Donald Coleman Anderson (age 81) passed away on March 30, 2023 in Lehi, Utah. He was well loved by all who knew him, and will be greatly missed. Don was born on April 15, 1941 in Shelton, Washington. He was the only child of Olaf and Ida Anderson and he lived most of his life in Shelton, with only a few exceptions. Each time he ventured away-he returned to the Northwest, and the town he loved. As a young child, little Donny lived with his parents at Camp Grisdale, a logging camp in the Olympic National Forest. He and his dog, Buddy, had many adventures in the mountains. After graduating from Irene S. Reed High School in Shelton, Don served in the Navy before also serving a full time mission in Norway as a young man for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Don met Avon Lucille Peterson after his mission, and they were married on March 21, 1964. He studied English and Theater, receiving his Masters degree from the University of Washington. Mr. Anderson was an educator in Shelton for many years. He taught English and Drama, as well as being the vice-principal and then principal of the Shelton Middle School. He positively impacted the lives of many young people, including his own 7 children, who were also raised in Shelton. Mr. Anderson directed many plays and musicals at Shelton High and enjoyed putting on a good show! He devoted many hours to his career.

Don also served his community and his church with all of his heart. He was a Bishop in the Shelton 1st ward for many years, and he served a second LDS mission in Birmingham Alabama with his wife, Avon, after their retirement. Don was always looking for ways to help others. He shared his smile with everyone he met.

Grandpa Don taught his family many lessons. He worked extremely hard. The family often tackled projects together, building boats and fixing up Corvairs. He also enjoyed woodwork and music. He supported family and friends consistently, coming to the rescue whenever anyone called. His faith and good nature will be an inspiration to all who knew him.

Don's final years were spent near family in Utah County. His wife's health and ultimately his own health, made it easier for him to be there. However, Grandpa Don always thought of his friends in the Northwest, and their family home out on Pickering Passage. Donald will be laid to rest in the Shelton Cemetery on Friday April 21, 2023 next to his wife, Avon, near both of his parents, and his youngest son, Bjorn - all who preceded him in death.

Donald is survived by six of his children: Olaf Anderson (Deborah), Thor Anderson (Karin), Nils Anderson (Wendy), Lars Anderson (Kristi), Per Anderson (Zandra), and Karen (Jason) Ball. He has 24 grandchildren, 6 grandchildren-in-law, and a growing number of great grandchildren!

A brief graveside service will be held at 9:30 am on Friday, April 21st at the Shelton Memorial Park, 1605 Van Buren, Shelton, WA. A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 21st at 11:00 am in the Shelton 1st Ward building at 916 North 12th Street, Shelton, WA. A zoom link for the Shelton service will be provided for friends and family unable to attend.

A viewing in will be held in Orem, Utah at the Walker Sanderson Funeral Home on Tuesday evening, April 11, 2023 from 6-8 p.m. The family would like to deeply thank all the good people at Bellaview Assisted Living and Yarrow Hospice for the care and attention they provided to Grandpa towards the end of his life.