David "Dave" Owen Anderson

David Owen Anderson of South Plymouth, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026, with family by his side. Born on August 12, 1935 in Bournedale, he was the son of Onnie William Anderson and Gertrude Haskell and was raised alongside his eight siblings. He is survived by sisters and brother, Carolyn Kierstead, Richard Anderson, and Helen Dirsa. He was predeceased by his brothers Ronald “Rocky” Anderson, Robert Anderson, and Lester Anderson, and by his sisters Eleanor Perry and Betty Duarte. On his father’s side, he was a third-generation immigrant from Finland and his family still honors and celebrates this heritage today. Dave graduated from Bourne High School in 1953 and, in 2023, was one of only a few classmates to attend his 70th reunion.

Dave met his loving wife, Pamela Stone, in the summer of 1955 at the Buzzards Bay Roller Rink. Their love letters back and forth between the Cape and Quincy planted a seed that grew into a lifelong partnership; letters that are still cherished by Pam today. Together, they built a home on beautiful Great Herring Pond, where the door was always open, a beagle was by Dave's side, horses out back, and the air inside was warmed by his wood stove. It was there that they raised seven wonderful children, whom Dave is survived by: Paul and Brenda of Plymouth/Byron; Jon and Kathy, Dale and Robin, and Barbara and Rich, all of Bourne; Todd and Annie of Plymouth; Karl of Plymouth; and Becky of Barnstable.

Over time, that house became filled with the laughter and love of his eight grandchildren: Katrina of Bourne; Eric and Grace of Minneapolis; Aaron and Sammie of Plymouth; Keith of Plymouth; Brian of Boston; Kerstin, Owen, and Kaeli, all of Bourne. He also leaves behind other special kids who were dear to his heart and will honor and remember him always. Dave cherished time spent with them at games and special events, during family gatherings, and while passing out popsicles after long days of swimming at the dock.

The Andersons share a special bond and deep roots in Bournedale that have grown stronger for generations and will continue to do so, thanks to the love, skills, and life lessons Dave passed on. Dave’s Finnish heritage and Pam’s Swedish roots became cherished family traditions, especially at Christmastime, which they lovingly passed down to their children. Over his 90 years, the world evolved around him, but Dave held fast to a simple, meaningful life grounded in family and filled with what mattered most. A true Cape Cod outdoorsman, he was an avid gardener who enjoyed shellfishing, hunting, and picking cranberries. A gifted craftsman and union carpenter, Dave could build a staircase fit for a castle and even helped build local landmarks such as Gallo and Massachusetts Maritime Academy.

His favorite afternoons were spent on boat rides around the pond. Dave was always visiting loved ones down the street or up the hill and would never say no to a game of horseshoes, watching Boston sports or listening to Willie Nelson. These hobbies and skills were passed down to his children, truly ingraining his ways into the Anderson lifestyle.

Most recently, you would have found Dave relaxing in his chair, a smirk on his face and a Donald Duck memento nearby, watching the birds while enjoying some sweets or fried oysters. His mind, no doubt, was filled with memories stretching back to the days of writing those love letters. He will be remembered fondly as a rock-solid husband to one, a dad and Grampie to some, "Pip" to those closest to him, and a genuinely great guy to the many who knew and loved him.

Please join his family for a memorial visitation on January 31, 2026 at Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home, located at 40 MacArthur Blvd in Bourne, MA 02532 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM. Following the visitation, a Celebration of Life Service will be held at the same venue from 5:00 to 5:30 PM.