DELMON LEROY ANDERSON

1923 - 2012

Our beloved Delmon passed from this life on August 21, 2012. He was born July 11, 1923 to Anker and Emillie Anderson, grew up on the family farm, attended Oak Harbor schools and graduated with honors. He was student body president and an exceptional athlete. Upon graduating, he worked with Puget Sound Power and Light in Oak Harbor and Anacortes offices.

He married his high school sweetheart, Juanita Van Dyk, on July 24, 1942. They were married 70 years raising four children always living on North Whidbey.

Delmon and Juanita enjoyed a fine partnership in life. They spent 15 years farming in dairy, cattle, poultry and grain. They owned and operated a gas station in Oak Harbor on Pioneer Way. Delmon was a shareholder at Anacortes Veneer, Inc. for 9 years. For 28 years they owned/ operated a number of laundries and dry cleaners in the area including the Dutch Maid in Oak Harbor. Civic duty was important to Delmon and he was elected and served 2 terms as Island County Commissioner.

Delmon was kind, patient, fair, generous, patriotic, optimistic and always had a smile to share with others. He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed boating, fishing, camping, hunting, following local teams and was a loyal fan of the Seahawks and Huskies. He and Juanita enjoyed world travel. A highlight of their many travels was a 2006 family Alaska Cruise.

Family was Delmon's primary source of joy and times shared with them created cherished memories for all. At any such family event, he could be heard declaring loudly, "This is really living!" He especially enjoyed Big Lake picnics where family often gathered for wienie roasts, laughter and an occasional "Anderson nap". He had many life-long friends including his favorite buddies at the coffee shops he frequented each morning.

Delmon proudly served in numerous civic organizations: OH Producers C0-OP as Director, was master of Juan de Fuca Grange, was a Fire District organizer and Commissioner, a member of Toastmasters, and an active OH Lion for 45 years having served as a past president and in 2005 was awarded the club's Melvin Jones Fellow Award for humanitarian services.

He was also associated with Elks, Navy League, NW Regional Council, NW Air Pollution, Laundry Association, Puget Sound Anglers, Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group, and volunteered for Puget Sound Regional Blood Bank. He loved the Lord, and was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Oak Harbor.

Delmon is survived by his loving wife, Juanita, sons Doug (Micki) Anderson, Roger (Jackie) Anderson, Jeff (Donna) Anderson, daughter Judy (Bruce) Biddle, grandchildren Tod(Jennifer) Anderson, Scott(Jeni) Anderson, Kristin(Gorden) Wren, Katie(Tom) Sichler, Chris (Erin)Anderson, Erica (Mark)Mills, Tracy (Brian) Ladyman, Anker (Jennifer) Anderson, Kyle Biddle, Chad Biddle, Lia (Nate) Long, Kevin Anderson, Mitchel(Jennifer) Anderson, Darren Anderson, Tommy Poirier, Tammy (Bill)Roberts, brother-in-law Robert (Betty) Van Dyk, sister-in-law Vivian Anderson, 15 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews and their families.

Delmon was deeply loved by his family and will be greatly missed. His family offers their thanks to all who have supported Delmon and Juanita in their life together.

A memorial service will be held September 8, 2012 at 2:00 PM at the Oak Harbor First United Methodist Church.

The family suggests remembrances be made to: The OH Lions Club at P.O. Box 21, Oak Harbor, WA, 98277, OR to Puget Sound Blood Center (development office) 921 Terry Ave. in Seattle, WA 98104-1256.

To share memories of Delmon go on-line to www.burleyfuneralchapel.com.