John Neil Pedersen

We regret to announce the sudden passing at Victoria Hospital, London, on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 - after a brief illness - John Pedersen in his 78th year. John is survived by his wife Sandy Blackall-Pedersen. He was predeceased by his beloved first wife Claire Pedersen (1985) and is survived by their son Paul Pedersen (Susie). Loving brother of Arne Pedersen (Anne) and dear uncle of Sheri and Tricia. John was predeceased by his Danish immigrant parents Kamma and John Pedersen Sr., the latter of whom, in 1938 - with a satchel of self-made Blacksmith tools - opened up "Pedersen Iron Works" on the ground floor of a heritage barn in the middle of the block cornered by Dundas and Adelaide Streets in London, above which the family lived. A Master Iron Worker, John Sr. trained his son, John, whose expertise matched and often surpassed his father's talents; requests for his work always outnumbered the hours of his long days. The white building with "Pedersen Iron Works" in large black letters over the front doors painted what became a calming, recognisable streetscape off Dundas Street. A respected member of LARC (London Amateur Radio Club), John won more "Best Ham Radio Operators" awards than any other members while also building many of the radio towers in and around London. His wonderful talents were recognised by the shell racing community for whom he meticulously designed and built individual oar riggers for individual rowers, a technological feat that could be seen at winning Olympic shell racing events. There were few things of art and iron John could not design and make. A quiet, gentle man, John will be sadly missed by his many friends.Private funeral services have taken place. The Celebration of Life for John Pedersen will be held Saturday, June 4, 2022 at the 427 Wing, 2155B Crumlin Road North, London, where John was a member. Doors will open at 10:00 a.m., with the Celebration beginning at 11:00 a.m. followed by a BBQ at the LARC club station next door.O'Neil Funeral Home, London 519-432-7136