Keith Anderson, 56

Keith Donald Anderson was born on July 30, 1954 in Amarillo, TX and passed away on July 7, 2011 surrounded by his family at his home in Medical Lake. He was the oldest of six children. Keith was an Air Force brat and throughout his adolescence lived in Tracy, MN; Sioux City, IA; Grandview, MO, Atwater, CA; Guam and Cheney, WA. He graduated from Cheney High School in 1972. As a young man he attended Spokane Community College, and worked for UPS and also as a Mason. For the majority of his adult life he worked as a Plumber. He owned his own business, Rose Street Plumbing, for many years. During his years in school Keith was an avid athlete, playing football, basketball and baseball. His love for sports carried on into his adulthood and on any given weekend you would find him watching sports with his family. Keith’s mom and dad originated from Minnesota, and he has hundreds of relatives that continue to live there. As such, he was a devote Minnesota Viking and Twins fan. Keith was an active volunteer for the Medical Lake Mat Maulers and enjoyed watching his son and nephews wrestle throughout the years. Keith was known for his large and gentle heart by all. He was always willing to help anybody in need, whether it was friends or family. He was a great cook and baker. He also enjoyed having BBQ’s with his family.

Keith became an avid fisher at a very young age. As a young boy he would fish in Minnesota with his Grandfather Ted, for Walleye, Yellow Belly Bullheads and Pike. Keith earned the nickname “Skeeter”, from him. He continued fishing throughout his life and shared this passion with many family members. Music was a major part of Keith’s life and he had an intense love and knowledge of it. He listened to a wide variety of music from country, blues, jazz to rock. It was a daily part of his life and his love for music continued up until his death.

Keith is survived by his three children, Ian (Spokane, WA), Madeline (Friday Harbor, WA) and Mallory (Bellingham, WA); his parents Leona and Donald (Peggy); his brothers Tim; Paul and Todd; his sisters Laurie Vallem and Michelle Ballard (Ken). Keith was the beloved uncle to: Timothy, Jack, William, Michelle, Hunter, Cashup, Maegan, Makala, Mercedes, Cole, and Ty. He was also a great-uncle to Hailey, Hannah, Emily, Lucas, Kadance and Kason.

He was preceded in death by his nephew Jack, his maternal grandparents, James and Marguerite (Grandma Jellybean) Cronin; paternal grandparents, Ted and Clara Anderson; Uncles David Cronin; Dewey Cronin; Jerry Cronin; Tommy Anderson; his Aunt, Louise Fletcher; and his close friend, Buzz Nickoloff. Keith will always be loved by his family and friends and although he is gone, he will never be forgotten. A verse from a Seattle band Keith enjoyed: “I never wanted to write these words down for you, with the pages of phrases of things we will never do. So blow out the candle, and we put you to bed. There’s just one thing left to be said, say hello to heaven.” A celebration of Keith’s life w

as held for friends and family, on his birthday, 07/30/11, beginning at 2:00 pm at his home in Medical Lake.     In lieu of flowers we encourage you to make a donation to the American Cancer Society.