Colin Russell Pedder

September 11, 1918
January 6, 2010

Colin Russell Pedder died January 6, 2010 at Holy Rosary Hospital. He was 91 years old. Colin was born at the family ranch in Bighorn, Montana on September 11, 1918, to Colin Cameron Pedder and Harriett Russell Pedder. Colin attended school in the Bighorn, Montana area and graduated from Hysham High School in Hysham, Montana. After graduation he enlisted in the Army-Air Corp as an armament loader for warplanes and was promoted to Staff Sergeant. Colin was a member of the VFW and American Legion. After completing his stint in the military, he met and married Mardell Devener of the Custer area and to their 50 year union came a son Richard Cameron Pedder and a daughter Colette Rene’ Pedder.

The Pedder’s were cattle ranchers in the Bighorn, Montana area between Hysham & Custer where the Bighorn River flows into the Yellowstone. The family has many fond memories of days along the Bighorn. Colin served on the school board in Bighorn & Hysham for many years and was always a devoted Hysham Pirates fan and couldn’t wait for 4-C tournament time. He was also active in 4-H and served many years, as a leader, chaperone or whatever else was needed. Colin & Mardell moved to Miles City after selling there ranch so they could enjoy their grand-daughters, Jody & Alex and watch them grow up into the beautiful ladies they are today. Mardell passed away a number of years ago so he sold his house and moved into Eagles Manor. Colin was a very good musician, playing the guitar and accordion while never learning to read a note of music. You would find him at many jam sessions and fiddler practices with his friends of the Southeastern Montana Fiddler’s group and various other musical groups.

On September 8, 2008, Colin was blessed with a Great Grandson, Jax Eli Kinsey, who meant the world to his Great-Grandpa. Colin just recently enjoyed Christmas with his family and enjoyed watching Jax as he opened Christmas presents and got to know Santa for the first time. What a joy it was for Colin. The family would like to thank the staff of Eagles Manor for their great hospitality and for providing him with such a wonderful place to live. Colin is survived by his daughter Colette (Lloyd) Butcher, son Rick Pedder, grand-daughters: Jody (Jase) Kinsey and Alex Butcher and Great-Grandson Jax Eli Kinsey of Miles City. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Dolores Erickson of Billings, Linda Gorman of Bozeman, brother-in-law Bill Devener of Whitehall and numerous nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends.

Visitation will begin Monday, January 11, 2010 at 8:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 11, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. Print this post