Obituary: Pederson, Leonard B. “Len”
“Len”
Len peacefully passed away at his home in Spokane on September 27, 2012.
He was born in Sandpoint, ID in 1933.
He was preceded in death by his parents Leonard O. Pederson and Vera Bettinger Pederson Arnold and his older sister, Delores Starr and his twin brother Charles “Chuck” Pederson.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Janet Lane Pederson and their three children Roger Pederson of Silverdale, WA, Mic Pederson of Spokane, and Lynette Ervin Sherwood (spouse Richie Sherwood) of Monroe, WA; grandchildren Ian Lane Pederson, David Pederson, Ashlee Marie Ervin, and Zachary Ervin and great-granddaughter Cherish Pederson.
He is also survived by Gina McKenzie, daughter of his identical twin brother, Charles (Chuck) Pederson who passed away in 1988.
Leonard was a graduate of the Central Valley High School Class of 1951 where he played football, basketball and baseball right alongside his identical twin brother.
They both loved sports!
“Len and Janet” met when they were 15 years old and were high school sweethearts.
They got married after Janet’s high school graduation and lived in the Spokane Valley close to their families.
After having their two boys they moved to Sandpoint, ID where Len worked for Hedlund Lumber Company.
While there, Len was involved in coaching and watching his sons play baseball.
In 1968 they moved back to Spokane after purchasing the Liberty Motel on North Division, which they owned and operated until their retirement in 1996.
They were actively involved in the Inland Empire Innkeepers Association and were active members of the Eagles.
Len and Janet worked on every aspect of their business in a “hands on” fashion.
As a result, Len became a super handy person and could handle any project involving hammer to paint.
He delighted in getting to know his loyal customers and made many friends over the years.
Len and Janet and their family enjoyed their many years at their cabin at Deer Lake where Len enjoyed catching many fish!
Len was a very loving and caring man with a great sense of humor.
In recent years he enjoyed visiting his grandchildren in Monroe and attending all of their ballet recitals and sports events.
He also loved spending time his eldest grandson, Ian hearing about his life experiences.
Len was an amazing man who loved his family more than anything else.
Len and Janet always moved through life side by side.
Donations welcome at Hospice of Spokane, 121 S. Arthur, Spokane, WA 99202.
Visitation will be on Friday, October 5 from 10am to 5pm at Heritage Funeral Home.
A Funeral Service will be held at Heritage Chapel on Saturday, October 6 at 1pm.