In 2001, Rufus received a plaque in recognition of his dedicated commitment, outstanding service, and years of tireless contribution to the Guild and its membership. In 2007, Rufus received the Larry Sturhahn Memorial Award for his selfless commitment to the SFCC, his unflagging leadership, his devotion to the DGA and its members, and for his magnificent sense of humor presented by current SFCC Chair Paul Martin and all the previous Chairs.

Rufus was surprised and delighted to find that the plaque bore a jumping bass, a nod to his love of fishing.
A native of Oklahoma, Rufus spent his teenage years in Richland, Washington. In l952, shortly after graduating from Washington State University with a Bachelors Degree in Drama, Rufus was drafted into the Army and received his first television experience. At the Signal Corps training camp in San Luis Obispo, California, he directed and occasionally performed on the first Armed Forces TV station. From there he was transferred to Washington, DC, where he served in the code room at the Pentagon.
In l955 Rufus began his television career in earnest, first as a stage manager and director at KCOP-TV in Los Angeles, then director and production manager at KATU-TV, in Portland, Oregon, and finally as a director with ABC's owned-and-operated station in San Francisco, KGO-TV.
One aspect of Rufus life, little known outside his immediate circle of friends, was his devotion to playing trombone in a swing orchestra known as The What's Up Band. Rufus, a dedicated jazz player, enjoyed playing at dances at venues like the San Leandro Veterans Hall, where the group played regularly.
Rufus will be remembered for his cheerful outlook, his warm embrace of friends and family, and his generosity of spirit.
Rufus is survived by his wife Daneen, sister Beth, son Paul, daughters Joy and Karen, step-daughters Holly and Shelley, and six grandchildren: David, Noah, Gus, Sarah, Tyler and Nyla.
Rufus family requests that, in lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in his name to Rufus favorite causes, which are listed on his memorial website: http://www.rufuspederson.tv/ See Ya, Kiddo!