89, passed away on Sept. 29, 2020, just short of his 90th birthday. He left the family home three years ago to live at the Libby Care Center, where he resided until he passed away. Bob was born on Dec. 1, 1930 in Libby to Peter and Bertina Pedersen.

Bob was the younger brother of Ronald Pedersen for about two years before a sister, Patricia, came along. As Bob and Ron grew up, they became avid hunters and also liked to fish. When Bob was 15, he shot his first grizzly bear. Bob went to school in Libby and graduated from Libby High School in 1948. He followed his father and brother and went to work for J. Neils Lumber Co.

In 1951, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he furthered his education to learn how to repair the cameras used on the B-29 Superfortress. After his four years were up in 1955, he enrolled in college in Spokane, Wash., at Gonzaga University, where he studied electrical engineering. His efforts and drive took him to graduate first in his class.

He returned to Libby and again returned to J. Neils Lumber, later renamed Champion International Paper.

The knowledge he gained in his schooling helped resolve many breakdowns quickly and assisted with plant upgrades. Bob was called day and night to assist the shift electricians to get the plant back up and running.

A highlight in Bob’s life was taking his parents and brother on a trip to Norway in 1967 where his father was born. He left his mark in life by helping many in his 89 years and in the 1960s he and Ron spent a lot of time fishing in Vancouver, B.C., area. He and Ron loved the outdoors.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Ronald, and is survived by a sister Patricia.

He will be buried at Libby Cemetery at 1 p.m., Oct. 7 with military honors.

Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.