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Don Anderson Obituary
Don Howard Anderson passed away February 13, 2012 in Elmo, Utah, doing what he loved to do most, picking up hay for his animals and spending time with his lifelong companion, Windy Larsen, and her sons, Kenneth, Kirk and Kylan.
Don was born to loving parents, Orson K. and J. Yvonne Anderson in SLC, Utah. He grew up in Granger, Utah, attended Granger High School, worked at Granger Builders Supply and Granger-Hunter Water Improv. District driving trucks. Married Rebecca Ibarra, they later divorced. He had a very fond love and respect for his animals, horses, pigs, dogs and llamas. He will be sorely missed by his loving family, friends, nieces, nephews and many relatives.
Doni is survived by his sons, Garritt, Erik (Cherie), Matthew and Michael; daughter, Lisa Marie Anderson; grandchildren, Dylan, Ryan Anderson, Braden Duncan, Brooklyn, Isabelle Anderson, Isaac Maynes and Jackson Anderson, and a granddaughter due in March. He is also survived by his mother, Yvonne Anderson; brothers, Dave and Doug (Shelley); sister, DeAnne (John) Gaviotakis; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Preceded in death by his father, Orson Anderson; grandparents, uncles, aunts and infant daughter, KaraLee.
There wasn't a horse Don couldn't ride, or animal he couldn't tame, it was his love, his life and heart and soul. He loved the country, spending time with friends and family, having barbeques, and fixing grand slam breakfasts, and dutch oven dinners! There wasn't anything Don couldn't fix, except our broken hearts-we will Always Love and Miss You and remember the good times!
He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, taking them camping, fishing, truck and horseback rides up in the mountains to see and enjoy the beauty of the country and wilderness. He took time to visit family, friends and relatives in Utah and all of his sheepherder friends in the countryside. Always made time to visit his loving son, Garritt. Until we meet again Doni, watch over your "flock" with your wings and your love!
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Valley View Funeral Home, 4335 West 4100 South. The family will receive friends at a visitation Thursday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, 620 N. Main, Huntington, Utah; and Saturday morning prior to the service at 9:45 a.m. at Valley View Funeral Home.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.valleyviewfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Don Anderson
Sponsored by Matthew.
June 28, 2017
I miss my big Brother. You were my life, my rock! You were an example of hard work, dedicated work, never afraid to try something new and always take pride in the work you did and stick to it till the end. I miss the fun, cute animals you would bring us! Love you forever Doni, and I know and feel you're with Dad, and other family members and your baby daughter Karalee. Till we meet again!
June 27, 2017
June 27, 2017
March 18, 2014
We all miss you very much Doni. Garritt has asked me to send you a message of love. He misses your visits and fun stories about the ranch. A piece of YOU still lives in our children..... You will forever be "immortal."
Rebecca Ibarra
March 24, 2013
Hey Don,
The kids are all missing you very much but we all know that you are happily riding the trails with Baby Kara, your dad and all the uncles and other family members who went before you. You'd be so proud of all the grandkids! They know who you are and recognize your pictures! We will keep you in their memories forever.
We've missed you over the past year but are making the adjustments and accepting that we will not be seeing you again in this world. However, we know that we will see you again in Heaven. Until then....
Keep on Ridin'.................
Lisa Anderson
September 25, 2012
Your birthday is coming up. I so wish I could call you. Still so hard to accept that you're gone.
Minko Dasgupta
April 12, 2012
I never knew you, before visiting this webpage. Rest in peace, Don.
Lisa Anderson
April 1, 2012
So Dad, you have another grand-daughter. Karalee Dawn Anderson! How I wish you could have seen her! It hurts that my children will grow up and only have my memories of you. Jackson is too young to remember you and Karalee wasn't even born yet. Don't worry, I'll tell them all about you! Tell them how crazy you were, how much you loved horses and cooking, how much you loved to stop for toilets and bathtubs to plant your veggies, how great of a driver you were (taught me how to drive a stick shift and pull a trailer), how you loved to hunt even though I never knew you to catch anything :). I'll keep your memory alive and tell my children about their Grandpa Don a.k.a Grandpa Horsey! I love you Dad.
Matthew Orson Anderson
March 29, 2012
I just want to hug you one more time!! I'll be patient until I see you again in heaven, keep an eye out for old toy trains and stray animals like always. I can't wait to see what you found me up there :) I'll need your help doin some really hard puzzles so I can glue them up just like you showed me all those years ago. You will always be with me, I will never stop thinking about you and all the love and support you gave me so selflessly. You gave me the strength to be who I am today and the courage to always be true to myself.
