R. Gayle "Andy" Anderson Obituary (1928 - 2013)

SUNSET - Lt. Colonel (retired) R. Gayle "Andy" Anderson, Age 84, Died following a hospital stay with Pneumonia. He passed away quietly and peacefully at his son's house in Syracuse, Utah on March 24, 2013. He was born in Elsinore, Utah on October 15th 1928 to Rulon Hunt Anderson and Grace Marion Johnson. He grew up in Elsinore and Monroe Utah. His family made a short move to Salt Lake City where he attended South High School briefly. The family moved back to Richfield where he graduated from Richfield High School. His parents never left Richfield after that move, the family still owns the Richfield house today. He was well versed in the mountains, lakes and streams of the Sevier County area. He hunted and fished wherever and whenever he could. He raised his family in the arts of hunting and fishing and many a great time and adventure where had. Not to mention the great stories created. He had always loved to work and had many jobs around town. As a kid he would deliver newspapers on the way to school and on the way home stop and run the movies at the movie theatre in Richfield. He worked at the local gas station, and was a good mechanic. In fact there were few things he couldn't do. He was a true handyman, and used these skills all his life. He had many friends, but his closest one was his Brother McRae. They did everything together. They were close up until McRae passed away in April 2007 of cancer. He attended College briefly at Southern Utah University in Cedar City. The Korean war was a concern during his college time. One day on campus he came across a flyer to join a new program to train cadets for the US Air Force. He signed up, got in and his life was changed forever. He remained in the US Air force until he retired from it as a Lt. Colonel. He flew around the world during the Korean and Vietnam wars. He flew all kinds of military planes. He mostly flew cargo planes and had many adventures and stories. During this time he met Barbara Jones in New Jersey at a military social. In 1953 they were married. Divorced in 1981. Barbara passed away July of 2011 due to heart problems. During their time together they had 2 children, James Rulon and John McRae Anderson. After retirement from the Air Force after 28 years. He stayed at Hill Air Force Base though as a civilian employee this time and worked in the safety office, later he transferred F-16 operations and then retired again. His retirement allowed him to spend time with his family. He has 4 Grandchildren. Porter Anderson, Corbin Anderson, Garrett Anderson and Taylor Anderson. All the children of John McRae Anderson and Sonya Stott Anderson. The family always looked forward to birthdays with him. He would make personal birthday cards and write limericks about the person whose birthday it was. He was a gifted and talented writer. He took up bowling in his retirement and he could be found at Hill Field Lanes almost every day with his Best bowling buddy and friend for over 40 years, Ron Rich. He had a huge social network of bowling friends and they became a second family. He bowled up until 2012. He had a wonderful and cheery sense of humor and he was always happy and positive. Always the Good Samaritan, he would help anyone whether he knew them or not, who was need or was in trouble. You could always count on him. His skills, his talents, his service, his positive happy attitude and sense of humor, never a complainer. He put a mark on this world in all he did and it will be remembered by family and friends. He will surely be missed. Graveside Services will be held Friday, March 29, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at Richfield City Cemetery, 800 North Main St., Richfield, Utah where Military Honors will be accorded by Hill Air Force Base Honor Guard. A viewing will be held Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Myers Roy Mortuary, 5865 South 1900 West, Roy, Utah. VisitationMyers Mortuary - Roy 5865 South 1900 West Roy, UT 84067 March 28, 2013 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM CemeteryRichfield City Cemtery 800 North Main St. Richfield, UT March 29, 2013 2:00 PM ServiceGraveside- Richfield City Cemetery 800 North Main St. Richfield , UT March 29, 2013 2:00 PM