Kevin Ray Pederson

Kevin Ray Pederson, 72, musician, songwriter, and vocalist, passed away on July 22, 2024, after an accidental fall near his home in Helena, MT.

Kevin was born on February 27, 1952, to Lloyd O. and Katherine B. Pederson in Billings, MT. He was a graduate of Billings Senior High School and attended the University of Montana in Missoula, MT. While in high school he was a member of The Tijuana Trash, a popular high school student band that played school dances in Montana and Wyoming.

Over the years, he played lounges in Missoula, Helena, and Billings. He later joined the group Patriot and spent 10 years touring the Northwest and Canada. He co-wrote, recorded, and copyrighted more than 20 songs with Patriot bandleader John Thoennes.

Kevin married Linda Smith on May 8, 1983, in Helena. They moved to Omaha, NE a few years later to be closer to her family. While there, they had two sons, Christopher and Brandon. Kevin worked for ConAgra in Omaha, where he retired. He played in the band Jailbreakers in the Omaha area.

Kevin moved back to Montana in 2019 to pursue his music. He and Linda remained married and best of friends.

Kevin is survived by his wife, Linda; sons, Chris and Brandon; granddaughter, Charlotte; and three brothers, Howard in Michigan, Larry in Nevada, and Brent in California.

Memorial arrangements will be private.