Congressman Honors Beloved Scorekeeper Peder Andersen

U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell addressed Congress last night to honor the late Pede Andersen, who had been the scorekeeper for Livermore high school basketball games for over 61 years. Andersen died on Dec. 29 at the age of 91. 

During the speech, Swalwell says 'Friday nights in Livermore will not be the same without Pete. Pete will be missed dearly.'

[Related article: Death of Peder Andersen: A 'Fixture at the Score Table for 61 Years']

The following is the speech Swalwell presented to Congress on Wednesday:

“Mr. Speaker, I'm honored today to recognize legendary Livermore High School scorekeeper Pete Andersen , who sadly passed away on Sunday, December 29. He was 91.

“After immigrating from Denmark to the United States in 1922, Pete went to high school in Pleasanton and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Upon returning home from the war, Pete began keeping score at Livermore High School's sporting events.

“Pete had an impressive 60-year, 3,513-game tenure and built a reputation for dedication, knowledge, and a passion for sports. It's because of his dedication to our community that Pete was inducted into the first class of the Livermore High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2009.

“I would like to express my deepest condolences to Pete's wife, Margaret, his family, and friends. In talking about his sacrifice for 60 years to keep score for young athletes, he said: `’It was a nice place to go on a Friday night.’ Well, Friday nights in Livermore won't be the same without Pete.

“Pete will be missed dearly. His life is truly an inspiration to athletes, coaches, students, and the East Bay sporting community.”