Richard Charles Anderson

Richard was born on June 23, 1937 in Raymond, Alberta (a small southern Alberta town) to Beatrice and Ammon Anderson. Richard was the 4th child, preceded by 3 older siblings and followed by 2 younger siblings.

Richard became a Teacher and taught Science, Math, and P.E. at Florence Nightingale Elementary in East Vancouver for 16 years, the last 2 years as Vice-Principal, followed by Cunningham Elementary for 2 years, and 2 consecutive years teaching Summer School. He was later invited by a dear friend, Richard Bulpitt, to become his Vice-Principal at Belmont Elementary for 2 years. Richard later became a Principal at Langley Fundamental for a year, then Otter Elementary for 6 years, then County Line for 1 year, then Vice Principal at Noel Booth for five years. Richard took early retirement after teaching for 35 years.

After teaching, Richard took up carpentry and took a home construction course. Richard loved to work and serve others, doing renovations for his family, making furniture, cupboards, and bookshelves.

Richard was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was actively involved in service within the church. He was best known for the 3 years he, along with his wife, put on a three day, continuously running, evening Christmas Creche display and Nativity Pageant that was called, “The Reason for the Season.” He and his wife also served for a year running the Church’s Family Storage Centre.

Richard was also involved in politics, and served in the Reform Party of Canada helping to write policy. He later ran as the candidate in Fraser Valley West in the next federal election, but lost to Randy White. He fully supported Randy and worked closely with him on his election campaigns. Eventually the Reform Party merged with the Conservative Party.

Richard and his wife, Jane Ann Shelley were very close and worked together well on many levels. Richard was pre-deceased by his wife, Ann, in April, 2024.

Richard and Ann were married for 68 years, and had 6 children, 27 grandchildren, 78 Great-Grandchildren, and 4 Great-Great-Grandchildren – 5 generations for a total of 115 posterity. Their posterity is too numerous to list, so we will list their 6 children: Elizabeth Kearl, Michael Anderson, Kathy Badesso, Karen Burgess, Sandra Murray & Brenda Fisher.

Richard’s Funeral is scheduled for July 28th, 2025.

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