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Kevin Pederson Obituary
Kevin Ray Pederson
February 27, 1952 - July 22, 2024
HELENA - Kevin Ray Pederson, 72, musician, songwriter, and vocalist, passed away on July 22, 2024, after an accidental fall near his home in Helena, MT.
Kevin was born on February 27, 1952, to Lloyd O. and Katherine B. Pederson in Billings, MT. He was a graduate of Billings Senior High School and attended the University of Montana in Missoula, MT. While in high school he was a member of The Tijuana Trash, a popular high school student band that played school dances in Montana and Wyoming.
Over the years, he played lounges in Missoula, Helena, and Billings. He later joined the group Patriot and spent ten years touring the Northwest and Canada. He co-wrote, recorded, and copyrighted more than 20 songs with Patriot bandleader John Thoennes.
Kevin married Linda Smith on May 8, 1983, in Helena. They moved to Omaha, NE, a few years later to be closer to her family. While there, they had two sons, Christopher and Brandon. Kevin worked for ConAgra in Omaha, where he retired. He played in the band Jailbreakers in the Omaha area.
Kevin moved back to Montana in 2019 to pursue his music. He and Linda remained married and best of friends.
Kevin is survived by his wife, Linda; sons: Chris and Brandon; granddaughter, Charlotte; and three brothers: Howard in Michigan, Larry in Nevada, and Brent in California.
Memorial arrangements will be private.
Condolences for the family may be shared online at www.SchniderFuneralHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
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Jeanie Beary Stolle
August 28, 2024
So sorry to hear of Kevin´s passing. We met through my sister and his brother, Howie, when we were in high school. Got to be friends as fellow Griz in Missoula. Enjoyed many evenings at the piano bar as he played and sang. He was known as " the Piano Man" for playing for all of us at the Kappa Alpha Theta house.
We lost touch after graduation but he will always hold a special place in my heart. RIP Kevin and my condolences to Howard and their families.
Jacquie Trinka
August 11, 2024
I'm incredibly sorry to hear of Kevin's passing. He and his band mate, Ken Nelson, were huge musical influences on me. I was a bit younger, playing keyboards. I used to watch them play every weekend in their band, "Mercedes", literally take notes on the incredible skills. The last time I saw Kevin was 1986, I think. We were both playing a bar called "Chilkoot Charlie's", in Anchorage. A huge bar with multiple stages. When I crossed over to the South Side and saw Patriot playing, I couldn't believe it! Such a small world.
Kevin's touched so many with his talent and kindness. My sincere condolences to his family and all who loved him.
Linda Pederson
August 11, 2024
Kevin, you have always been my soulmate and the love of my life! I can´t begin to express how heart broken I am that you are gone. We shared a wonderful life together and though we had some rough patches, we always loved each other and stayed best of friends. I will miss you every day and will cherish the wonderful memories of our life together to help heal my broken heart. Until we meet again.....I love you
Rosemarie
August 5, 2024
Just a few days before the accident, Kevin was asking me for tips on quitting smoking.
Charles R. Dickey
August 4, 2024
Rest in Peace my good friend.
Mike Gurnett
August 3, 2024
During the 1970´s and 1980´s Montana Fish, Wildlife & Park produced a number of half hour conservation-natural history documentary films. Kevin wrote and performed the music score for many of these movies including "The Yellowstone Concerto" and "The Last Parable." Kevin´s work contributed a great deal to the quality of these productions. What a talent and a pleasure to work with.
Marlene Murdo
August 2, 2024
My Dearest Kevin, you will always be in my heart and I´ll never forget our music together. Till we meet again.
Randy Sullivan
August 2, 2024
So sorry to hear about Kevin´s tragic accident.
I so much enjoyed playing music with him. His musical talent was apparent at a very young age.
Randy Sullivan
TJT member.
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