John Anderson

John S. Anderson passed away on September 3rd, 2022, at the age of 88, following complications from Parkinson's Disease. He was born on December 27th, 1933, in Kent WA, to John and Dorothy Anderson.

John grew up in O'Brien and graduated from Kent High School in 1951. He attended University of Washington and Central Washington University before enlisting in the Navy during draft time. After several Navy stations, he and his high school sweetheart, Myrna, married on July 31, 1954. They spent one year in Detroit, Michigan for John's last year of Naval service before returning to Washington for John to finish college. He earned a bachelor's degree in education from Pacific Lutheran University and a master's degree in school administration from University of Puget Sound. With help from his friend Willie Calhoun, John built their home in Sumner, WA, and established residence in 1960. John had a successful 35-year career as a teacher, coach, and administrator in the Sumner School District.

John was the head football coach for 16 years at Sumner High School, leading teams to a record of 114-52-6. He won five league championships, two state championships (1975 and 1977), was named State Coach of the Year in 1977, and was inducted as a member of the Washington State Coaches Hall of Fame in 1988.

John also served 16 years as the Sumner School District Athletic Director. He was voted the 1988 Washington State Athletic Director of the Year and was inducted as a member of the Washington State Athletic Director Hall of Fame in 1996. During his years as the Athletic Director he also found time to serve for 8 years as a member of the WIAA Executive Board.

John was an active member of Sumner Rotary, serving as Club President in 1994 and later serving as Assistant District Governor for three years. He was most recently honored with a Rotary Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his service to his community and Rotary District 5020. He was a true servant leader and lived his life according to the Rotary motto, "Service Above Self."

In addition to Rotary and his highly successful career as a teacher, coach, and administrator, he was an exceptionally talented wood craftsman. He built a multitude of beautiful fine furnishings that his family will continue to value, relish and appreciate as a part of his legacy. He was an avid snow and water skier and taught all his kids to ski. In their retirement, John and Myrna enjoyed many cruise ship travels throughout the world along with sunshine weeks in Arizona, Central Oregon, and Cabo San Lucas.

John is survived by his wife, Myrna, son Brian (Michelle), son Eric (Nancy), daughter Kerri, brother Robert (Penny), 8 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Dorothy, son Craig, son Kevin, daughter-in-law Michelle, and son-in-law Dean.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 1st, at the Swiss Sportsmen's Club in Bonney Lake, WA. An additional memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, October 2nd at Mt. View Lutheran Church in Edgewood, WA.

Donations in John Anderson's name can be made to the Kevin Anderson Scholarship fund at Sumner High School, Sumner Rotary Club, Mt. View Lutheran Church, or a personal choice of fund in his memory.

John was the most patient, generous, calm, and kind man who cared deeply about his family, friends, and community. He will be greatly missed.