We Remember
ANDERSON, Donald
December 12, 1933 — March 16, 2023
It is in loving memory that we announce the passing of Donald Sheridan Anderson on March 16, 2023, at the age of 89. He was born on December 12, 1933, in Detroit, Michigan, to Harold Anderson and Verna Sanderson. He is survived by his loving wife of seventy years, Barbara Ann Anderson; son Donald Anderson Jr, and his wife Cheryl of Summerland, BC; his daughter Debora Thomas and her husband Brian of West Kelowna, BC; three grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and his extended family Wendy, Leanne and Cameron Crawford of West Kelowna, BC. Don was preceded in death by his sister Joanne Sanderson, and his step-brother Roy Tedder.
It was love at first sight for Don when he met Barbara at an amusement park in Colorado in 1951. Their love story is nothing short of a fairy tale including adventure, travel, family, happiness, and seventy years of anniversary burgers.
Don was an adventurous spirit who never shied away from a challenge. As such, their lives were filled with adventure, living in several different cities and working in many different lines of work. Don had entered the military after high school where he was trained as an electrical engineer. His work contributed to the development and operation of military cameras and radar instruments, as well as to the development of Atlas Rockets for Convair. In 1970, Don took a job as Western Regional Manager for Scientific Products with Honeywell, which moved the family from California to Alberta. After years of operating a farm in Alberta, Don and Barb relocated to Kelowna, which would remain their home base for the years to come.
In their retirement, Don and Barb were always “On the Road Again” traveling across western Canada and the USA on their Gold Wing Motorcycle. They served many years as the hosts of BC provincial parks, where Don enjoyed delivering firewood and talking to fellow travelers. Amidst all of their travel, they always returned to Kelowna to be with family.
Don will be remembered for his charming and playful nature. He could warm your heart with a raise of his eyebrow and a carefree laugh. He enjoyed a good story or dramatic plot line and would retell it with infectious enthusiasm. Don had a legendary appetite for pizza and Mars Bars and could out-eat anyone in a friendly competition. He had a great love for fishing and a sharp eye for jumping fish at which he would nudge you to move to that spot. Above all, Don believed that love and family were the keys to a happy life. He instilled this valuable lesson in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and his legacy will live on through them.
Don will be greatly missed by his family and friends, although they feel peace in knowing that his life was well-lived and well-loved.
Condolences, photos, or memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com
Dear Barbara and Family,
Thinking of you all and sending heart felt sympathy at this sad time. We have great memories of Don, he was always able to cheer you up and find something fun to do. He loved people and spoke well of everyone and had that humble, welcoming, helpful, and loving way about him. The date of Don‘s passing 3–16, brings to mind John 3:16 that says, God loves us so much that he gave his only begotten son that we might believe in Him and have eternal life. We know Don believed in Jesus and is with him now. It’s a comfort to know Wood and Don are starting that new life with the Lord in that “Land beyond the river that we called the sweet forever” helping prepare the way for us to follow, just like they did during their lives here, teaching and guiding us. Prayers and love always, Sister/Aunt Connie