Richard Packard Anderson

Richard P. Anderson sadly passed away on March 7th, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones after a short battle with cancer. He was born in Mason City, Washington. As a young child he moved to Enumclaw WA where his dad worked as a mechanic. He then moved to Everett WA where he spent the remainder of his life. Richard graduated from Everett HS, then worked in sales. When he retired, he spent his time woodworking, gardening and building in his yard. He is survived by his wife of 58 years Sonja Anderson, his three children; Ryan Anderson (Bonnie), Savona Kiessling (Mark), and Salita Anderson, and his seven grandchildren; Selene Anderson, Sarah Anderson, Angelina Anderson, Rosemary Kiessling, Autumn Kiessling, Samuel Kiessling, and William (Liam) Kiessling. The graveside service was held March 14th, 2024, at Cypress Lawn Memorial Park.

Dick was a member of the Silent Generation, he was shaped by many historic events, which contributed to his resourcefulness and firm belief in quality tools, appliances, lumber, and parts. There was no way these firm beliefs would not get passed along to his children. Dick possessed an unwavering work ethic, a strong resilience, and a stubborn determination, not uncommon of those from his generation who were born during the Great Depression and came of age after World War II. Dick was not afraid to speak his mind and stood up for what he believed and was a stickler for fairness. Near the end of his career, when he was in sales, he shared that he was particularly protective of older women. As representations of his own mother, he was going to ensure that these women received the same respect and treatment that he would expect someone to show his own mom, even if it got him into some trouble. But speaking up was never something that Dick shied away from. This is why he loved Donald Duck; Donald was relatable, he sometimes lost his temper, and he was the underdog. His fondness for Donald Duck speaks to the kind of person he was.

Dick loved to hunt and spend time in the outdoors in his younger years. He would hunt primarily with his dad, Walter, who was also a great outdoor enthusiast. His favorite part of hunting was being among the trees and in nature. He would sit quietly for hours on end, enjoying the sounds of the birds and the peacefulness of the forest around him. Once, he watched a squirrel scamper up onto his knee, not realizing that Dick was not part of the forest itself. As this small furry creature munched on his nut, Dick sat mesmerized and felt blessed by the experience. He also enjoyed the nearby rivers, fishing steelhead and trout with his good friend Pinky. He shared his love of the outdoors with his children through numerous family camping trips exploring WA and the western states.

The greatest love of his life was his wife, Sonja. They met in 1960 and began seeing each other soon after. Dick finally lost his cold feet in 1965 and they married that same year in October. Together they bought a home, the same one they shared together until this month, and before you could blink, Dick began construction on the fence and garage. And so, his life with his beloved Sonja took shape and form, which included dollar bill bets concerning who was right or wrong that moved the same bill back and forth for nearly 60 years. Each could finish the other one’s sentences, and the companionship and love they shared with each other was a blessing and a gift. Throughout his marriage, Dick and his wife Sonja enjoyed taking trips down the Oregon coast – they typically visited Cannon Beach annually and up north to La Conner and over the mountains to Leavenworth a couple times a year. Together, they enjoyed antiquing, appreciating artwork, walking along the ocean shore, and sitting at a pub with an ice-cold IPA.

At home, Dick enjoyed, most of all, working in his yard and workshop. Dick began his love of working with wood on a larger scale, building a garage, several sheds, and additions to the house, his large deck, planters, and his beloved wind vanes which took the shape of ducks and airplanes. Beginning in 2001, Dick began honing his skills at fine woodwork. He found fine woodwork to be much more challenging and never one to back down from a challenge, dove into it with passion. Dick had a gift at understanding spatial relationships, so everything he created was designed in his head. Dick built furniture and clocks for he and Sonja, his children, and grandchildren with an incredible amount of love and care. In fact, one of his pieces of work was highlighted in Popular Mechanics.

Dick loved fixing things. During his days as a manager at Broadway Hardware, he would frequently come to the homes of customers to make repairs free of charge. He enjoyed performing maintenance and making repairs at the homes of his children, as well as at his own home. Nothing was typically beyond fixing for him, and he relished a challenge. His kids made sure that they provided enough of these challenges to their dad. Dick also adored cars. He worked on cars until they eventually got too computerized for his own liking. Like many of his generation, he preferred the older cars and everything that they represented.

Dick was proud of his three children, Ryan, Savona, and Salita, and he frequently shared how much he loved them. When they were young, he continually provided sources of entertainment for them in their family’s back yard. It began with the construction of a sand box when they were very small. As they grew, he put in a tire swing, a swing set, a tether ball, a net for badminton and of course, a basketball hoop. He always made sure his kids were happy and fulfilled, and their joy was very important to him. In an effort to keep them engaged while growing up, he initially picked himself up some Road Island Reds for some in-yard entertainment. Chickens, mallard ducks and peacocks all lived in the Anderson yard. It was like watching a wildlife channel in your own backyard. Dick always loved birds. He built numerous bird houses and feeders throughout the yard. It was a daily routine for him to make sure all the birds had food and nectar, and he never once evicted a bird for not paying their rent.

Dick had an outstanding sense of humor. He was truly a ham. Lover of Donald Duck, Bill the Cat, Pogo, and all things humorous, Dick always enjoyed a good laugh. One only has to flip through old photos to be reminded of Dick’s keenness in making a silly face or gesture when a camera was pulled out. Everybody loved him. For years, Dick enjoyed the 4th of July parties at his son Ryan’s house, where he could socialize with his family and enjoy the laughter and antics that always happens when family gets together.

It is hard to say goodbye to someone like Dick who has had such a big impact on the lives of those who knew him and loved him. He will always be remembered for the smile on his face, the friendly jokes he made, the camera always in his hand, and the love he had for his family.

Richard was very much loved by his family and will be greatly missed.

Richard's place of rest is Cypress Lawn Cemetery in Everett, Washington.