Allan Christian Pedersen

Allan “Al” passed away on March 31, 2022 at his home in Holladay, Utah due to complications from a heart condition. The middle of three children, Al was born on August 18, 1940 in Salt Lake City and grew up in Holladay. After graduating from Olympus High School, he was the first in his family to attend college and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah.
Surrounded by extended family, Al’s childhood was filled with adventures (and misadventures) on Casto Lane and Mt. Olympus, which loomed above his home and was his favorite place on earth. He was an Army veteran and held jobs ranging from meat cutting to real estate prior to settling into a long career as a filmmaker with his business partner Charles Sellier. Together, they produced dozens of films and family-friendly television shows, including Grizzly Adams and other westerns, and travelled throughout the country for their productions. During these years, Park City and Jeremy Ranch were his home base. Al retired from the movie industry as a member of the Directors Guild of America and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He later became a court-appointed mediator for Utah Dispute Resolution, a role he served for almost 20 years prior to his death.
Al was a content and happy man who savored life’s simple pleasures – a good book, a grilled steak, a dry martini, a card game, a hardy laugh. He was an avid reader and enjoyed studying and discussing history, philosophy, and old films. He also loved music, especially jazz and 70s rock, and spending time with nature and the great outdoors. He pursued countless hiking, backpacking, and camping adventures, both alone and with loved ones. Above all, Al adored time spent with friends and family, especially his grandchildren. He delighted in teaching them to play poker and regaling them in his many humorous stories from his past. Al never succumbed to anger and never spoke a poor word toward anyone. He was a kind, gentle, and intellectual man who will be missed dearly.
Al was preceded in death by his parents Wilbur and Evelyn Pedersen and his older sister Pat and younger brother Craig. He is survived by his sons Jason (Heather) and Burke (Kelly), his daughter Nicole Varela, and their children Alise, Brooke, Anastasia, Dane, Ella, and Maggie, as well as his close friend Linda Knighton and former spouses Inge-Lise and Paulette. The family wishes to thank the Veterans Administration Hospital, Al’s medical professionals, and the Bradshaw family for their kindness and support. As per Al’s wishes, no services will be held.