We Remember
ANDERSON, Eldon George
January 1, 1970 — January 1, 1970
Eldon George Anderson was born in a three-room homestead farmhouse near Cadillac, Saskatchewan in 1927. Growing up in the dirty thirties listening to Tommy Douglas on the radio while drinking Scandinavian coffee strong enough for the spoon to stand straight up, Eldon organically developed a sense of compassion for the well-being of others and the need to work together in a spirit of cooperation.
Despite his humble origins, Eldon distinguished himself as unusually capable, graduating from University of Saskatchewan in Agriculture and rising to press writer for Tommy Douglas. He spent 25 years working in the cooperative movement and eventually finished his career as corporate secretary for Credit Union Central.
Eldon believed passionately in the achievements of economic democracy through cooperative action. He never ceased to stress the human goals of cooperation and the need for maximum participation by an informed membership. His duties took him throughout Saskatchewan, as well as to third world developments overseas. Embracing the causes of social welfare, Eldon founded the first food bank in Saskatchewan and was instrumental in organizing Regina’s first Cooperative daycare. He chaired the Western Institute for Public Policy, a progressive think tank group, and served as director for many community services.
In 1954, Eldon married Jean (nee Vanstone) in Lang, Saskatchewan; on June 19, they would have celebrated their 60th anniversary. In 1998, Eldon and Jean moved to Kelowna and rapidly integrated into the community and their church, Mission Creek Alliance.
Eldon was a wise, compassionate, and loving husband and father. He will be greatly missed by Jean, their daughter, Tanya Humphries of Winnipeg and her husband Shaun, children Hannah, Avery, Joshua, and Paul, as well as their other daughter, Carmel Anderson of Kelowna and husband Colin Comfort, children Shelanne, Keira and Joel.
Memorial service to be held 1:00 pm Saturday, June 7, at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Kelowna Food Bank, 1265 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 1Z7.
For those wishing to send a condolence, photos or share memories, may do so by scrolling down this page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Service
1:00 pm Saturday, June 7, 2014
Location
Springfield Funeral Home
A TRIBUTE TO ELDON ANDERSON
I first met Eldon Anderson when I accepted a position with the Cooperative Union of Saskatchewan July 1st, 1960. This organization was funded by all of the central cooperative organizations in the province to promote and develop cooperative enterprises throughout the province.
It had a small staff – the director Bill Hamilton, Eldon as the corporate secretary, myself as director of extension plus support staff. Needless to say, we worked together as a team. That started a relationship that has lasted over the last 54 years. While career paths took us in different directions, Eldon and Jean retained a relationship with Lois and I. Then it was by coincidence that we both made our final homes here in the Okanagan.
Eldon was a true humanitarian. That was reflected in his work in cooperatives in Saskatchewan but also in the books he wrote and his volunteer activities in Regina and more recently here in Kelowna.
During his years working with cooperatives in Saskatchewan, he was known as the conscience of the cooperative movement. In policy discussions at board meetings, you could depend on Eldon to bring the discussion around to reflect cooperative principles.
Eldon was one of those people who set out to leave this old world a little better place than it was when he arrived. I firmly believe Eldon did help make a difference.
Chris Hansen.
Thank-you very much for the opportunity to get to know Eldon. He was a humble man who lived out his faith.
Jean & Family; Accept my deepest sympathy as I learn of Eldons passing! He & Jean were great supporters when I chaired the osteoporosis group. I always looked forward to share a few words as our paths crossed in the Hospital Aux events. He will be missed!
Jean, Tanya, Carmel and Families
Sorry to hear about Eldon’s passing I read it in the Regina Leader Post this morning. I know Eldon is going to be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this this difficult time. I remember you coming and visiting Mom and Dad (Harold and Eileen Braaten) or we would be in Regina and stopped at your home. Also Eldon took Benny’s and My wedding pictures 44 years ago. We will be thinking about you in the days ahead
Benny and Paulette Garrecht (Braaten)
Accept my sincere sympathy on learning of Eldens passing. He was a great friend/supporter when I chaired the osteoporosis chapter and for that I am forever grateful!
I will miss his caring and smile!
Jean and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Eldon was a great friend to my parents and we have been connected as families for years! Audrey Barr and Jeff Murray.
Dear Jean, Tanya, Carmel and families: We are all saddened to hear of Eldon’s passing and only wish we could be with you at this time.
We have many happy memories of our “Fraser Pipe Band” days – and know that we can all look back and smile, as we remember some of the “very crazy” times we all had together.
Our love and prayers are with you all, at this very sad time.
Sylvia, Vince & Ramona Aitken
To Jean and family:
Sincere condolences on Eldon’s death. We remember him with fondness and compassion. Greetings to all the family from Beth & Lyle Tesky, Lakeview Church friends, and RGH friends.
Jean, Tanya, Carmel & families:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of Eldon. He was a special person who was well known and highly respected. He will be missed by many. Hugs.
Dear Jean & Family,
Our most heartfelt condolences to you on the passing of Eldon. The world has lost a wonderful man and a contributor to society.
Eldon’s commitment to his principles and beliefs was his strength. I have many unforgettable memories of working with Eldon both as a co-worker and a friend.
I met Eldon purely by luck. He and his friend Eldon (first time I have ever met two Eldons at once) came into the Second Cup and asked if they might use two of the seats where I was sitting. I assured them it was fine. We began talking and the rest is history. I would see them a couple times a week, sometimes with Jean along, and we always had good conversations. I now own one of the last birdhouses he built and will treasure it. He was a gentleman in the finest sense of the word and will be missed.
Jean Tanya Carmel and families my condolences I will miss Eldon having grown up in the same community and having known him and his family all my life.It just wont be the same. Dick always enjoyed working with Eldon on the many Credit Union and Cooperative enterprises they both so believed in.
We have known Eldon in the latter part of his life through arts and osteoporosis and didn’t realize all of his attributes. What a talented man who will be missed. We send our condolences to Jean and all his family.
My sympathies to Eldon’s family. I first met Eldon early in my career and quickly learned of his passion and compassion for everything and everyone he touched. He was a very positive influence on me as I progressed at CUCS in Regina. Eldon brought enthusiasm, humour and solid values to everything. His memory has stayed with me through these many years!
Jean and family – our sincerest condolences on “Andy’s” passing. May your many good memories help in your loss