Burdell “Andy” Anderson

Dad was born to Clifford and Mabel Anderson on August 1st 1934, in Nora Township, Pope County, Minnesota. He moved to Spokane, Washington, with his mother after his father passed away in 1943. In 1951, Dad met our Mom when they were involved in nurse’s training. They were married in Spokane on December 28th in 1952. He joined the Army and took advantage of the GI bill to be able to go on to college. While in the Army and working as a medical technician at the army medical hospital at Fort Ord, California, his son David was born. Three years later, after leaving the Army and moving back to Spokane their daughter Rhonda was born. Dad graduated from Gonzaga University with his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1961.

Dad’s first job out of college was with Westinghouse in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dad received his Masters Degree from Carnegie – Mellon University. In September of 1969, he transferred to Idaho Falls to work at the Idaho National Laboratory. Dad was instrumental in developing and testing the initial cask assay equipment at RWMC.

In 1985, he accepted a transfer to the Albuquerque, New Mexico. Moving a couple of years later to the Tri-Cities area in Washington to work at the Hanford National Lab. Dad retired in Carlsbad, New Mexico, in 1992.

Through the years, dad and mom attended both Methodist and Lutheran churches in the cities where they lived.

Dad retired to a life of volunteering as State recognized Ombudsman for the people in retirement facilities in the south eastern New Mexico. He helped setup the Soup Kitchen in Carlsbad and continued to make his rounds to all of the local stores to collect their donations to keep it going. Dad delivered Meals on Wheels. In the Spring of each year Dad volunteered for the AARP tax preparation program. Their pastor commented that Dad no longer had time to play a round of golf like he had before retirement because he was always so busy with his other jobs.

Mom and Dad traveled the continental United States visiting all of their family, and seeing the many National Parks, and State Capital buildings. Their most memorable and favorite trip started in May from New Mexico to Idaho Falls to visit with family. They left early in June to travel up the scenic inland passage on their way from Seattle to Alaska and then down through Canada to a family reunion in Minnesota in the middle of July. The trip concluded with the drive from Minnesota back to Carlsbad, New Mexico, where they lived. Dad wore a camcorder around his neck and recorded most of their travels. Dad enjoyed painting several pictures of the places they visited.

Marjorie, his wife of over 61 years, passed away the 1st of June in 2014. Dad moved to Idaho Falls a year later to be closer to family. He lived at Fairwinds-Sandcreek until his passing on January 8th 2025.

Dad is survived by his two children, David (Terri) Anderson, of Idaho Falls, ID; and Rhonda Noble (Larry) of Sante Fe, NM; brother, Charles D. Thames; five grandchildren, Jade Anderson (Britnie), Jason Anderson (Tamra), Jolein High (Jeremy), Alison Bailey (Jay), and Brooke McCullough (Ed); and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.

We want to thank Fairwinds-Sandcreek, Alliance Home Health and Hospice of Eastern Idaho for their friendship and help in caring for Dad.

Services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of Eastern Idaho or the Community Food Basket in Dad’s name.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com