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Raymond “Tom” Anderson

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Raymond “Tom” Anderson

Birth
Tooele County, Utah, USA
Death
5 Sep 2010 (aged 92)
Utah, USA
Burial
Vernal, Uintah County, Utah, USA Add to Map
Memorial ID
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Raymond "Tom" Anderson

Raymond "Tom" Anderson, 93, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Sun., Sept. 5, 2010. Tom lived a life filled with devotion and passion to his family, his sheep and cattle, and his beloved mountains.

He lived on his terms and remained remarkably active and successful even in his later years. Born in a log cabin in Deep Creek, Utah, on Sept. 7, 1917 to Katherine Isabel Gillman and Leslie Anderson, he learned the value of hard work and how to care for the land he loved and the livestock he raised.

Tom graduated from Uintah High School in 1936 where he excelled as a basketball player. Basketball continued to be a passion as he loved to watch the game throughout his life. In 1943, Tom married his precious Leona Gurr in Craig, Colo. Together they created a remarkable life of success and happiness.

In Tom's 93 years of life his list of accomplishments were many. Tom served in the Vernal City Council and built the first bowling alley in Vernal. His most outstanding accomplishments have always surrounded his love of the land and his livestock. Tom was honored as Utah Rancher of the year in 1969. He was a pioneer with regard to water conservation and grazing techniques in mountain pastures. In 1969, Tom was featured in several articles for his constant drive to improve water shed preservation and grazing practices.

At the young age of 79, he received the Cattleman's Service award. Tom was always interested in protecting the rights of his fellow ranchers and farmers. He is responsible for much of the road and water development on Diamond Mountain. He partnered with the U.S. Forest Service and was instrumental in the development of the Jones Hole area.

Tom was a generous donor and supporter of the 4-H program and Junior Livestock shows throughout his life. As a lifelong buyer of show livestock, Tom showed his appreciation for the future hard working ranchers in the community.

He was a member of the Colorado Sheepman and Utah Cattleman Associations. One of his proudest moments and honors occurred when he was named Legendary Cowboy for the Dinosaur Round-up Rodeo. He was excited to ride into the arena to the cheering crowd. Most recently, Tom had found happiness and contentment through companionship with Nancy Grua. Appropriately they were together at the end of their lives.

He is survived by his son, Thomas (Vickie) Anderson, daughter Rita Wetenkamp, and grandson Russell Kier, all of Vernal. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 58 years, Leona; brothers Lowell and Lyle; sister Lorna; and granddaughter Shawn.

Funeral services will be held Fri., Sept. 10, at 11 a.m. at the Vernal 1st Ward chapel. Friends and family may call Thurs., Sept. 9 from 6-8 p.m. at Blackburn Vernal Mortuary and one hour prior to the services at the chapel. Interment will take place at Vernal Memorial Park under the direction of Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.

-Vernal Express, September 2010
Raymond "Tom" Anderson

Raymond "Tom" Anderson, 93, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Sun., Sept. 5, 2010. Tom lived a life filled with devotion and passion to his family, his sheep and cattle, and his beloved mountains.

He lived on his terms and remained remarkably active and successful even in his later years. Born in a log cabin in Deep Creek, Utah, on Sept. 7, 1917 to Katherine Isabel Gillman and Leslie Anderson, he learned the value of hard work and how to care for the land he loved and the livestock he raised.

Tom graduated from Uintah High School in 1936 where he excelled as a basketball player. Basketball continued to be a passion as he loved to watch the game throughout his life. In 1943, Tom married his precious Leona Gurr in Craig, Colo. Together they created a remarkable life of success and happiness.

In Tom's 93 years of life his list of accomplishments were many. Tom served in the Vernal City Council and built the first bowling alley in Vernal. His most outstanding accomplishments have always surrounded his love of the land and his livestock. Tom was honored as Utah Rancher of the year in 1969. He was a pioneer with regard to water conservation and grazing techniques in mountain pastures. In 1969, Tom was featured in several articles for his constant drive to improve water shed preservation and grazing practices.

At the young age of 79, he received the Cattleman's Service award. Tom was always interested in protecting the rights of his fellow ranchers and farmers. He is responsible for much of the road and water development on Diamond Mountain. He partnered with the U.S. Forest Service and was instrumental in the development of the Jones Hole area.

Tom was a generous donor and supporter of the 4-H program and Junior Livestock shows throughout his life. As a lifelong buyer of show livestock, Tom showed his appreciation for the future hard working ranchers in the community.

He was a member of the Colorado Sheepman and Utah Cattleman Associations. One of his proudest moments and honors occurred when he was named Legendary Cowboy for the Dinosaur Round-up Rodeo. He was excited to ride into the arena to the cheering crowd. Most recently, Tom had found happiness and contentment through companionship with Nancy Grua. Appropriately they were together at the end of their lives.

He is survived by his son, Thomas (Vickie) Anderson, daughter Rita Wetenkamp, and grandson Russell Kier, all of Vernal. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 58 years, Leona; brothers Lowell and Lyle; sister Lorna; and granddaughter Shawn.

Funeral services will be held Fri., Sept. 10, at 11 a.m. at the Vernal 1st Ward chapel. Friends and family may call Thurs., Sept. 9 from 6-8 p.m. at Blackburn Vernal Mortuary and one hour prior to the services at the chapel. Interment will take place at Vernal Memorial Park under the direction of Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.

-Vernal Express, September 2010


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