Obituary of Al Anderson

ANDERSON, Alton (Al) Bruce April 27, 1932 – July 2, 2024

To Watch Recorded Video of Memorial Service Click this Link: https://video.ibm.com/embed/recorded/133810685

Al, loving husband and father, grandpa and great-grandpa passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 2, 2024. He leaves to celebrate his life and mourn his passing his children Jackie (Harry) Smith, Gillian (Eric) Grisdale, Bodie and Archie Grisdale, Zach, Logan (Emily); Judy (David) Jahnke, Elisabeth, Daniel and Annelise; Karen (Pat) Kelly, Julia and Stephen; Kirk (Shauna) Anderson, Jenna and Luke; his brother Morris. He was predeceased by his loving wife Joan, his son Doug, his parents Clarence and Alma, his brothers Ray (Marj), Cliff (Betty), Russ (Audrey), sister-inlaw Betty, and brother-in-law Bruce. Al was born on the family farm at Langham, SK, on April 27, 1932, where he lived until moving to Saskatoon in Grade 1. He attended Caswell and Westmount School and Bedford Road Collegiate. He was always a strong supporter of the old red and white, proudly attending the 100th anniversary of Bedford a year ago. Dad loved basketball, playing in high school and for the Navy, and coaching at the U of S. His love of sports led to a life in the sports business. Starting with Athletic Equipment Sales (AES) in 1955, the business now known as Al Anderson’s Source for Sports is still operating almost 70 years later.

Al and Joan first met in Watrous when they were teenagers and it was love at first sight. Theirs was an amazing love story and they were incredibly devoted to each other and supported each other always. They were married in 1955 and had 67 wonderful years together. Our entire family has enjoyed many memorable summers with Mom and Dad at the family cabin at Emma Lake and some awesome vacations in Clearwater Beach, Florida. Dad was a loving father to his 5 children. In 1960 Doug was born with cerebral palsy. At this time there were almost no services available to children with special needs. This led to a lifetime commitment of creating services and opportunities for children

and adults with disabilities, being a founding member of Elmwood Residences, Cosmopolitan Industries, and the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute.

Dad received many accolades for his service to our city and province, including Saskatoon Citizen of the Year, the Howard Stensrud Spirit of Cosmo Award, the B’nai Brith We’re Proud of You Award and most recently the Saskatchewan Order of Merit in 2023.

Dad loved music! He sang in the church choir, performed with his cousins’ band The Rey Dahlen Sound, was a soloist at church and at many weddings and funerals, and composed many original tunes.

Faith was important to dad and he was a member of Zion Lutheran Church for 86 years. Al’s family would like to thank the staff at Trinity Manor and the Hospice at Glengarda for their excellent care and compassion for our Dad. We want to thank Liz who started as a caregiver for our mom, became a friend to all of us and continued as a helper to dad. A celebration of Al’s life will be held on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 11:00 am at Zion Lutheran Church, 323 4th Ave S, Saskatoon. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the "Stensrud Family Top of the Rock Trust", care of Cosmopolitan Industries, 28 - 34th St E, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 3Y2. https://www.cosmoindustries.com/DonationsFundraising.html#extMenu10-8a This fund provides life-enriching activities for individuals with intellectual disabilities in our community.