Harold R. Anderson's Obituary
Harold Ray Anderson
Gone Fishing
Harold R. Anderson, age 89, passed away on June 22, 2015 at his home in Tacoma, WA. He was born on August 31, 1925 in Tacoma to John F. and Ida M. Anderson.
Though he was born in Tacoma, Harold was raised in Bemidji, MN, and was the oldest of seven children. He grew up during the Great Depression and was a WWII Navy veteran, which forged him into a pillar of strength for his family and those who knew him. He and his loving wife Vivian built their life-long home and raised four boys in the Tacoma/Puyallup area. They had enjoyed 68 ½ years of marriage before Vivian’s passing in July, 2014.
Harold worked as a Longshoreman and Ship & Dock Foreman in the ILWU, retiring after 45 years of dedicated service. While he was devoted to his family, he also demonstrated an amazing capacity for giving, offering whatever was lacking to those in need. Visitors routinely left with their arms full of groceries, home-made baked goods, a fresh-caught salmon, or bounty from his expansive garden and orchard.
Harold is survived by his four sons Thomas Anderson (Carol), David Anderson (Bonnie), Brett Anderson (Shirley), Bart Anderson (Dawn), his sister Marjorie Haugland, 13 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and countless friends made along the way.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to your favorite charity.
A celebration of Harold’s life will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, July 11, 2015 at the Aspen Chapel, Celebration of Life Center - Mt. View Funeral Home - 4100 Steilacoom Blvd. SW
Lakewood, WA 98499. A luncheon reception will immediately follow in the Willow Room. Please share online condolences at www.mountainviewtacoma.com.
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