Rex Melvin Pedersen Jr.

Rex Melvin Pedersen Jr. returned to his loving Heavenly Father after a courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday July 18, 2017. Rex was born on February 1st, 1951, to Rex Melvin Pedersen Sr. and Velma Viola Thompson in Park City, Utah. He was born the youngest and only son, joining his older sisters, Sharon Leatham, and Judy (Albert) Bourgeois. He graduated from Park City High School in 1969. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He married his soul mate and lifetime best friend Brooke Loertscher on January 2nd, 1971, and they were sealed for time all eternity in the Provo Temple on October 29th, 1994. He was a devoted husband, friend, and father to his six children, Amy Lynn (Jody) Shelton, Rex Melvin III (Lacey), Jennifer Ann (Trent) Nye, Christopher Roy (Jennifer), Holly Jo, and Anthony Harvey (Katie) Pedersen. He was a loving grandfather and hero to 29 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Rex loved hunting, fishing, and camping with his family. He never met a stranger, and had a great sense of humor.

Rex worked for Park City Public Works, Park City Mountain Resort, Epley Construction, United Park Mines, and FMC Corporation. In 1977, he joined the Heber City Police Reserve and later graduated from the Police Academy. He became a full-time officer for the Heber City Police Department and was also on the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue. He was a trained EMT, working for the Wasatch County Emergency Services. He also worked for the State Parks as a part-time officer. Rex went to work for the Park City Police Department in August of 1978. He later became the head of Security for Noranda Mining Company until the closing of the mine in 1982, then worked Security for Sun Classic Pictures until October of the same year. At that time, he returned to work full time for the Heber City Police Department. He was an officer for 14 years, and then transferred in 1990 to the Public Works Department. In 1999, Rex went to work for Jordanelle Special Service District where he worked as an inspector. He later retired in 2009, due to medical issues.

His whole life he was surrounded by great friends and great family. Many of his friends he considered his brothers, not having had any brothers of his own. When it came to his public service, he was a very honorable, selfless man. He was charitable, chivalrous, and always willing to help anyone in need. He was a very proud man who would never ask for anything from anyone, but would give up everything he had to help his fellow man.

We are very thankful that he is no longer in pain, and now enjoys a glorious reunion with his beloved Father who was his best friend, along many other aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday July 26, 2017 at 12:00 pm at the Heber North Stake Center, 521 East 500 North, Heber City, Utah. Viewing services will be Tuesday 6:00 – 9:00 pm and Wednesday one hour prior to services.