Bert Arnold Pedersen

Bert Arnold Pedersen, 83, of Shelton, Washington, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Bert was born on May 22, 1942, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Richard and Gladys Pedersen. He grew up on Bainbridge Island, the middle of five children, where he developed his lifelong love of family, food, and laughter. After graduating from Bainbridge High School in 1960, he attended Western Washington College, earning a B.A. in History in 1964. While there, he met the love of his life, Donna Hintz, and the two were married in the spring of 1965, beginning a 60-year journey filled with devotion, humor, and adventure. From 1966 to 1969, Bert proudly served his country as a Captain in the U.S. Army Medical Administrative Corps, stationed at Fort Greely, Alaska, and later serving in Vietnam. Following his military service, Bert began a long and fulfilling career in food service management. He worked with the Saga Corporation at colleges and universities throughout Oregon and California before moving to Hawaii, where he spent 15 memorable years as a devoted University of Hawaii employee and fan. Later, he joined the Marriott Corporation as Food Service Director for the Lake Washington School District and finished his career leading the Culinary Arts Program at Timberlake Job Corps in Estacada, Oregon. After retirement, Bert continued to give back, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and Community Lifeline in Shelton. Bert's love for cooking was legendary-he delighted in sharing delicious meals with family, friends, and his Faith Lutheran Church community. He had an endless curiosity for family ancestry, could get lost for hours in a good book, and cherished a sunny day on the golf course. He was also a passionate sports fan, faithfully cheering for the Seattle Mariners and Seahawks, celebrating every win (and lamenting every loss) with equal enthusiasm. His loyalty also extended to his beloved Hawaii Rainbow Warriors and the WSU Cougars, whose games he followed with great pride and excitement. Most of all, Bert was his grandchildren's biggest fan-attending concerts, plays, and countless sporting events with pride and joy. Bert will be remembered for his boisterous laugh, his generous spirit, and his unwavering dedication to family. He never missed an opportunity to connect-whether through a shared meal, a phone call, or a handwritten note-and he leaves behind a legacy of kindness and togetherness that will live on in all who knew him. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Donna; daughter Kirsten (Eric) Barkman; son Brent (Beth) Pedersen; daughter-in-law Bernadett Pinter; grandchildren Kara, Joel, and Anna Barkman, and Ben and Mia Pedersen; sister Jerri Bolinger; brother Oliver (Janice) Pedersen; brother-in-law Mark (Nancy) Silva; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Gladys Pedersen; sister, Karen Silva; brother and sister-in-law, Richard (Sally) Pedersen; brother-in-law, Bob Bolinger; and son, Kurt Pedersen. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 8, at 2:00 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 1212 Connection Street, Shelton, WA. Attendees are invited to wear aloha attire or your favorite Hawaii or Washington State (not UW) sports team wear in honor of Bert's joyful years in Hawaii and love of sports. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity.