Obituary of Bruce Anderson

Bruce Anderson passed away at the Shellbrook Hospital on February 9, 2009 at the age of 80 years. He leaves to cherish his memory: His wife of 53 years, Norah Anderson of Big River, SK. His children and their families: Bruce Anderson (Clive Raher) of Mission, BC, Robert (Susan) Anderson of Big River, SK and their children Brian, Michael and Shauna. Steven (Karen) Anderson of Petawawa, ON and their daughter Jessica and his sons Mathew, Christopher and Shawn. Jeffery Anderson (Deb) of Grandora, SK and his sons Andrew and Daniel. Scott (Silke) Anderson of Big River, SK and their children Tony (Tammy) Anderson and their sons Eric and Devon; James and Jacqueline. Roy (Kim) Anderson of Big River, SK, Shelley (John) Johnson of Big River, SK and their children Samantha and Amanda. His daughter in-law Sharon Anderson. As well as numerous other great grandchildren. His sisters: Eileen Hannam of Big River, SK, Evelyn (Patrick) Harty of Edam, SK, Myrna (Gordon) Gamble of Medstead, SK. His brother Henry Anderson of Big River, SK, His sister in-law Sarah Duncan of Victoria, BC. As well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by: His parents Roy and Clara Anderson, His 7 brothers and sisters, His mother and father in-law Norah and Richard Duncan, His granddaughter Taylor Lynn Anderson, His brothers and sisters in-law. Bruce Anderson was born in Wiseton Saskatchewan on April 20th 1928, the seventh of twelve children born to Roy and Clara Anderson. The family moved to the Big River area in 1939 and settled on the homestead at Timberlost, still commonly known as "The Block". He attended school at the Big Ravine School until he completed grade five, where upon he was needed on the farm. His formative years were spent working in Big River with Peter Pister at his sawmill, and then to the Big River Sawmill where he attained his 4th class steam engineer papers, and at Waites Fisheries. His employment also included a period of time at a sawmill at Otter Lake and then in Giscombe, B.C. where he attained his 2nd class steam engineer. About this time the Korean war had erupted and in 1951 he joined the Canadian Armed Forces, at the age of 23 years. He married our mom, Norah and they had seven children. Many a time we were reminded that he was trying to be able to field a baseball team, but decided to stop at seven. For close to 30 years dad served his country with distinction in various Armed Forces establishments across Canada. During his military career he was with the 4th and 2nd Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. While in the military he successfully completed many training courses and certifications. His skills were much appreciated given his academic past, he should have been proud to find himself teaching University educated Armed Forces Officer candidates at the training facility in Chilliwack, B.C. As the regimental Sergeant major, he had the honour, one he was quite proud of actually, of teaching the first all female officer platoon candidates, and live to tell about it. Over the years he also operated, serviced, repaired and taught others to operate many different military vehicles from motorcycles to armored personnel carriers. He was active in Boy Scouts of Canada, serving as a chair of the council and in teaching map reading, orientation and survival skills to both Boy Scouts and Venturers in both Petawawa and Niagara Falls, Ontario. Bruce retired from the military at the rank of Master Warrant Officer from his last posting in Regina. Most of the family then moved here to Big River in 1979 and built the family home on the quarter section that had been his fathers. He ran for R.M. Council for district 2 in 1982. In 1983 until 1992 he served as the Reeve of the RM 555. He served on many committees and Boards, as chairman of the Big River hospital and Chairman of the Big River and District Road Ambulance Board (1986 - 1993), Big River and District Recreation Board (1982- 1983), Chairman of the Waste Disposal Committee (1983- 1991) and as chairman of the Fire Committee (1988- 1991). He was instrumental in the Highway 55 Mutual Aid program. He was involved in the purchase of a fire truck and supported the RM financial assistance in the building of a new fire hall. He was an at-large representative on the Lakewood Lodge Steering Committee. His love of the out doors was evident as each of his children went on their rites of passage with him to go hunting and fishing. He was an active supporter of the Canadian Wildlife Federation. It was his love of the outdoors that saw him go onto the Regional Park Authority Board in 1984 and was elected chairman in 1989 until 1996. Bruce had many things to be proud of, but despite his public outgoing personality, he really did not like the spotlight and was always quick to remind people that recognition for him was misplaced unless it included the volunteers and others involved in whatever it was he was doing and he always stressed none of this could have been a reality without the people behind the scenes. He received many awards and recognitions over the 80 years, including medals, but he was most proud of the T.D. Mitchell gold card award. As many of you know he was also awarded the Regional Parks of Saskatchewan, George Rathwell Lifetime Achievement Award last year. Bruce will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Funeral Service was held Saturday, February 14, 2009 at 2:00 pm at the Big River Community High School Gymnasium with Reverend Brian Maitland officiating. Eulogy was read by Bruce Anderson Jr. The music was directed by Bill Martodam with Dave Hjertaas as the piper. Urn Bearers were Bruce's Grandchildren. Honorary Pallbearers were Bruce's children as well as all relatives and friends who shared in his life. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Big River Regional Park, Heart and Stroke Foundation and The Lung Association of Saskatchewan. Delores Beaulac of Beau "Lac" Funeral Home was entrusted with the Funeral arrangements. E-Mail condolences to beaulacfuneralhome.com.