It has been 10 years since the unexpected passing of Lieutenant Colonel Charles “John” Pedersen, USA Retired, on May 9, 2007, in California. John was a graduate of the USMA Class of 1969 and was a member of Company B-1 for all of his four years at West Point.
John was born on April 12, 1947, to Karl G. and Aileen Althisar Pedersen. His father had served in the U.S. Army during World War II. John went by his middle name rather than Charles or Chuck. He was also known as “the Ped” by his close friends at the Academy because of the persistent bounce in his step. This was present whether he was marching on parade or walking to class.
John was a free-spirited California boy from the start, having been born and raised in San Mateo, CA. He was a graduate of Ballarmine High School and, seeking a free education, entered as a new cadet at USMA on June 1, 1965. While at West Point, John participated in Glee Club for the first three years and was a member of the Catholic Choir for the last three years. He was also active in the Karate Club.
John was known for his enthusiasm and boundless energy. He tolerated the Thayer system and the daily grind with overwhelming calm. He liked to talk about a wide range of subjects, from Aristotle to the hippie movement, and to the girls in his life. He made the West Point experience more tolerable with his sense of humor and good nature.
The Field Artillery was the branch chosen by John. Following graduation and attendance at several weddings, John attended the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course at Fort Sill, OK. He then had two overseas tours in Germany and tours in Japan and South Korea. John was also stationed at Fort Sill in 1975 and 1981 as staff and faculty in the Field Artillery School. John attended Notre Dame College in Belmont, CA, and the Defense Language Institute at the Presidio of Monterey, CA. After 23 years of service in the U.S. Army, he retired in 1992 at the Presidio with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
After discharge, John and his family moved to Pacifica, CA, where he resided until his death. In 1995 he received his JD degree from the Santa Clara Law School in 1995. His second career was as a senior systems analyst at SRI International, a nonprofit research institute located in Menlo Park, CA. He worked in the area of copyright law.
John’s outside activities included the Pacifica National Little League, Girl Scout Troop 1148, and the AYSO soccer program. He also served on the boards for the Friends of the Library and the Homeowners association.
At the time of his death, his family included children Melissa and Taylor with his first wife, Cathy; his second wife, Patricia, and stepchildren David, Wendy, and Zoe (adopted); and several grandchildren. John was interred at the Skylawn Memorial Park, San Mateo, where his parents were also buried.
His obituary from the East Bay Times, Contra Costa and Alameda Counties, California on May 17, 2007 noted the following, “He will be lovingly remembered as a devoted husband and father, friend to many, known for his positive attitude and love of people, a generous spirit wishing the best for everyone.” Of course, this recalls “the Ped” from his West Point days. Seems like he changed not at all over the years.
Charles John Pedersen—one of the Best of the Line’s best.
— By COL Craig R. Garrett, MC, USA Retired, Class of 1969