Obituary: Howard Cuyler Anderson (Nov. 16, 1926 – March 16, 2012)

The patriarch of his family, Howard passed away peacefully on March 16, 2012, at home, with his family by his side.

During his 85 years, Howard led an exciting and interesting life and was greatly loved and appreciated by both family and many friends. Born November 16, 1926, in Bismarck, North Dakota, to Dr. Howard C. Anderson and Margaret H. Anderson, he spent the majority of his early years in Southern California. Howard served as a medic in the U.S. Navy during World War II before attending Pomona College in California, Taylor University in Indiana, and studying agronomy in Wyoming. In August 1948, he married Mary M. Dunn and they honeymooned cross-country from their wedding at Scripps College to their new ranch life in Montana and Wyoming.

Eight years later, and with four children in tow, they moved back to Southern California, where they lived for 16 years. Howard continued cattle ranching in San Diego County for four more years, then transitioned into real estate development. Following that, they moved to Fresno in Central California. In 1996, Howard and Mary moved to Crescent City, to their dream home.  For almost three years during his 70’s, he traveled throughout the U.S. as a right of way agent for several fiber optic companies. Most recently, he co-founded a significant mining development company in Nevada.

A man of strong Christian faith, over the years he served as church deacon, Sunday school teacher, men’s Bible study leader, choir director, and even followed in his paternal grandfather’s footsteps on several occasions, preaching the sermon in the church he attended in Broadus, Montana. His interests were broad. He was a scratch golfer, exceptional tennis player and swimmer (life guarding in his high school years in La Jolla, California) and loved surfing. He also loved many genres of music, sang as a tenor and “played” at the piano and saxophone. Howard was a collector of Western novels and original editions of John Buchan. He loved travelling, good cars and car racing, and was a great story teller.

Howard is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary, and their four children:  Susan Monasterio, Daphne Cann and her husband Brian, Bruce Anderson and his wife Irma, and Fletcher Anderson and his wife Kathlynne; and 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

A private full military honors burial ceremony will be held at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in Point Loma, California, on a date to be determined.  Any contributions or donations may be made in Howard’s name to your favorite charity.

— Submitted by Wier’s Mortuary Chapel