Kenneth Moller Pedersen passed away suddenly in Ottawa, surrounded by his family on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 59 years old. He had fought a courageous battle with lung cancer for a little over a year.
Ken was a devoted husband to Sandy Szeles and a loving father to Ashley Eva Pedersen and Brandon Thomas Pedersen. He is also survived by his mother Kirsten T. Foster, and his brother Christian Pedersen (Nicole Pedersen); their children Ty and Hayden, as well as all of the extended family on Sandy’s side. Ken will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, Ken came to Canada with his parents when he was 2 years old. Ken loved many things in life, some of which were football (Go Bucs Go!), The Grinch, coaching soccer, Poker, BBQing, cooking, and music. His love for music included many genres from Blues to classic Rock ‘n Roll. His favourite band was Led Zeppelin.
He enjoyed learning to build new things such as decks and fences. Another one of his passions was decorating at Halloween and Christmas. Ken would always spend hours decorating and every year would try to add something new to make it bigger and better. Let’s not forget his fabulous Grinch Village that he’d put up every year!
Above all his greatest joy was being a husband and a dad, and he always took pride in teaching his children about music, soccer, puzzles, and football. He also loved the simple things in life like listening to the birds outside while having his morning coffee.
Ken was taken from us too soon, but his legacy will always be in our hearts. He will be remembered by many people in many different ways. Some will remember him as a hair stylist, some as a soccer coach, some for his bad dad jokes or his wonderful BBQ Ribs and spaghetti sauce, but the one consistency is that everyone will remember him for his kindness, his love and his ability to make you laugh.
Family and Friends are invited to gather at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Ave, Ottawa, ON), for a Celebration of Life and Reception in the Fleming Suites on January 31, 2026, from 4pm to 6pm.
Donations to The Canadian Cancer Society in his honor are appreciated.
Livre de visiteurs
Anne-Marie Crete
Pierrette
I am very sorry for this great loss to the Pederson family deepest sympathies.
Anne-Marie Crete
I forgot to mention that the 2 best qualities of Ken for me was his devotion to his family and his incredible sense of humour.
Jose Vivanco
My condolences Sandy, Ashley and Brandon.
We got to know Ken well through the lads’ soccer practices and school functions, always enthusiastic, encouraging kids to play fair and do their best.
We will miss him.
The Troy family
We remember Ken for always being such a fun, positive, kind, helpful person. We didn't spend a lot of time with him but the moments we did will be greatly treasured.
Deepest sympathies to the family from us all.
Brian Vincent
Sandy, Ashley and Brandon
I don’t have the words that can make you feel better during this time. Ken was a really kind and good human. He was a coaching mentor to me always offering to help out during practices and teach the lads how to be better players and team mates.
Gone far too soon
I hope you can take comfort with how much he loved you all and how much positivity and humour he brought everyday.
Rest easy coach and my friend Ken 🍀⚽️
James & Alvita Meinert
Our sincere condolences to Sandy, Ashley, Brandon and to the extended Pedersen family for the loss of your dear loved one, Ken.
We will always remember his laughter, wit, and for being such a great host. We will never forget his loving devotion to his wife, children and to his beautiful garden.
We sincerely appreciate the wonderful memories he's left in our hearts whenever we visited Ottawa.
May God bless and strengthen you at this difficult time. ❤️🩹🕯
Much love, J & A
Marc Tremblay
My condolences to Sandy, Ashley, Brandon, mother Kirsten, and brother Chris. All of you treated me with the same kindness that Ken did all the way back to the 1980s. We all wish we had a few more decades of his friendship.
My friendship with Ken lasted all these years since we cared enough for each other's well being. We both experienced tough times way in the past but we would help each other bounce back.
We shared a love of nature spending time camping at several lakes in the Gatineau hills He just soldiered on for days despite his aversion to tree pollen and biting insects.
From 1986 to 1995, Ken's love of music was evident and cemented our friendship. From catching touring blues musicians to developing his own style on the guitar, to creating and recording his own soulful music. Thank you Ken for they were the best years of my life.
Rest in peace brother.
My deepest condolences to Sandy and family. Ken and I shared a mutual love of pushing each others buttons in the most friendly way. Ken knew how to dish it but also was great at taken it. When our families would gather, he always made each one of us welcome and entertained. He would be very present and involved has the man of the house. He’s already dearly missed. Until we meet again!