George D. ‘Rev’ Anderson passed away on August 19, 2023, at his home in Burlington, Washington surrounded by family. He was born in Underwood, North Dakota to Arthur O. and Mary (Knoblich) Anderson on September 13, 1934. George was the sixth of 15 children. He was baptized and confirmed in Augustana Lutheran Church in Underwood. He graduated from Underwood High School. While in high school he worked at Conoco Service Station. After high school, he attended the State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND and then worked at Garrison Dam and Minot Air Force base.
George migrated to Washington State in December 1956, where he met Mary Stafford. They married on August 18, 1957. They recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary.
In Washington State, he started plant maintenance at Shell Oil Refinery. In1960, he started working at Memorial Hospital in Sedro-Woolley, WA. After United General Hospital was built, he transferred there and retired after 35 years in maintenance engineering.
George wanted to be remembered as a “Family Man.” Family and friends were everything to George. He had treasured friends of all ages. He was never shy about expressing his love to his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He had a passion for old cars (and anything else antique), competitive car shows, parades, never passing up a garage sale sign (making sneaky purchases with a smile on his face) and family trips. His forte was taking pictures and videos; he never left home without a camera. He started a legacy of recreation and family time at Sun Mt. Ranch in Winthrop.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Stafford Anderson; son, Doyle (Phyllis) Anderson of Terrebonne, OR; daughters, Denise (Ken) Reijm of Bow, WA and Donna (Alan) Bridgman of Bow; grandchildren, Veronica (Phil) Gerhart of Redmond, OR, Taylor (Katherine) Reijm of Sedro-Woolley, Kyle (Natalie) Reijm of Coeur d’ Alene, ID, Beau (Mikalann) Bridgman of Bow, Mallory (Eric) Johnson of Bow; six
great grandchildren; brother, Leon Anderson of Bismarck, ND; sister, Marilu Ludwig of Mandan, ND; brother-in-law, Jerry Stafford; sister-in-law, Flora Woodring, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
His mother, father and twelve siblings proceeded him in death.
A Funeral Service will be at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley, and will also be streamed live via Zoom, at Noon, Wednesday, August 30, 2023; Graveside Service will follow at Lyman Cemetery with a reception at 2:00pm at Riverfront Park in Sedro-Woolley. Please share your memories of George and sign the on-line guest register.
I grew up with George in Underwood, ND. I have not had contact with him since I went off to college. I’m pleased to see that his Underwood created nickname “Rev” stayed with him. He was always very kind to everybody as acknowledged in posts by others. George’s early family life in Underwood was not easy but he always had a smile and time to visit. It is no surprise to me to read to his very successful career and how important family was to him.
My condolences to his family and many friends. His death is a big loss for all,
I cannot remember a time when I didn’t know George and his family, he was a good friend to our family. Always happy, always willing to help. My condolences to the family I am sorry I could not attend.
I have fond memories of George who was at United General when I was a new nurse. Always kind, so helpful, always good to see him. Sympathy to the family, he had a life well-lived.
Lynn Handy
what a wonderful man. will miss his conversations.
George was just out to my farm in North Dakota this May. We had a super fun visit and a drive around the yard in my Ag sprayer that he and I enjoyed for sure. A wonderful man and a kind soul that I will miss but remember forever !
Uncle George May you rest high on the mountain with all your siblings will miss the good times… love your great neice , FAITH SINGH(DICKERSON)
Will miss you George…met you when Mary started dating you and have been like family to me since then. What a legacy…wonderful children, grands and Greats!!!
What a sweet wonderful man George was. Always had that sly smile! I will sure miss my “boyfriend “!!! My deepest sympathies to the whole family. He will be missed.❤️
To the family of George, I want you to know that I will remember him from time spent in Winthrop with him and Mary. Playing cards, laughing, and just plain having fun. He was a one in a million. I hope you all are sharing your memories with each other and remembering him the way I will forever. Mary, God bless you at this difficult time. Lean on your family, they are strong and will hold you up. Love to you all.
So sorry to hear about George passing. I worked with George many years at United General, he always had a friendly smile, we shared stories about ND. as I am from Bismarck. Hugs for the family!
Aunt Mary,Denise,Donna and Doyle your all in my prayers. Uncle George will be greatly missed for sure. I will miss his smile and his good jokes. But we know he is now up in the heavens with his other siblings having a party. Love ya,
hugs Melissa Dickerson
My great uncle George will be greatly missed. I think the memory that comes to my mind is when we all got together for are family reunions and everyone was always there.
George was our neighbor for several years, a very special person.will miss seeing him go by in his old car.
Aunt Mary, Doyle, Denise and Donna — Billy and I just loved Uncle George. He always had a smile and would help with anything. He has been a big part of my life forever and for 23 years of Billy knowing him – we are so glad we got to have such a great visit last fall. We had such fun days going out for our drives with him and you guys. We will all miss him. You are all in our hearts and prayers. We love you.
Mary and family, Dale and I send our deepest sympathy at George’s passing. We could not have known a nicer man than George. My mother, Elsie, adored him and his family. Rest in peace, George. Pat & Dale Brooks
Mary and family, I am so sorry to learn of George’s passing. George was a very pleasant man with a greeting and great smile for everyone. May wonderful memories sustain you.
so sorry to hear George has passed. I worked with him for many years at UGH. always smiling, had a joke, or some sort of story to tell. He was always friendly whenever I would see him around town. Rest In Peace George
I worked with George at United General Hospital. He was the nicest man, always had a story and a wonderful smile. He will be remembered fondly.
May you be blessed with peace in your hearts knowing what a great man he was.
We loved George’s infectious smile and his easy going personality. When we visited George and Mary he was always so glad to see us. We’ll miss you, George!