We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of one of our firm founders and partners, Dr. David L. Pederson. David helped start ESI in 1970 under the name Environmental Services, Inc. and was the first employee. The firm was a spin-off of a structural analysis software group at the University of Minnesota, of which David was a student member, writing software and working with state-of-the-art computing at the time. This helped ESI to be an early industry leader in computerized analysis of structures.
David helped build and guide the firm from its infancy, working as a well-respected consulting engineer in structural dynamics, earthquakes, and vibration for more than 50 years, staying engaged and involved well into his retirement, enjoying the challenge of unique projects and the comradery with his colleagues. Throughout his entire career, David was a passionate and exceptional problem-solver, always enthusiastic to share his knowledge with others at ESI and with industry colleagues. ESI continues to honor David’s legacy by maintaining a gold standard for structural and vibration analyses at the firm. He was our mentor and friend and will be missed.
The obituary for David Pederson can be found HERE.