PEDERSON, David R. – Died quietly at home on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, Dr. David Reardon Pederson, of London, Ontario age 86 years. Dave will be lovingly remembered by his beloved wife Deanne (and their dog Rosie) and his children Ingrid Pederson, Erica Pederson (predeceased), Kristen Pederson (Morice) and step-children Tony Kime (Bonnie), Deborah Kime (Willem), Geof Kime (Shelley) and Anna MacDonald (Bruce). Proud and caring grandpa to Chloe, Julia, Alex, Megan (Bob), Heather, Chelsea, Liam, Nicholas, Christopher (Ashley), Jacob, Daniel, Polly and Angus and great-grandpa to Nate, Kaitlyn, Jaxon and Christian. Dave will be affectionately remembered by his first wife Linda Pederson. Dave was predeceased by his mother (Grace), father (Raymond), brother (Charles), and sister (Mary).
Coming from modest beginnings, Dave was born in Fargo, North Dakota and lived on a farm near Underwood, Minnesota with his brother Charles, Aunt Sue and Uncle Olaf. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in Psychology and received his Ph.D. from the University of Iowa in 1965 in Child Psychology. Dave met his first wife Linda, as a graduate student, and they moved to London, Ontario, where they had three daughters.
After settling in London, Ontario, David was an esteemed professor for over 40 years in developmental psychology at Western University, where he dedicated his career and had a profound influence in the area of infant-caregiver attachment. His teachings and research had a far-reaching impact, shaping a generation of scholars and developmental psychologists worldwide. The Dr. David R. Pederson Award In Attachment and Early Development has been established at Western University.
Being deeply spiritual, Dave was known for his kindness, wisdom and quiet strength with an ability to create deep connections with family, church and life long friends. Dave was a humble and modest man that enjoyed simple things in life – the bounty of his garden, meditation, root beer, special time with family and friends and walks with Deanne and Rosie. He was able to enjoy some of these pleasures on the last day of his life. He also had a life long love and connection with dogs so it was serendipitous for him to have Rosie by his side when he died.
As Dave reflected on his life, he had gratitude for all of the angels who guided him to become the man he was and each of us know that he was an angel in our lives too.
A visitation will take place on Monday, December 8 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at Harris Funeral Home, 220 St. James Street at Richmond, where a memorial service will be held on Tuesday December 9 at 11 am. Reception to follow. Private graveside service will take place at Woodland Cemetery.
If desired, donations may be made to the Dr. David R. Pederson Award In Attachment and Early Development at Western University.