Remember that one time I was living on 56th in great grandma Smith's old house and you were coming over, but then cancelled at the last minute and I made a big deal about it then when you got there I started crying uncontrollably? It wasn't that big of a deal but those feeling that came out about me loving you so much and missing you were true and you let me cry in your shoulder for what seemed like an hour and I felt so much better after, like a huge weight was lifted.
I need to cry in your shoulder again Dad, I need you to listen to my stupid stories about friends and I need your simple wisdom now ...but I missed my chance I hope you can forgive me for not showing my love more when I had the chance you definitely deserve it and will always be the greatest man that ever lived in my mind.
I love you, I love you, I love you so much and can't wait to cry in your shoulder again!
Don Anderson in 1978. We were living in a mobile home in West Jordan, UT.
Rebecca Ibarra
March 23, 2012
Don and Garritt's hands from the copy machine at Granger Builder's Supply (1979).
Rebecca Ibarra
March 23, 2012
Don with son Michael and daughter Lisa with baby Jackson (2011).
Rebecca Ibarra
March 23, 2012
Brooklynn and her grandpa Don.. AKA "Grandpa Horsey" (2003).
Rebecca Ibarra
March 23, 2012
Don with sons Erik and Matt and baby granddaughter Isabell. (2006)
Rebecca Ibarra
March 23, 2012
Don and his oldest son, Garritt Kent in 1980.
Rebecca Ibarra
March 23, 2012
Don and his third son, Matthew. (2010?)
Rebecca Ibarra
March 23, 2012
Ryan and Grandpa Don - Summer 2011.
Rebecca Ibarra
March 23, 2012
Don and his grandson Jackson in September 2011.
Rebecca Ibarra
March 23, 2012
Beer for my horses!
Lisa Anderson
March 19, 2012
Lisa Anderson
March 19, 2012
I have so many memories of my father, one that comes to mind at the moment is involving a certain horse. :) My father put me on this palomino named Pally, who had never been riden bareback. My dad threw me on her and she took off running up the lane. She was fine, just got excited and was kicking up her back legs as she ran. I was fine, scared me cause I was not prepared for her to take off like that. Anyways...my father told me to jump. What did I do? I listened to my father and jumped. We both laughed afterwards, cause once I landed he asked me why I jumped. "Well dad, you told me to." That horse later ended up breaking Windy's back. :(
Jennifer Magee
March 17, 2012
The best memory I have of Don was the day before mine and Garritts son Dylan was born. Don and Garritt had been planning to fix up the babies room for a while and just hadn't had the chance because of the holidays. So when I went into labor on January 7th 1995, Garritt called Don and told him Dad I think we need to get the babies room done, he is probably coming today or tomorrow. Don packed up all his tools and they both spent the whole day making a cute little room for us to bring Dylan home too.
He loved Dylan and Ryan so much and he really made me laugh when he would say he was sending home a baby goat with them every time they went to visit. Even though I'm pretty sure he wasn't kidding. Thank you for loving my children. RIP Don.
Don loved cuddling with his kids! Here he is with Garritt and Erik and then again with Erik and Matt.
Rebecca Ibarra
March 17, 2012
I remember this day like it was yesterday. Don standing in front of my old yellow Ford Fairlane in 1976. He was only 17 years old.
Rebecca Ibarra
March 17, 2012
This is me and Don after carving our names into a tree in Lamb's Canyon. We were just kids... 1975.
Rebecca Ibarra
March 17, 2012
Don was always building things! He was a great carpenter!
Rebecca Ibarra
March 17, 2012
Here is Don with his only daughter, LisaMarie.
Rebecca Ibarra
March 17, 2012
Here is Don with his fourth son, Michael Ross.
Rebecca Ibarra
March 17, 2012
Here is Don with his third son, Matthew Orson.
Rebecca Ibarra
March 17, 2012
Here is Don with his first-born son, Garritt Kent.
Rebecca Ibarra
March 17, 2012
Don was a great father to his five children. Here he is with his second son, Erik Don.
Rebecca Ibarra
March 17, 2012
Tracy Garner
March 17, 2012
I'm going to miss the early morning phone calls. Most of all, I'm going to miss hearing, "Love you Trace!" I love you Don and I will do my best with your wonderful kids.
There are lots of horses up there.... Enjoy the rides!
Love always from your friend,
Tracy
March 16, 2012
March 16, 2012
March 16, 2012
March 16, 2012
March 16, 2012
March 16, 2012
Lisa Anderson
March 12, 2012
I love you and will forever miss you! I will miss going Elk Hunting with you, even though we never did shoot anything, it was just spending time with you, playing poker in the trailer and making your famous Jumbolia! :) You taught me how to shoot, you taught me how to drive a stick shift, even though I almost burnt your clutch out! No one can ever replace your spot in my heart! I love you. I hope you knew that. There were so many things I wanted to say and do with you and never got the chance. I'm sorry for that.
