Farewell to Rolf Pedersen

On Friday June 28th I received the sad news that our good friend Rolf Pedersen had collapsed during a mountain hike the night before. Rolf was talking on his cell phone with his sister. When he became short of breath and finally disappeared from the conversation completely, she became worried. Rolf did not answer new calls, then she called the police. Despite the fact that a helicopter arrived quite quickly to the spot where Rolf was on his way to set up a tent for the night, his life could not be saved. The cause of death was probably a heart attack.

Rolf has been a beacon for speed skating during the last 30 years, especially in Northern Norway, but has also distinguished himself outside the country’s borders. Among other things he won his age group in the Master Games all-round three times (2000 in Berlin, 2001 in Quebec City and 2005 in Baselga di Piné) and last winter he came third in the AG 75 at the Master Games in Stavanger. He also had a number of good placements in other international and national competitions.

Nevertheless, it is perhaps for his great enthusiasm for the preparation of the ice on the track in Tromsø¸ (Northern Norway) in recent years that we will remember Rolf best. He was up late and early to make good ice for young hopefuls on the former artificial ice rink when the temperature seemed to drop below zero. He must have spent many nights in the shed by the ice rink. He often took the opportunity to test the ice with his skates afterwards while using a headlamp or the moonlight. Rolf also purchased an aggregate and pump and drilling machine so that he could make ice on a lake about 1 km from his home place in the Lofoten archipelago, where Rolf grew up.

Rolf was an active practicing lawyer until last year, but had now finally decided to retire and was on his way to move back to his home-place, where he had acquired land and prepared to build a cabin. Last Thursday he was driving to a prefab factory in the southern part of Northern Norway, where he was to make a contract for purchase of the cabin that was to be set up.

Rolf will also be remembered for his in-depth knowledge, especially about sports history. He himself has been active in track and field, the Nordic combined, cross-country skiing and cycling to name a few, and had in-depth knowledge of many athletes from the early 19th century, names that are unknown for most people.

In addition, Rolf was an incredibly generous and hospitable person and personally I have enjoyed his hospitality many times when he offered me a place to sleep and eat during competitions and training in Tromsø¸.

Rest in Peace, Rolf! We will miss you

Ragnvald Næss