A huge FAMILY gathering.  With an attendance of nearly 2,000 people, we had a tribute to my Dad that will not be forgotten.  It was a labor of love with a lot of moving parts to put on this celebration of life.  This is something my Dad would have loved.  I guarantee he was looking down upon us and smiling!                                          This journey started in October.  All of you were alongside us as we took this demon on. The phone              calls, letters, prayers, food, and so much more were overwhelming and so appreciated.  Dad was loved by so many and we thank you and love you right back!
     When planning the service Mom and Dad had a lot of the pre-planning done.  He knew who he wanted to speak, he knew where he wanted it to be, he even knew the day of the week he wanted the event.  Our job was to make sure it was carried out.  I described the week as the longest and yet shortest week of my life. 
     When we were deciding on the songs for the event, I told my Dad he loved the kids of West Branch and it would be amazing to have the choir sing his songs.  And boy did they sing!  Wow what an amazing and gutsy performance and with such a short time to prepare!
     When Dad had his coaches meeting in the garage Tony Senio was called to play Somewhere Over the Rainbow in the garage that day.  What an amazing tribute to my Dad as he listened with a smile on his face in the garage knowing we would soon be listening to it at his Celebration of Life.  Tony was amazing in the garage that day and even more so on Saturday, I am not sure there was a dry eye in the place.  
     When I decided to write these posts I wanted to write from the heart and share the journey.   When I spoke on Saturday with my brother and sister, I wanted to send a message to Dad's team and the people in attendance of what Dad would have said himself, if he could.  It meant a lot to me to have the opportunity to speak.  I will add the speech at the end for those not in attendance.  
     I was so proud of the messages my brother and sister gave as well.  The 10 speakers in attendance all told different stories and had great messages.  Pastor Whaley was amazing.  I was glad he had us stand for the one prayer in the middle I was going to stand on my own if I had too, I needed a break :).  
     Listening to all of the stories from people who admired my Dad, it gave me strength.  I was so proud of him and what he had accomplished in his 73 years of life. I thought of this quote when I heard the stories and it reminded me of who my Dad really was.
                                            No One Stands As Tall 
                                            As When He Stoops To Help Another
    My Dad never felt as if he was better than anyone or anything.  I always admired that about him.  He wanted to help everyone be the best version of themselves.  He didn't want a break he always wanted to spread his message.  He didn't have enough time on this Earth, but he did make the most of his time.
     On Monday I went to work.  I needed to get out of the house and I needed to see the kids in my  classroom.  Like my Dad the kids give me energy, they give me hope of a very bright future.  I missed them and it was time to get to work.  However, my work has become more defined.  Be the best version of myself, make my Mom and my Dad proud, encourage others to become the best they can be.  Don't count the days, make each day count.  Lovetough, be a leader, be a mentor, be a great son, brother, and father.  Never be satisfied, there is always work to be done.  
     Dad has set the bar extremely high and I know I will never be able to achieve greatness because it is unattainable, but I will do my best to always strive for it.  
     My Dad was always worried that he would be forgotten, Dad I can assure you that your legacy will live on forever.  From the game field being named after you, to a memorial scholarship we hope to have live on for ever.  To the lessons you taught to your players and students.  Those lessons are now being taught to their kids and grandkids.  Someday they may forget the origin of the lessons they are teaching but the lessons will continue on forever and you made that happen.  
     I went to my Dad's football office the other day and I found myself looking for his knowledge of the game.  Dad always did things with paper and a pencil.  I want that knowledge, I want those hand written notes.  I want to do my part in continuing his message.  I hope someday I can be half the man and mentor that my Dad was to so many.  I will always do my best.  
      My Dad did not have a lot of valuable possessions, he just valued people.  He did love his truck.  Took great pride in it and made sure he had about 500 stickers in the back window and always wanted a custom pinstripe on the truck.  My hope was to keep the truck in the family, I was going to trade off my truck and then take on his payments. I think Dad would have really liked that.  However, it does not look real good.  My budget is real tight right now.  So I guess we will see how the numbers work out?
     It has been my pleasure to share this journey with all of you.  It has been my pleasure to share my Dad with you.   I wake up each morning missing my Dad, after school for the past year I Facetime my Dad on the way home.  I look at my phone and see Dad's Cell on my priority list and wish I could call him and ask for advice or share something with him just one more time. 

     Today, I now pray, I pray for my Dad to be pain free, I pray for my Dad to give me strength in times of need.  I pray to make him proud.  I pray to carry out the word of the Lord and that some day we will be united again.  I pray that I will always strive to be a better son, father, brother, coach, community member, friend.  Our time on this Earth is so short and I want to make the most of it.  I pray that I can inspire others to be the best version of themselves.  
     Dad you will be missed but you will never be forgotten.  The new normal will be hard without your earthly presence, but I feel your presence each and everyday.  You have made me a better person and I am forever grateful.  Love You Dad!

