Kai was born in 1928 to Carl Willhelm and Anna Marie Pedersen in Kalundborg, Denmark. His yearning for adventure led him to pursue a degree in Electrical Engineering and later sparked an interest to serve in the Royal Danish Navy. Excelling as a sailor, he was selected for Officer and Pilot training. This new program, following WWII, eventually brought Kai to the U.S. for further training with the United States Air Force. Kai immigrated to the U. S. following his naval service, enjoying a distinguished career with the Arizona Air National Guard. He attained the rank of Colonel, exceeding 18,000 flying hours in over 20 different aircraft. His civilian career spanned many years of dutiful service as an Electrical Engineer and later, Chief Pilot of Arizona Public Service until 1985, retiring from the Air Force the following year in 1986. His affiliations included the AF Association, Quiet Birdmen (QB’s), 32nd Degree Mason with Mesonic Temple, Silver Eagles and a host of other clubs. Kai was a faithful parishioner and steward of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
Kai will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 36 years, Katherine Johnson Pedersen, his children Koko and Costa Tzavaras, Lisa Waddell, Kim and Larry Besore, and several beautiful grandchildren, great-grandchildren, fellow service members, and friends.
The viewing is scheduled for Monday, September 6th, at A.L. Moore/Grimshaw Funeral Home. The community is invited to join us from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM, with the Greek Orthodox “Trisagion” prayer service at 7:00 PM. A.L. Moore Grimshaw is located at 710 W. Bethany Home Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013.
The funeral service is scheduled for the following day, Tuesday September 7th at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral beginning at 10:00 AM. Holy Trinity is located at 1973 E. Maryland Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85016.
Following services, Colonel Pedersen will be interred with full military honors by The Luke AFB Honor Guard at Greenwood Memorial Cemetery located at 2300 W. Van Buren, Phoenix, AZ 85009.
The Makaria (Mercy Meal) will be hosted for all, following the internment and will take place in the Holy Trinity Cathedral Community Center. Projected time is 12:30 – 3:00 PM.
Those who wish to make memorial donations may do so in memory of Kai-Henning Pedersen to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1973 E. Maryland Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85016.
May his sweet memory be eternal.
Katherine “Koko” Tzavaras
Daughter
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ALMoore-Grimshaw.com for the Pedersen family.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18