Alvin Swen Anderson

He was anxious to get here as his arrival was just 2 hours before midnight, he didn’t want to be classified as one of those April Fools babies. He is the oldest of 6 children (Eugene, Margaret Larsen, Ronald, Colleen Fowler and Gary) of parents Swen August Anderson and Rhoda Ethel Harrison. Shortly after graduating from South High School in Salt Lake City, he enlisted in the Navy during World War II. He didn’t serve long before the war ended but did have some memorable experiences that shaped his life forever. He liked to joke that the Germans surrendered shortly after hearing Al had joined the Navy. He met his sweetheart and future wife (Donna Euland Yates) in high school. They dated during this time and eventually were married in the Salt Lake Temple on January 15th 1947. 9 months after they were married, he was called to serve a full time mission in Helsinki Finland for the next 2 ½ years. Donna supported Alvin in every way possible including financially while on his mission. Their love letters during his service in both the Navy and on his mission are recorded in a book he later wrote entitled “Letters to my Love”. He also wrote his life history and published the book “Precious Memories”.

Alvin and Donna built a home in Holladay Utah and moved in on October 21st 1958. Al continued to live in that same home for the remainder of his life for the past 66 years, with the exception of the past 6 months where he lived at Copper Creek Assisted Living. Together they had 6 children. Kevin (Diane), Jody Prescott (Clark), Lisa Flowers (Dean), Clay (Melony), Tyler (Suzanne) and Creed (Brooke). Alvin was the ultimate father in not only providing for his children, but also teaching them his strong beliefs while balancing work, church and fun. As a family he would take them every year to Newport Beach in California. Later they purchased 6 ½ acres in the mountains near Wanship Utah and most summers were then spent there. Al built a cabin (that is still standing) without any power tools. He loved spending time working on the cabin, 4 wheeling, playing horseshoes but mostly just having quality time with his family.

Alvin was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He served in several callings including Bishop, Temple square host with Donna, Temple worker for 28 years, and 2 full time missions (the final one with Donna) to his beloved land of Finland. He often spoke of his love for the gospel, his service, and the many friends he made along the way. As a Bishop, his ward nick named him “Bishop Al the Kiddies Pal” or BATKP and it stayed with him for the remainder of his life.

Alvin got an insurance degree “CLU” with classes at the University of Utah. His civic activities included President of the SLC Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees), President of Utah Association of Life Underwriters, Social worker SLC Detention Center, Scoutmaster recipient of “Silver Beaver Award” and later served at the Scout Headquarters for Exploring Scouts. He was also active in the Republican party and helped several prominent candidates get to Washington DC. Al was named “The outstanding Young Business Man of Salt Lake” in 1962. He also received honors and the DSA award from Mayor J Bracken Lee for his outstanding community service.

Al started selling life insurance in 1950 going door to door to support his family. This later developed into other lines of insurance and his own business called “Alvin S Anderson Insurance” which was eventually shortened to his initials to what the business is known as of today (ASA Insurance). As the business grew he invited his 3 youngest sons to work with him and eventually turned the business over to them so he could serve a couples mission.

Nearly 4 years after Donna passed away he married Sharon Webster Harvey on November 23rd, 2013. They had many fun adventures together and enjoyed their golden years. Alvin was grateful to have additional family to love and to love him. Between the two of them they have 10 children, 32 grandkids, 47 great grandkids and 1 great great grandchild.

Alvin is proceeded in death by his eternal companion Donna, his 2nd wife Sharon, his oldest son Kevin, 2 grandsons, 1 great grandson, 3 siblings and countless friends. Al will be greatly missed by everyone he has touched over his 98 years. We love you dad!

A viewing will be held in his honor Monday May 12th from 6 -8pm at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary located 3401 S. Highland Drive. His funeral services will be on Tuesday May 13th at 11am (with a viewing from 10am) located at 4430 South 2675 East.

(Obituary drafted by Al himself)