David Anderson (84 years old), a long time Ellensburg, Washington resident passed away Thursday, March 4, in Kirkland Washington. A ceremony to celebrate his life will be planned for early summer in Ellensburg.
David was born November 6, 1936 in Peoria, Illinois to Herold and Agnes Anderson, one of four children. He was raised in a loving, extended family that encouraged family bonds and valued education. David went on to obtain degrees with high distinction from Bradley University (Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics and physics) and Duke University (PhD in mathematics). He began his teaching career at MIT and University of Wyoming before setting down roots at Central Washington University in Ellensburg. David met his wife, Marjorie, in Laramie in 1965 where they were both faculty members.
Athletically active throughout his life, David played championship volleyball with his brother while growing up, and was an avid mountaineer, hiker, skier and golfer, who even briefly tried his hand at amateur car racing. David’s energy was an inspiration as he’ll be remembered for climbing snow covered peaks in a t-shirt and walking 3 miles each way to work for several years (his explanation for the walk – this let him reflect on the books he was reading for his Douglas Honors College colloquium). He even ran ultra-marathons at the age of 50.
David was a loving and supportive husband and father who was generous with his time and shared his passions for math and the outdoors. He introduced one son to mountaineering and provided moral support to help the other son power through the challenges of competitive long-distance running and inspire a career as an actuary. His sons fondly remember visiting the university gym with him while growing up, as well as hiking and cross-country skiing excursions which became family traditions.
As a professor of Mathematics at Central Washington University for 30 years, and an instructor for William O. Douglas Honors College at CWU, David liked to share his curiosity and love of learning. For him math was not simply about numbers, but was a language to explore and understand the world. His office was always open for his students to discuss math problems and he usually had a cup of coffee in hand with classical music playing in the background.
While at CWU David also served as Faculty Chair and was a cultural exchange professor to Shimane Women’s College in Matsue, Japan.
David’s interest in music and technology led him into a business partnership with friends as co-owner of Stereocraft which specialized in high-end stereo equipment (locations in Ellensburg, Yakima, Walla Walla, Pullman, and Spokane from 1972-1986).
David is survived by his wife, Marjorie, sons Todd and Douglas, and grandchildren Daenerys, Luna May, and Todd Jaden.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association: act.alz.org.
Condolences and remembrances may be left online: BartonFuneral.com.