Michael Anderson
March 11, 2012
I love you Dad, and will always keep you in my heart! I wish we had more time to spend together. My greatest adventures were with you, and are unforgettable! Thank you for the life you lived with us all!
Love you always. Your son,
Mike
james acord
February 23, 2012
cousin don you'll be truly missed i remember some of the good times like when my grandparents went to australla and i had to stay with ya all and at granger builders and at the sheep ranch and deer hunting r.i.p. cousin don
DeLoy & Virginia Butterfield
February 23, 2012
Yvonne and Family,We were very sorry to hear of Don's passing. We understand what it means losing a son & brother, having lost Jim three years ago. I know in my heart he is watching over us as our guardian angel. Know in your hearts Don is watching over all of you now as your guardian angel, keep him in your hearts with all the memories tucked away safely. Speak of him often and talk about all the good times. He's now with his Dad.
Aug 2011 with Brooklynn and Isabell Anderson
Erik Don Anderson
February 20, 2012
Dad, I love you. I'm so glad to have brought my Wife and kids to see your way of life. I remember getting dirty and caring for animals and many, MANY adventures while I was young. My little family had never experienced that until we came to see you in Aug. I'll never forget that trip.
How can you explain the loss of your Father? I really can't. My sole calming thought is that you passed doing what you loved, and in the country setting that fit you.
I'll pass what you taught me onto anyone that is willing to listen. Even your fried potato concoctions for dinner. And I'll make your potato salad everytime I'm expected to bring something to eat. Chili will be following :)
I'll miss your simple ways...driving slow, telling the SAME stories 100 times, and most of all, I'll miss drinking beer with my Dad.
The kids send their love, as does Cherie. They loved you so very much Pappa Horsey. Save us a spot, we'll see you again.
-Erik Don Anderson and Family.
Joyce Lisonbee
February 19, 2012
Yvonne and family--My heart and soul go out to you. I will always remember the good times hearing about all Doni did. I felt like I knew him, but wished I could have known him better. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Joyce
Linda Hermansen
February 18, 2012
Our dear friend, Yvonne,
We have great love,and many thoughts and prayers in our hearts for you and your loved ones.
You have such a fun and deep love for Doni that we feel we really do know him. We hope you will continue to tell us funny stories of Doni and the other "D's". Careful though, he and Orson might make a mischievious pair of angels.
We love you and hope somehow through all of this you will find love,peace and comfort.
Love always,
Kay Lin and Linda
Garritt Anderson
February 18, 2012
I love you dad! I will miss you terribly. You will be in my heart forever.
Bill Rekouniotis
February 17, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Catherine Ford-Barbiero
February 17, 2012
Doug - So sorry to hear of your brother's passing. I send you and your Mom my deepest sympathy and condolences. May he forever rest in peace and may his family and friends remember him with love, laughter, and joy with the memories and good times you all shared with him. (I hope you remember me from Union Pointe Constr.)
Mary Kontgis
February 17, 2012
Dear Doug and Shelley, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Don sounded like a wonderful family man and friend. May his beautiful spirit rest in peace.
~ Mary Kontgis
BRUCE HINKLE
February 16, 2012
GOT TO DEAL WITH DON ON TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS
WHAT A GREAT GUY HE WILL BE MISSED
THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Mike Isakson
February 16, 2012
Having Don for a brother in-law while growing up was cool. I remember playing with his matchbox car collection on the nights I slept over with him and Beccy. He always made sure the cars were put back in the case, cars with cars and trucks with truck. (lol) on friday nights when he knew I was there he would stop on his way home from work and get us all an ice cream shake from the small place just around the corner from their trailer in West Jordan. I also remember the weekend he took me to Ephraim and we spent the night in a sheepherder trailer and went to round up sheep the next morning on horseback with his good friend. Don always treated me well and he will always be in my thoughts when I look back at my younger years. Thank you for the fun memories Don, we will miss you.
Barbara Flanders
February 16, 2012
Our prayers go out to all of you during this difficult time, keep the fond memories near to your Heart. We recently lost Kelly, our son and brother, we know how hard it is to get through this and feel for you all. I know he is watching over his entire flock. Keeping you in our hearts and prayers, Love to you all Barbara Flanders and Family
Kevin & Marsha Wells
February 16, 2012
Dear Anderson family, we are so sorry to hear about Donny. I will always remember Donny from Granger Builders. Good guy. Good times. Donny was a lot like his dad. A simple man with a big big heart, who loved his family. We could use more of them. We will not forget Donny.