God Bless

Lance

The speech I gave at Dad's celebration of Life

 Today I stand before you in a lot of pain, sorrow and grief at the loss of my Dad.  But also stand before you with a Peace of mind and now determination.  I am determined to make my Mom and Dad proud each and everyday of my life, knowing I will fail many times and yet I will continue to try.  I owe it to my Mom and I owe it to my Dad.

     I know someday with the help of the Lord I will reunite again with my Dad and those who came before us.  This life on earth is only a small brush stroke on the life we live eternally.  

     For some of you, you knew my Dad as Mr. P and his 3rd grade classroom.  He loved to bring kids out of their shells and make them feel welcomed in his class.  He always threatened the Buzz Saw room for kids who were not behaving.  He had the group of fleas, Clara Bell the Clown and Bozo the Clown.  He was quick to give you a nickname that would last a lifetime.  He also added a Y to all of our names.  If he forgot your name he just made one up.  He had fun in his 3rd grade classroom and so did we.

     For others you know him as Coach Pedersen, the tough nosed coach who was locked in and focused on game days.  Coach Pedersen who worked the officials on the field and on the court to give his team an Edge.  Coach Pedersen who always demanded your best effort and that you had discipline and treated others with respect.

     For the rest of you,  you knew him as Butch or Butchie.  The tough guy who always loved a hug and always had a small smirk on his face. He loved people, he loved kids, he loved his life and others loved him right back.

     You see, Dad changed my way of thinking.  The old saying was TOUGH LOVE, but Dad changed that and I challenge you to change it as well.  Today it should be called LOVE TOUGH.  When you show LOVE first, you then can get away with the TOUGH.  When people know you are doing what you do because you LOVE them and want the best for them they accept the discipline and the redirection.  This is the way my Dad coached, this is the way my Dad lived his life.  LOVETOUGH

     Dad always wanted everyone to be the best version of themselves.  He always wanted people to reach their full potential.  He always wanted people to believe in themselves.  Dad cared and he cared a lot.  It was not about him, it was about YOU and all of us.  

     As you can see on this stage, Dad has accomplished a lot in the game of football.  But yet he always made sure it was not just about him, it was a community effort.  He always took more than his share of the blame and less than his share of the credit.  

     One of my Dad’s first sayings when he took over the program at West Branch was “COMMUNITY TRADITION.”  He did not want this to be Butch Pedersen’s football team, he wanted it to be your football team. 

     It was always about Community. You could see Mom and Dad attend many town events, you would see them at the nursing home visiting those who could not get out.  You would see them at the hospital, you would see them at other peoples homes in times of need.  It wasn’t just about football for Dad.  Ultimately Dad did not coach X’s and O’s Dad coached people and he loved each and everyone of you.

     After the diagnosis of Dad’s cancer and untimely death We could feel your love from day one.  From the amazing Power of Prayer to the Wave, The Walk, Red Lights, The Food and the Fellowship.  You all have been with us along this journey.  I wanted to share this journey with you and I started a Caringbridge page and with over 28,000 views you listened and you cared.  I love you and I thank you!

     I want to also thank the Administration here at West Branch, Kenny, Doug, Ruth, Jake, Sarah, Marty you have been rock solid in your support, and for allowing us to carry out all of Dad’s wishes.

     My Dad loved coaching, he loved coaching basketball, loved coaching track, loved coaching softball and of course loved coaching football.  The level did not matter to him.  He just loved to compete and trying to make a positive difference in people's lives. 

     Dad taught us that crying is not a weakness, it just means you care.   And care he did and he could often be seen crying after a game at community peoples homes that needed him to help them.  He was strong and yet he was soft.  

    To Live is the most important thing in the world

Most People Just Exist  Oscar Wilde

    Dad did not just exist; he lived his life to the fullest and had no regrets when his time was called.  We all wanted more time but boy did he live out his Dash!

     Yesterday was Good Friday, but I am sure Dad would tell you everyday in the fall is Great Friday!

     To Dad’s Football team…..Football is more than just a game indeed.  It is not about the X’s and O’s it is about people, community, and life lessons.  I challenge all of you to not dedicate wins to my Dad.  Sometimes we don’t always have control over this.  Control what you can control.  Instead dedicate daily effort, love for the team, Love for your brother who stands beside you, Standing up for those who may have less than you and treating people right.  Dedicate your life to becoming a great Father, a Great son, a Great Brother and a Great Husband.  Give back to your community and live life to the fullest.

     Dad we will all live in our life with Strength, Love, and Family and we will do our best Dad, to make you proud.  You will live on for many years to come in the people you positively influence.  Your lessons will then be taught to their kids and be passed on from generation to generation.  

     Parents as you leave here today put down that cell phone, enjoy the day.  Take time to tell your kids you love them.  Tomorrow is not guaranteed.  Make Today the best day you can make it be!

     To my Dad…Well Done Dad, Well Done.. Rest In Peace and We will Always Love You!

God IS GOOD…ALL THE TIME