Evan Howard McBride Pederson

Evan Howard McBride Pederson, 41, died August 17, 2021 from complications of an enlarged heart. He is survived by his partner Lori McAllister, his parents Larry Pederson and Kathleen McBride, his sister Erin Pederson and his half brother Noah Pederson. Evan’s additional family included his beloved dogs Maris, House (Niehaus), Willow, and the always cantankerous cat Kitter Pie who loves only Evan. “She has imprinted on me.” Evan entered this life as a gifted child showing an early passion for relationships, reading, social justice, politics, and baseball. At age six on his first wrist calculator, he studiously computed ERAs of his favorite ball players. He loved the Mariners and a favorite memory was serving as bat boy for the M’s at a Spring Training game in AZ. “Hey Mom and Dad, guess what Edgar says when he strikes out? I’m not supposed to say that word!” Evan graduated from Capital High School where he was student body president, and attended the University of Washington. During his freshman year he wrote for the UW Daily News, interviewing Jimmy Carter, and covering the WTO riots with several front-page bylines. He spent part of his early 20s traveling the U.S. managing ballot-gathering for a variety of progressive initiatives. He later lived in his beloved Alaska and worked at the Anchorage Press. Evan’s volunteer work included coaching youth baseball, helping at the Anchorage animal shelter, and meeting the bus for young men leaving prison to assist them in their transition back to the community. Evan espoused a unique, unconventional worldview, owned his issues, and did not fault others for the bumps and turns along the pathway of his life. He was a relentless champion of the underdog. Though he dealt with a number of medical circumstances, Evan never lost his keen sense of the absurd, his wicked sense of humor, or his passion for righting the wrongs of the world. All his life he would give freely of his resources, time, knowledge, opinions, and love. He was never concerned with conventions or status in himself or others. He sought experiences and human connection, was non-judgmental, forgiving, and saw the best in other people. The family wishes to express love and gratitude to those who have reached out to share their grief, pictures, and wonderful stories about Evan. We will treasure the memories and request that donations be made in his honor to the Tourette Association of America.