Obituary of Eugene-Irwin Anderson

Eugene Irwin Anderson March 05, 1910 February 18, 2006 Born the third son, in a family of 10 children, to Charles Nathan and Blanche Anderson, on a homestead near Quill Lake, Saskatchewan. Eugene experienced almost a century of change, and he was intensely interested in all of it. He was the first son in his family to graduate high school. He worked to put himself through Regina Normal School at a time when the prairie provinces were still suffering from the depression of the 1930's. At the age of 88 he purchased a computer and attempted to conquer the information technology age. He began his education as a student in a one room country school, eventually became a teacher in one and through perseverance, hard work and dedication retired from teaching having earned Bachelor degrees in both Arts and Education. Many of the parents and students in the Saskatchewan communities where he taught, such as Everton School District, Hendon, Rose Valley, and Hanley became life long friends. After teaching for forty years he retired to Saskatoon. He pursued his interest in horticulture, growing prize winning roses and apples, while taking time out to travel and golf. He also developed his artistic talent and invested much of his time in oil painting. He took great pride in his involvement with the planning and construction of the Luther Heights Senior Complex. He assisted in creating the Parks Heights Senior Centre, was a past master of the Hanley Masonic Lodge and a member of the Golden K Kiwanis club. He and Gracie were also long time members of the Happy Wanderers Square Dance Club and the Wandering Wheels Trailer Club. He married Gracie Young in 1938 and they raised three children; Dennis, Donald and Gail. He took and active interest in the development of his grandchildren; Kyle, Scott, Gary, Tricia, Corrine and Dale, and his six great grandchildren. March 05, 2000 at the celebration of his 90th birthday he offered this advice: "Work like you don't need the money. Love like you've never been hurt, and dance like no one is watching ". His desire to achieve this state directed much of his life. Failing health during his later years might have required his leaving his home of thirty years had it not been for the unstinting care of his wife Gracie and the support of his many friends and neighbours. Gene was predeceased by his brothers Clarence, Vernal, Alfred, John, Cyril, Clyde and his sister Nellie (Parker). In keeping with our father's wishes, we ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Food Bank. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2006 at 1:30 p.m. in the chapel of the Saskatoon Funeral Home ( 338 4th Avenue North). A reception will follow at the W. A. Edwards Family Centre. Email condolences can be sent to mail@saskatoonfuneralhome.com Arrangements are entrusted to the SASKATOON FUNERAL HOME. 244-5577