March 1928 to April 2014
Eric Anderson died peacefully on April 23, 2014 at Mountain Lake Seniors Community after a 5 year struggle with dementia.
Eric Was born March 16, 1928 in Nelson. He spent his early years living in Riondel with his parents, Axel and Anna Anderson and two brothers, Knut and Ivar. When Eric was 11 years old, the family moved to Nelson where Eric resided for the rest of his life.
Eric started working as a teenager at Hood’s Bakery, and then as a fireman on the steam locomotives with CP Rail. He spent 2 years as a Nelson City Policeman in the early 1950’s. He worked construction for a few years and was involved in building the Kootenay Lake Hospital and Mary’s Hall at Notre Dame University. He worked part time for many years with CP Rail as a brakeman and a conductor until he was hired fulltime. He retired from the railway in February 1986.
In 1949, he met the love of his life, Beryl Elsmore and on September 15, 1951 they were married. Three years later their daughter, Debbie, was born. Many years later, the arrival of two granddaughters was a highlight and he loved spending time with them. They spent many hours enjoying the company of their Papa and Nana.
Eric loved the outdoors-fishing, hiking, huckleberry picking, cross country skiing were a few of his favorite pastimes. After his retirement he spent many hours volunteering at the Nelson Nordic Ski Club and was made a life time member-an achievement he was very proud of. He loved to garden and always had a large garden. When he and Beryl moved into a smaller home, he had to have a smaller garden but then took on the garden at his daughters place as well. He loved to start his days having coffee with the “guys”. When he could no longer drive, he would take a taxi to the coffee shop.
Eric loved all animals, and always had a cat as a companion.
After Beryl’s death in 2003, Eric’s dementia slowly worsened and in May 2009, Eric was moved to the Beachview cottage at Mountain Lake Seniors Community where he remained until his death.
During his life, Eric was a loving husband, father, brother and grandfather and he will be sadly missed by all.
Eric was pre-deceased by his wife, Beryl in 2003 and his two brothers. He is survived by his daughter, Debbie Janzen (Barry) of Shoreacres, granddaughters Kristin Laidlaw of Nelson, and Shannon Carr (Chris) of Calgary, great-grandchildren Owen, Anthony, and Abby of Calgary, sister-in-law Thelma Anderson of Calgary, brother-in-law Ed Elsmore of New Denver, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Gayle and Earnest Harding of Smithers, and Many nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place and Eric’s cremains will be interred in the New Denver Cemetery with Beryl’s. At Eric’s request, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Mountain Lake Seniors Community, 908 Eleventh St, Nelson, BC V1l 7A6 or Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation, 3 View Street, Nelson, BC V1L 2V1
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Mountain Lake Seniors Community, especially Beachview staff and Dr. Janz, for their compassionate care and understanding over the past 5 years.
Arrangements are under the direction of Thompson Funeral Service Ltd. Online condolences may be expressed at www.thompsonfs.ca