William Olov Anderson Jr

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of William O. Anderson Jr on Nov.24th 2021 at age 90. A beloved husband, father, grandpa, brother, and uncle. He was the oldest of 6 children born to William O. Anderson Sr. and Mildred Duncan on Aug 22, 1931. He was born in Helena Montana, attended 1-4 grades in Missoula Montana. Then moved to Spokane at age 10 years old and graduated from North Central in 1949. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Ted Anderson and Mike Anderson, also two of his children Linda Boardman and Joe Anderson.He is survived by his wife Helen Cogley, his brother Eric Anderson. Sisters Beverly Hayes and Susie Schoelser. His sons William O. Anderson III (Murph), Martin Anderson, Scott Anderson, and Rick Cline. His Daughters Jerrie Stafford, Cheryl Vaughn, Tami Collier, Kelly Anderson, Laurie Yarwood, Lori Boisen, and Patsy Anderson (Daughter-in-Law) He raised three families as if all his own, and the familes grew giving him 27 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, and 7 great great grandchildren.

His career of being an electrician started at a young age around 1950, witrh several companies to include Adams Electric, Crabtree Electric, and Electric Smith until in 1983 when he and his good friend Wally Libby started their own company being Rainbow Electric. His love of building also had him as part owner of Chewelah Contractors, in 1976. Building many homes were part of his dreams and visions… to include building homes in Washington, Montana, and Hawaii. If he wasn’t building a home, he seemed to be helping a family member or friend with their own.

His love of hunting and fishing took him on great trips to Alaska, Mexico and Hawaii. His love of the outdoors every fall would bring would bring family and friends to cut wood in preparation for the winter… He always loved a fire going in the fireplace. If you knew him, his favorite way to start the day was in his hot tub, with his coffee and the stock market on his tv., always ready to give advice on what to invest in, and if you were not able to invest his advice always was “Save Your Money.” He truly enjoyed the kitchen and loved experimenting or doctoring it up as he said, smells of bread, soups, and cookies were usually a daily event. Gardening was another thing that made him happy and of course, his tomatoes were always the best. Golfing was another pastime. In the evenings mixing his white and red wines, playing and winning in the last hand of cribbage, always smiling, as he would pass us. His life took him on many journeys, traveling on cruise ships, mentioning that the Panama Canal and Alaska being 2 of his favorites.

He truly was an inspiration to his family and friends always with a helping hand or support, which was a huge comfort. He enjoyed many childhood friendships always staying in touch, with laughs and stories. He was a humble man with a big heart.

Once I asked him if he had any regrets in life… He thought a minute and said, “No, I have had a hell of a life.” How many of us can say that..? He will be missed and remain in our hearts forever. There will be a gathering in the spring to celebrate this wonderful man. We would also like to say Thank You to the caregivers that gave him comfort. They are true Blessings.

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