Obituary of Colin Anderson

Colin Anderson September 26, 1926 - July 27, 2017 It is with heavy hearts and fond memories that we announce the passing of our beloved father Colin Anderson, who passed away with his three children by his side on Thursday, July 27, 2017 at the age of 90. Colin was predeceased by his son Jim Anderson on June 27, 2014. He is survived by his three children; son Darrell Anderson (Tina), daughters Sandra von Wittgenstein (Peter) and Colleen Anderson (Darryl), daughter in-law Barbara Anderson as well as his brother Mylo Anderson. Colin is further survived by his cherished grandchildren Erin, Michelle, Chantal, Sydney, Megan, Kohl, Shayne, Burt, Joshua and Chelsea as well as his 18 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Survivors from previous marriages are; Gary Bain, Stuart Bain, Lynn Epp, Gayle McPhee, Andrew and Scott Cullum. Colin was born on September 26, 1926 in Rose Valley, Saskatchewan. He enlisted in the army in 1947, and moved to the Currie Barracks in Calgary to join the Lord Strathcona Horse. Colin served in the same troop of 32 personnel as a tanker. He ultimately ended up as a tank crew commander. A notable event in Colin's military career was his units' participation as peacekeepers in Vietnam in 1954. Colin moved to Cranbrook in 1960, shortly after leaving the service. His regimental pride and involvement remained undiminished over the years. Colin started the Army Cadet Corp. in the early 1960's, which still carries on today. He was involved with Army Cadets for 28 years after his regular service ended and was instrumental in bringing the Lord Strathcona presence back to the city of its birth. After discussions with the Strathcona Horse commanding officer, the Cranbrook Army Cadets became affiliated with the Lord Strathcona Horse. One of the aspects of Colin's life in Cranbrook has been his involvement with the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 24. He served as Branch President four times and Zone Commander twice. He also spearheaded the creation of the Wall of Honour, the memorial in Cranbrook's Rotary Park. Working with artist Joseph Cross, he made sure the mural on the east side of the wall included a depiction of Sgt. Arthur Richardson who was awarded Canada's first Victoria Cross while serving with the Strathcona in the Boer War. Colin has been awarded every award that headquarters in Ottawa can offer, and the only one in the East Kootenay who has. Colin retired from a long career with Alberta Natural Gas and went on to pursue his love of camping, fishing, family and friends. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Colin's caregivers at Joseph Creek Care Village. A funeral service for Colin will be held at McPherson Funeral Home in Cranbrook on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 11:00 am. Condolences for the family can be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com