1944 – 2022

Robert (Bugs) Pederson passed away on January 31, 2022, from a short battle with liver cancer. He was born on May 8, 1944 in Forks, WA to Elmer and Edna Pederson. After graduating high school in 1962 he started his career as a truck driver with N.P. Anderson and drove for many other companies before buying his own log truck. After years of being self-employed, he sold his truck and went to work for Barry Swanson Trucking driving a 1947 Peterbilt. Wanting to work closer to home he began driving garbage truck for West Waste & Recycling before his final retirement in 2012 after 15 years.

Robert’s love for anything with wheels began at an early age and became a lifetime passion. He was driving and buying vehicles even before he was old enough to legally operate them. Growing up, he and his dad built and raced go-carts together. He enjoyed riding his Gold Wing motorcycle and racing his 1978 Chevy pickup. He was an original member of the Coachmen Car Club and West End Thunder both of Forks.

Robert married Cindy Gagnon on December 5, 1970, becoming an instant father to Brian and Amy, a role he embraced and excelled in. He was always supportive of his kids and grandkids, never missing an event, sporting or otherwise. Distance was never an issue if it meant watching the kids.

He most enjoyed camping with friends and other families, fishing, and family vacations while his kids were growing up. In his later years, he enjoyed working in his garden, golfing, playing croquet with his kids and grandkids, creating yearly Christmas light displays at his home, and family card games. One of his little-known talents was his amazing drawing and painting abilities.

Robert had extensive knowledge about any topic that might come up for discussion and was more than willing to educate those around him. If you had a question, he generally had the answer. In many instances, he had the answer even if you didn’t ask the question!

He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife Cindy, sister Eloise Steinert (Mike), his beloved cat Graycee, son Brian (Traci) and their children Lauren Phillips (Bryce) and great-granddaughters Finley and Halsey, Brett (Andrea), daughter Amy Hall (Icarus) and their children Callie and Wyatt.

Rest in peace Big Smooth!

There will be no services at his request.