Richard W. Anderson

Richard Wayne Anderson, age 70 of Bellingham, passed away at home on November 10, 2017 of natural causes. He was born in Snohomish, WA on July 20, 1947 to Darrell and Wanda Anderson. When Richard was young the family moved to Whatcom County and he attended Meridian Schools. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the 25th Infantry Division as a machine gunner during the Tet Offensive in Vietnam. Richard was awarded two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars (one for valor), and numerous other awards including the Combat Infrantryman Badge (CIB). After returning home he married Kristi Bland on August 1, 1970 and they began their journey of life together. Richard was a jack-of-all-trades (and a master of none). He enjoyed most things, but nothing made him happier than to be with his family. He was always working on a project. He grew a big vegetable garden and saw that the wood was cut for the winter. He loved to fish lakes and the river and anything to do with salt water. He retired after working 27 years at Builder’s Concrete (later Landings at Colony Wharf). He never met a stranger. He was our rock and he supported and provided for us. Richard loved us and we dearly loved him. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 47 years, Kristi, daughter Jenna (husband Tim) Chorvat and their daughters Lily and Sylvie, daughter Maggie (husband Reed) Stanley and their children Jace, Zoe and Ivy, sister Linda Marie Spencer of Ellensburg, brother-in-law Bill Bland, as well as many loving relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Dennis and sister-in-law Janice Bland. A Service of Remembrance with military honors will be held at Westford Funeral Home on Monday, November 20th at 1 PM. Reception following across the street at Westford’s Broadway Hall. Memorials in Richard’s name may be made to the Lighthouse Mission, 910 W. Holly St, Bellingham, WA 98225. You may share memories with the family at www.westfordfuneralhome.com .