Ole Pappy
The Lyon County Senior Citizens of the Year are Nancy and Ray Pederson of Cottonwood. These two are a remarkable couple that has really gotten involved.
Nancy used to work for me when I had the newspaper in Cottonwood. She was a great worker who always got the job done. Her husband Ray is an incredible guy as well.
Never have I been as awestruck as I was a couple of years ago when Minneota defeated Lakeview by a touchdown or so.
Ray is an assistant coach and he came running to the center of the field and grabbed Minneota kick returner Skylar Gilbertson. The two enjoyed a hug at mid-field. I just happened to be on hand with my camera so I took the photo.
Turns out Skylar had gone to Lakeview and Ray had taken the young man under his broad shoulders and they’d forged a friendship.
Skylar ran back a touchdown against Lakeview, and helped defeat them, but that didn’t matter to Ray. He was so happy to see Skylar succeed.
It was a remarkable moment when the “competition” was forgotten and what remained was the “bond” the two had shared earlier in life. But that shouldn’t have surprised me.
Ray Pederson is just that kind of a guy. Nothing makes him happier than to do something for the kids. That’s why he volunteers his time and gives it so freely.
What a great choice. I was so happy to see them get the award. It couldn’t have happened to nicer people. Nancy and Ray Pederson of Cottonwood were named the 2018 Lyon County Senior Citizens of the Year on Saturday afternoon.
Ray, a Navy veteran, is a retired State Farm Insurance adjuster who also has been a longtime basketball and football coach, as well as a referee for 16 years.
Nancy worked at the newspaper office and the grocery store in Cottonwood, while also volunteering her time at the Avera Thrift Store in Marshall for many years.
The Pedersons have been married for 53 years. In winning the senior award this year, Ray said, "I'm not usually at a loss for word, but this is a bit overwhelming. We appreciate the honor very much."
LAUGH A LITTLE: Really????? Recently, I went to McDonald’s and I saw on the menu that you could have an order of 6, 9 or 12 Chicken McNuggets. I asked for a half dozen nuggets.
“We don’t have half dozen nuggets,” said the teenager at the counter. “You don’t?” I replied. “We only have six, nine, or twelve,” was the reply. “So I can’t order a half dozen nuggets, but I can order six?’ “That’s right.” So I shook my head and ordered six McNuggets. (Unbelievable, but sadly true...)
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: As my Ole Pappy used to say, “The key to everything is patience. You get the chicken by hatching the egg, not smashing it.”
Ole Pappy was always trying to teach me to be more patient. He used to say, “Life is a test. Hope you pass!”
At times when I “tested his patience,” he simply would look at me and say, “You are an adventure my son. Some times I’m not so sure how the adventure is going to turn out — but work with me, we’ll make it.” Thanks Ole Pappy!