My heart is saddend he was very caring of my needs he tought my children so much the list is to long we miss him and know he is with us in spirit
Windy Larsen
February 16, 2012
Shanna Franklin
February 16, 2012
Dear Yavonne, David, Doug and DeAnne,
Mom and I were so sorry to hear about Donnie, just know that you all and in our thoughts and hearts. We will always remember all the fun times we had.
Love You All
Charlotta Kinder, Shanna Franklin, Cary Kinder and Cory Kinder
Carl A. Taylor
February 16, 2012
The Carl A. Taylor family will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult of times.
May your memories be of great comfort to you.
-= Carl A. Taylor =-
Nichole Gaviotakis
February 16, 2012
Uncle Doni was my favorite uncle!!! I'll miss him. He was the best man, he had a heart of gold, he was genuinely concerned about others, he was so kind and loving. He always had a fun activity planned when we went down to visit him, whether it was a rodeo, or a cookout, or showing us all his animals! He always pushed me to try new things and not be afraid!! He was really funny, he had a great sense of humor, and he always made everyone around him smile and laugh!! :-) I will never forget all those times he came down to the Greek Festival in Price and watched me dance!! He always asked about everyone when he called my grandma on the phone every Tuesday and Thursday!! And he would always offer me a brand new kitten :-) I will always treasure and cherish our memories forever!! He was a great uncle, friend, brother, dad, grandpa, and more!! R.I.P. UNCLE DONI, LOVE YOU ALWAYS AND FOREVER!!
Barbara Catlin Ray
February 16, 2012
Yvonne, DeAnne, Doug, Dave, Windy and all of Don's loved ones. I'm so very sorry for your loss. Don was a very warm hearted person who never let life get him down for long. I'm happy he was able to live out his passion these last few years.
May his memories live on forever in your hearts as God comforts his family and others' left behind.
Nichole Gaviotakis
February 16, 2012
I'm going to miss him, he was a great uncle!! Always had something fun planned when we visited him, always pushed me to try new things, not be afraid, always offered me a brand new kitten!! He had a heart of gold, he was the best guy!! The Greek festival down in Price will never be the same. R.I.P. Uncle Doni. Love you always and forever!!!
candice simpkins
February 16, 2012
Anderson children and Rebecca,
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know I am here for you. I wish I could help you with this loss. Don was able to pass away doing what he loved most and its amazing that he was able to have such a wonderful happiness with animals and on the farm. Erik and Cherie I love you guys. Rebecca you are an amazing woman. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help all of you.
Timothy anderson
February 16, 2012
I am so going to miss my cousin don he was a great cousin i have alot of fond memories of him thru out my child hood as he would come to ephraim in the summer time and live with us and help with the sheep although i have not talked to him much the past few years he has always been in my heart and thoughts as the rest of his family is!!!! love you cousin say hello to uncle orson grandpa uncle lee and my father and grandma
Brian & Vickie Schroeder
February 16, 2012
Windy & boys, we are very sorry for your loss. We know how much Don meant to you all. Remember the good times and know that you will see him again. Until then he will be watching over you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rebecca Ibarra
February 16, 2012
I received a lot of gifts from Don during the 15 years of our marriage but the best gift by far, was our six children! Don was a wonderful father and I'm so grateful for the memories I have of raising those kids together. Even after our divorce Don and I were able to stay friends. He was a likable fellow! Don was so happy living his life in the country surrounded by his animals and most importantly, by the love of a good woman, Windy, who loved him very much. My love and prayers go out to her and her three boys, Kenneth, Kirk, and Kylan. May God bring you peace during this difficult time. Know that Don loved you all very much.
I will miss Doni very much without a doubt. However, I am comforted in knowing that our baby girl, Kara, will finally be in the arms of her daddy after 31 years of separation. What a joyful time for them both! Our children will miss their father's presence but the memories and love Don gave them will last forever.
Watch over us Don.... We'll keep you in our hearts forever.
Love always,
Beccy
DeAnne Anderson Gaviotakis
February 16, 2012
Will miss you my loving Brother. Especially all the fun camping trips. Rip.
Matthew Anderson
February 15, 2012
I'm going to miss the adventures with him the most. Anything outdoors, anything with animals, he taught me everything I know about both and I'm dang proud of him. We are all better people for having him in our life and need to always keep him with us in our hearts.
Dale Wilberg
February 15, 2012
I last saw Don on Monday when he stopped for some bedding straw for his newborn pigs. I made Don's aquaintance a few years ago when he'd pickup bedding straw for his animals. Later I'd have parts or tires that would fit his tractor. I'll miss visiting with him.
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