Leif K. Pederson

(born Chicago, IL September 18, 1957 - died Seattle, WA June 12, 2010), dearly beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle and member of both local and global communities. Leif passed away peacefully at Harborview Hospital after suffering sudden, unexpected complications from a previous surgery.Leif attended the University of Illinois (Bachelor's degree Computer Engineering, 1979) and the University of California-Berkeley (Master's degree Electrical Engineering, 1981). Highlights of Leif's professional life include 6 years at AT&T in Boulder, Colorado and 15 years as a high level manager at Microsoft. He has two US patents in his name. Since retiring from Microsoft in 2003, Leif contributed to many global humanitarian causes, and was a founding member of Ghana Together, a non-profit organization that built an orphanage in Axim, Ghana and which helps the local community with educational and social needs. Leif was an avid photographer, drummer, boater, music aficionado and radio enthusiast, and an aspiring physicist. He loved to travel, living in Sweden for a year and visiting dozens of other countries. He made lasting friendships all over the world. Leif is survived by his wife Sue Pederson and stepchildren Anna and Kevin Kaminski of Bainbridge Island, WA; two daughters, Kristin Pederson currently living in South Korea and Kelly Pederson of Woodinville, WA; father, Earl K. Pederson of Batavia, IL; brother Glenn E. and Mrs. Barbara J. Pederson and nephew Eric D. Pederson all of Sussex, WI. Donations in Leif's name may be sent to Ghana Together, 808 Addison Place, Mt. Vernon, WA 98273 (GhanaTogether.org).Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Memorial Service on Friday, June 18, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at Seabold United Methodist Church on Bainbridge Island, Washington.