We bid a fond and affectionate farewell to the kindest, wittiest, most Christ like and loving man one could ever hope to meet, Lee Griffin Andersen.
Born in Ogden, Weber, UT on June 19, 1932, Lee would grow to become the heart of his family and the love of Carol's life. He passed away on February 1, 2026, leaving a void in our hearts, that will only be filled by sharing his love and kindness with each other.
His parents 'Daddy' and 'Mother' (Otto and Ruth) taught Lee the importance of hard work and honesty, and not working on the Sabbath (otherwise the cows will get out) three things he never forgot.
Lee learned many life lessons growing up with his brother and sister. Helen was always his favorite sister, not because she was the only girl, but because she had such a kind heart. He learned many life lessons on the farm, one of the most valuable was to let Rosel use the outhouse first on cold frosty mornings.
When the family farm was to be incorporated into the new Army Depot, they moved up to Nyssa OR, where five short years later Daddy suffered a stroke and past away. When asked by Helen if he would like to say goodbye to him, he said no, and turned and went out to work, later admitting that he didn't want to remember him as being sick.
Following his dad's death, Lee took on the responsibilities of the farm, which didn't allow for consistent school attendance and prohibited him from a lot of normal teenage activities.
At the age of 18, he tried to enlist in the Army, during the Korean War, but was categorized as F-4, 'unfit for duty, medical'. He was then called to serve as a missionary in the Great Lakes Mission and served honorably for 2 years.
Upon his release and return home, miracle-of-miracles, he was eligible for the draft and was designated a mechanic and assigned to Okinawa Japan for about 2 years. It took 19 days through rough, post typhoon waters, on a military cargo ship. Upon boarding, he thought it would be a good idea to get the bottom bunk…he was wrong. It was 19 days of a vomit waterfall coming down on him.
Lee returned home and attended BYU where he met the love of his life Carol June Holmes from Montpelier ID. They were married on September 1st, 1960, and she started a new teaching job on September 2nd…Happy Honeymoon.
Lee lived his life with a sense of humor that would turn ordinary moments into unforgettable memories.
Lee's profession of choice was being a Jr. High School Math Teacher, where he helped transform "knuckleheads into almost real people". His remarkable patience and unparalleled wit made him a favorite amongst students and colleagues alike.
Lee had a knack for turning hobbies into adventures, especially when he and LaMar Capener, A.K.A. "The Badluck Brothers" were together. They went on several fishing trips together, just not many catching trips. He enjoyed working in his garden, and checking each little plant on a daily basis. He built many woodworking projects that are still in use in various homes; some are over 60 years old.
Up until a few years ago, he was an avid reader. He enjoyed reading Church history, Louis L'mour, the funniest and the obituaries, "just to see if he was in there." Above all else, he enjoyed spending time with his family, it didn't even have to be quality time…just time. He approached everything with an infectious enthusiasm, (you've never seen anyone so excited about a bologna sandwich, especially a fried one)
"Ak-sa-meo!!"
His love for Carol, was nothing short of pure and true. We, his children, can't recall ever hearing him speak unkind to her, or about her; not even an eye-roll every now and then. He always noticed when mom wasn't around, including the day before his passing, he noticed that mom was not around and he asked, "Well, well, where's Mom?" and would always make it a point to shuffle his walker past her and say "goodnight, Sweetheart".
Lee and Carol make a great team. He was always a good sport, always willing to help, and was her right-hand man on any adventure she had in mind. As a father, he had that rare talent that would make each of us feel that they were his favorite child, though we all know who it really was.
His was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served as a Bishop and Bishopric member, High Councilman, Stake Missionary, Varsity Scout Coach, and many, many more, some that don't even exist anymore. He served two full-time missions, and although he didn't feel like he had much Missionary success, there are at least 69 individuals here who would beg to differ.
Lee is survived by his loving wife of over 65 years, Carol and 7 of their 9 children, Kristin (Telly) Longhurst, Cheri (David) Scott, Denise (Dyke) Roskelly, Steven Lee Andersen, Emily (Nathan) Bird, Cara Lynn Yeager, and Brian (Rachel) Andersen. Additionally, he has 25 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
He was proceeded in death by his father, Otto Rosel Andersen; mother, Ruth Doul Griffin; daughter, Marlene Hamilton; son, Kendall H. Andersen; granddaughter Kambree Roskelly; brother, Rosel Griffin Andersen; and sister, Helen Ruth Harker and their loving spouses, Lois and 'Bud'
His life was a testament to the power of patience, longsuffering, resilience, service and unwavering faith. Let's remember him with smiles and laughter, just as he would have wanted. "Oh, Horse feathers"
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Myers Mortuary, 5865 South 1900 West,
Roy, Utah. A viewing will be held Friday, February 6, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and prior to the services from 9:30-10:45 am.
To help us honor Lee and celebrate his life, we invite you to share a memory or upload a phot on his memorial page at: www.myers-mortuary.com.
Services entrusted to Myers Mortuary of Roy