Aaron Craig Anderson

Aaron Anderson

1972-2022

Confirmed on July 4, 2022, Aaron Craig Anderson, 49, passed away among the quiet of earth and sky in Utah's Uinta mountains, a place he loved.

Born to Linda and Neil Anderson on November 1, 1972, Aaron was raised in West Valley City where he attended Cyprus and Hunter High schools. Growing up, he loved camping with his father and brothers near Topaz Mountain, exploring the open fields that surrounded his home, Dungeons and Dragons, and learning guitar. By the time Aaron turned 18, he was writing music and emerging as an icon in Salt Lake City's underground music scene. Best known for his time with Decomposers, he also spent decades collaborating with local musicians to create The Starving Artists, Sadhana, The Sore Losers, The Larry's, the 11th House Project, and most recently The Preacher and the Parasites.

In 1992, Aaron became a young father to Chelsea, the love of his life, who embodies his passion for music, as well as his sense of humor and twinkling blue eyes. During her teen years, Aaron taught Chelsea about honesty and human dignity and kindness. He also taught her about human complexity, holding compassion, and freedom in forgiveness. In the end, it was she who provided him with his life's greatest joy: Karmyn and Jaxxon, his grandchildren.

Aaron loved gardening and the outdoors, especially Utah's west desert. He was an engaged student of life who unapologetically studied and questioned cultural structures and norms, including those around mental illness. He appreciated history, anthropology, astronomy, mysticism and meditation,Tarot reading, magic and the unknown. He was a conversationalist whose knowledge was expansive, and he could credibly debate various topics. On Sundays, he played Dungeons and Dragons with a few of his closest friends, and he was also in the process of studio recording his latest music project, The Preacher and the Parasites.

Aaron is survived by his father Neil Anderson, partner Heidi Bergvall, daughter Chelsea Miguel (Jose) and two grandchildren, Karmyn and Jaxxon. He is also survived by his 7 brothers and sisters: Lorilyn Stanley (Bill), Nathan Anderson, Emily Anderson, Casey Anderson, Tyler Anderson (Rosemary), Coby Anderson (Jayme), Alissa Anderson, and several nieces and nephews. Aaron also leaves behind his favorite chihuahua, Bukowski, and a strong brotherhood of friends. He is preceded in death by his mother, Linda Anderson.

As the voices of compassion during Aaron's final days, we express deep gratitude to his big sister, Lorilyn, and his friends Kelly Mounteer and Lee van der Wekken. After putting up a fierce fight, Aaron ultimately surrendered to his depression. May he finally have peace. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to NAMI Utah to support mental health care and suicide prevention.

A celebration of life will be held in Aaron's honor, July 14, 6-8 p.m. at the Clubhouse, 850 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City. In true Aaron fashion, this will be a casual and expressive affair. We encourage you to wear your favorite band T-shirt and, if you'd like to, join us in an open mic. Parking is available at the doctor's office at 22 S. 900 E. or on the street in the surrounding neighborhood.