Clyde A. Pederson, 89, lifelong Flathead Valley resident and grandson of Kalispell pioneers, died on Feb. 8, 2022, at the age of 89. Clyde was born on April 20, 1932, the son of Adolph and Anna (DeYong) Pederson, and began farming south of Creston upon his father’s death during his senior year at Flathead County High School. He grew up during an era where most folks didn’t have much by way of possessions but were rich in friendships — getting together with neighbors for dinner, playing cards, going for drives, supporting the grade school and fire department, making phone calls on party lines, huckleberry picking, and picnics and softball.
After a few years of milking cows and raising chickens, Clyde transitioned to beef cattle and hogs to supplement grain, hay and specialty crops. He stayed at the forefront of agricultural developments, collaborated with the Northwestern Agricultural Research Center (MSU) to advance farming practices, and he was one of the first farmers in the region to computerize his business. As a young man, Clyde was awarded the top Future Farmers of America honor, the American Star Farmer Award, and he received many FFA and 4-H awards and recognitions. Forever a man of the soil, when he stepped into the Cologne Cathedral in Germany, Clyde said, “Wow! Just think of how many haybales could be stacked in here!”
Clyde’s recreational pursuits included elk hunting in the Southfork with Miles “Pat” Harbin and Paul Morton, fly fishing in mountain streams and rivers, and saddling up his favorite horse and taking pack trips through the mountains of Western Montana. He belonged to the Backcountry Horsemen, packed for Forest Service trail crews, and built feed bunks and refurbished campsites.
Clyde was a respected community leader, volunteered in numerous organizations, and served on various boards including First Interstate Bank, Equity Supply Company, Creston School, Soil Conservation Service, Production Credit Association, Northwest Antique Power Association, Farm Home Administration, and the Creston Fire Department. Clyde was a founding member of CFD in 1957, helped build the first fire truck, was the department chief for almost 20 years, and gave up his turnout gear in 1982.
Clyde will be remembered as a storyteller with an affable personality and an unpretentious way of inspiring the organizations of which he was a part. Clyde’s word and a handshake were bonds of integrity. Clyde was hopelessly unmusical, but could whistle to rival any songbird.
In retirement, Clyde and Jeanine spent many winters in Yuma, Arizona. When he wasn’t packing in the hills, Clyde restored antique tractors and farm implements. He revived his high school pastime of whittling into the art of wood carving, belonged to carving clubs, attended carving rendezvous, and occasionally taught the craft.
Clyde and his high school sweetheart, A. Jeanine (Jensen), shared 68 years of married life and were partners in all aspects of their farming operation. Clyde is survived by Jeanine, two children, Duane (Charlene) Pederson of Trumbull, Connecticut, and Bonnie Pederson of Kalispell. Clyde delighted in four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
A memorial celebration of the resurrection to eternal life in Christ will be held on Saturday, March 19, 11 a.m., at Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Kalispell, where Clyde’s grandparents were charter members, with the Rev. Scott Thompson officiating. Interment will be at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials in Clyde’s honor be made to Creston Fire Fighter’s Association (4498 Hwy. 35, Kalispell, MT 59901), a 501(c)3.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is serving the family.
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