Craig James Anderson

Cheryl, Hope you are doing well. We all remember Craig and his contributions to help teachers in the district. You both are loved and appreciated.

My condolences to Craig's wife Cheryl and his family. I'll always remember Craig smiling, laughing or telling a joke. It was a pleasure to know him for so long. It is a big loss.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. We had the pleasure of working with Craig for many years. I will miss his familiar laugh and sunny smile. Always a pleasure to be around.

A Successful Man.....

That man is a success-
Who has lived well, laughed often,
and loved much,
Who has gained the respect
of intelligent men
and the love of children,
Who has filled his niche
and accomplished his task,
Who leaves the world
better than he found it,
Who never lacked appreciation
of earth's beauty or failed to express it.
Who looked for the best in others
and gave the best he had....

RIP Poppa....We will love you forever.

Don't think of him as gone away
his journey's just begun,
life hold so many facets
this earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years,
Think how he must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
And think of him as living
in the hearts of those he touched....
for nothing loved is ever lost
and he was loved so much...

My condolences and prayers to Coach Anderson's family. My favorite memory from my three years of playing football for Coach (1964-1966 seasons) was the day he took off his glasses, got down in a three point stance and proceeded to demonstrate the correct way for an offensive guard to effectively block a defensive tackle. No pads and all.

My sincerest condolences to the family for your great loss. Jude 1: 20, 21

My condolences to the family. I remember Craig Anderson as the coach who finally won a football game at PVHS and how much that meant to everyone. At later reunions I got to know him and enjoyed talking with him about the "good old days" at PVHS.

I am a former SMHS & COE student. I was his student admin asst for the 83-84 school year and former President of the Mat Maids clubs which he was an advisor. I will always remember his welcoming smile. He was a sweet and kind hearted "gentle giant." It is with fond rememberence that I have for my time working with him as a supervisor and mentor. He was an amazing leader and deeply caring for all his athletes. Although I still don't know how he found anything on his desk!! He would just give us that sly smile & laugh when we would give him some crazy ideas for the wrestling team and let us go with it. He devoted much of his time to the improvements of education & athletics. My deepest condolences to his family. May God bless you in this time of sorrow. RIP Coach Anderson

Coach Anderson was one of finest men I have ever met. Coach had the incredible ability of maximizing ever players abilities. Which not only included athletic but developing character. Individually I feel incredibly blessed to have him as a coach and mentor for much longer than merely 1963 to 1967. Their will never be another Coach Craig Anderson. I am looking forward to the day when Coach Anderson and Coach Ryan and I will met in heaven.They made me far greater than my natural talents...Janey Kay McNamee football...basketball...and track

Coach Anderson was one of the toughest....yet big hearted coaches I ever had the privlledge of playing for. His knowledge of the game was far above the norm. Coach had the incredible gift of taking inexperienced players an developing their talents far in excess of their normal abilities. Their will never be another Coach Craig Anderson....you were the very best....looking forward to seeing you and Coach Ryan again in heaven, Love you....Janey Kay McNamee ....football...basketball ...and track...PVHS Class of 1967

My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your loved one. May prayers strengthen you and memories comfort you, and may our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loves us, comfort your hearts and "make you firm". (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17)

Craig was not only a great teacher, he was a teacher leader, guiding the Paradise Valley teachers through many years of contract agreements. As he set the bar high for his students, Craig inspired teachers to stand up for themselves. He was instrumental in establishing Paradise Valley's bargaining agreement and competitive wages to attract the best teachers to the district. Craig always honored those with whom he worked, students and teachers, rather than seeking glory for himself. He was an amazing leader and admired by all who knew him.

I too had Coach as my drafting instructor at PVHS in the mid-60s. It was a privilege to welcome Coach into membership in Phoenix Lodge #335 of the Elks as well. Coach Anderson was one of the "ringleaders" of the annual Hall of Fame ceremonies, and it was an honor to be asked by Coach to give welcome to the honorees and guests. Coach will always be a cherished friend.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

I met "Uncle Craig" when I was a little girl...and I will be 60 this year..I watched over and played wuth his children when they would visit my neighbors; their grandparents...yes Craig was an amazing athlete and he would share his joy of sports with neighbor kids and nephews!! "Uncle Craig" was kind..non judgemental and very supportive of those who needed guidance to pursue their goals...a huge giving heart and amazing smile that would warm any heart!! There are those, who without him, would be living a challenged existence...the mold was broken when Craig joined this earth...he will be terribly missed....my sympathy and heartfelt condolences to his family and friends

Craig helped me get into coaching as a young teacher at Shadow Mountain. He helped me start the boys swimming program there. I stayed in coaching for 39 years partially because of Craig. What a wonderful mentor with an infectious laugh and easy smile. My love and condolences to his family and friends.

Coach Anderson was my drafting teacher at PVHS in the mid 60's and was always an encouraging influence on every student with whom he came into contact. My wife and I will always remember him for his easy manner. He will be missed by all who knew him. Thanks Craig for being one of the best of the teachers at PVHS.

It's bye for now but never forgotten. You'll always be Coach to me. As you once told me "I learned from you young men as much as you learned from me". I am so proud to have been coached by you and of being a member of the team of "66" that won the first football game for PVHS. Dedication, hope and persistence was the key you taught us all. Rest in peace.

Craig had the warmest, most welcoming smile. He made me feel a valued guest whenever I visited your home. My fond thoughts and condolences are with you, his family. In loving memory of a wonderful person.

Craig was one of the first people I met when I joined the district back in 1973--so long ago. He was very welcoming and made me feel I'd found a home in Paradise Valley. I will miss that beautiful smile that he seemed to always have. I don't think I ever saw him angry or in a negative mood. He was a beautiful man. My sympathies.

I was fortunate to be a fellow teacher and coach with Craig at Paradise Valley High School in 1960-61and 1961-62. I then became Asst Supt of Schools at Paradise Valley until 1970. Craig was a fine teacher and a Great Coach. He was a great influence on so many young men in Football and Track. I watched him grow in so many great ways and I am so thankful I had the privledge of knowing this fine man. We have chatted on line several times over the past few years and he still had a great attitude towards Education and Athletics. My prayers go out to his wife and children. May God bless you in this time of sorrow

I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. We can be comforted by the words of the Bible, that give us strength to keep going on. Also, there is a hope that our dear loved ones will live in an earthly paradise. Our deepest condolences.

I am sorry for your great loss. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and comforts all who mourn," sustain your family during this challenging time. Isaiah 61: 1, 2

To the Anderson Family: My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there's a hope for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.