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Chef Darrell L. ANDERSON CEC, CCE, AAC, HOF Darrell Lester Anderson of Puyallup passed away on April 10, 2011 in Tacoma, Washington at age 81, just 2 weeks shy of his 82nd birthday after a 2 year illness. Born in Hood River, Oregon on April 27, 1929, the 2nd of three children to Jacob Peter and Ruth Hutson Anderson of Parkdale, Oregon. At his side was his longtime love and wife of 59 years, Catherine. Darrell grew up in a modest house built during the depression by his father on the family homestead in Parkdale. He attended Parkdale Grade and High Schools. He didn't really enjoy school, but he loved fishing and playing baseball, and was given the title 'Home Run King'. He always said he was lucky to have nothing because he appreciated everything. Darrell's passion became evident early in life. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War in November 1950 where he received his first formal Culinary training. After graduation he became the youngest Culinary Instructor at Fort Lewis. Darrell met Catherine Dickinson, the love of his life, when they were just 14 years old. They were married on September 8, 1951. That winter he left his new bride and was transferred to Camp Coe, Yokohama, Japan where he served 2 years. After leaving the Army in January 1953, Darrell attended the Edison Technical School of Culinary Arts (now Seattle Central Community College). After graduation in 1955, he moved his family to Federal Way. He was chef at several clubs in Washington, as well as owner/operator of Roses Hi-Way Inn, a Washington State landmark at that time. During this period, he was a member of the Board of Directors of the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce and President of the Federal Way Boys Club. He also owned and operated King Catering for 25 years. In 1967 he was named Dept. Head of the Culinary Arts Program for the Sea-Tac Occupational Skills Center (OSC) in Seattle. To quote a former student who is a successful chef today, "Darrell's enthusiasm was infectious providing more and more opportunities to learn". He graduated over 2,000 students over the years and retired in 1991. Chef Anderson has been a member of the American Culinary Federation (ACF) Washington State Chefs Assoc. (WSCA) since 1955. He served on the Board of Directors for the ACF WSCA Chefs as well as numerous other positions including chapter president twice. He was also a member of the American Academy of Chefs (AAC) and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1996. He was the first chef in Washington state to receive this award. In 2003 he received the AACs Good Taste Award and, also that year, the Western Region's Hermann G. Rusch Chefs Achievement Award. In 2006 he received the Antonin Careme Medal. He was a longtime member of the Escoffier Society of Seattle as well. He also was a member of the Golden Toque. In 1979 he was named ACF WSCA 'Chef of the Year'. The WSCA has also established a scholarship in his name. His titles included Certified Executive Chef (CEC), Certified Culinary Educator (CCE), American Academy of Chefs (AAC), Hall of Fame (HOF), and Chair Emeritus ACF Senior Chefs Committee. He was well known as a caring advocate for senior chefs. He also served as the national ACFs historian for many years. His personal papers were donated to Renton Technical College where they have a library in his name. Darrell is survived by his wife, Catherine, and their 4 children: Deborah Johnson of Puyallup, Dana Anderson of Matlock, Darwin Anderson of Anacortes and David Anderson of Cle Elum; along with his 2 sisters: Denzel Green and Doris Hill, both of Parkdale, OR. He had 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, April 23, in the Valley Chapel at Mountain View Memorial Park, 4100 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood, WA, 98499. Donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation. Darrell was always the teacher and touched many lives. He will be greatly missed, but not forgotten.
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Chef Anderson inspired us all to be the best. He will be missed and always rememered by myself and many great Culinarians.
Chef Jeff Bennett MCFE
Chef Jeff Bennett
April 25, 2011
Chef Darrell was my inspiration in this industry more than 30 years ago. He taught me not only the culinary side but the work ethic. he was a good friend and a devoted teacher, i will miss him.
tracey stephenson
April 25, 2011
Chef Anderson was a living reminder to all that no matter how great our successes, we stand on the shoulders of giants before us !! He is and will always be missed and remembered !!
Chef Ray L Duey, CEC, on the road
ray duey
April 24, 2011
Dear Family and Friends of Chef Anderson. Not only was Darrell a good colleuge but a dear friend as well. He will be loveingly remembered and greatly missed. My depest sypathy's to the family. Gods Speed Darrell. I know we will make a great feast when we meet in Heaven. Patti Curfman
April 23, 2011
Chef Anderson was a good friend and mentor to me in my culinary pursuits. He always treated me with respect and his enthusiasm was contagious. He influenced many chefs and the culinary profession will all miss him. Chef Stefanie Branica, Seattle, WA
April 22, 2011
so sorry to hear of Darrell's passing. he always treated me kindly and showed much enthusiasm and inspiration in my own learning and accomplishments. Moreso than anythign else, he had a "father-like" aura to him that reminded me of my own father. Sad to lose him. Best to hsi family...
BIll Morris
April 21, 2011
Sorry to hear of the passing of Darrell. My husband and I went to school with him. I know thru the years we all went seprate qays but will always remember him. My husband and him visiting now.
Vicki Fox
April 20, 2011
Chef Anderson was a true educator and a gentleman, always approaching people and life from "How can I help". He was an inspiration to me personally and I will never forget him. David Wasson - Tagum City, Mindanao, The Philippines
April 19, 2011
Darrell was a good friend of mine. He was a great and giving chef, a true gentleman, a chef who loved the profession and will certainly be missed by all of us.
Jean E. Clary
Jean Clary
April 19, 2011
I have been so blessed by receiving Darrell's wisdom and inspiration, and of course by being part of this wonderful family. Even though we were cousins, I called him "Uncle". To me this put him higher on the pedastal. So now we reflect in our wonderful memeories and the love of one another. It's our turn to carry the torch. I know he is preparing waffles and fresh strawberries above! All our love to the rest of the family. Laurel and family
Laurel Wilson
April 19, 2011
Who could forget those blueberry pies at family reunions. You always had a funny story to tell us, and Darrell, we used the good silver saturday. Thank you so much for that.
Vivian and Rich Lothian
Wenatchee, wa.
Vivian and Rich Lothian
April 19, 2011
I am very proud and priviledged to have known Darrell. I will always remember how his presence and attitude inspired everyone to really appreciate the many family reunions that he helped make possible. You will be missed, but not forgotten.
Ed Harris
April 19, 2011
"His was indeed a life well lived. We are so sorry for your loss."
Tom & DiDi Monroe
April 17, 2011
Dad, as I always knew him and called him, was a wonderful man. His daughter Debbie was my best friend in junior high. I was welcomed into the Anderson home and treated as one of the family. It was always most apparent that he loved Mom (Catherine) very much, and that his children were most important to him. It was Dad who taught me how to set a table. My sympathy goes out to his family and friends.
Debbie Claus-Peterson
Debbie Claus
April 17, 2011
Catherine & family
Our deepest sympathy. Rest in peace Darrel, we will miss your wisdom and friendship.
Gary & Elaine Fuller
April 17, 2011
To My Teacher, Mentor and Friend
I am so proud that you came into my life. You are one of a kind, an endless source of inspiration and energy. God gave you a special gift and you used it well. You will always in our thoughts and forever in our hearts. Dan
Dan Lewark
April 17, 2011
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