Edgar James Anderson, a dynamic personality familiar throughout the Pacific Union as well as in Arizona, passed away unexpectedly on May 29. Services were held June 1 at the Phoenix Camelback Church.
Born in South Dakota on Jan. 4, 1926, Anderson thrived as the youngest in the family—a spot that instilled in him a closeness to his mother and a love for helping to bake bread and cinnamon rolls. Those skills repeatedly provided him with income during his early adult years and blessed all three of his daughters’ weddings—how many fathers can say they made picture-perfect wedding cakes for their daughters?
Anderson’s first introduction to education came in the form of home schooling in the company of his two brothers and three close friends. He adored his early teacher, and perhaps this devotion is what sparked in him what was to become a tremendous love for teaching.
Anderson began his career as an educator—assistant dean of boys and baker—at Arizona Academy, which shortly relocated and was rechristened Thunderbird Academy. Through subsequent years he acquired a great deal of teaching experience, along with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and both master’s and doctoral degrees in education.
He moved smoothly from teaching to administration, serving as principal at San Fernando Valley Academy, then youth and educational director for the Arizona Conference, and director of education for the Northern California Conference. In 1980, he became superintendent of education for the Pacific Union, a position he held until his retirement in 1990. At a banquet honoring him, Anderson was presented with the Award of Excellence from the General Conference Department of Education for 43 years of service.
The Andersons moved to Cave Creek, Ariz., to be closer to family and there enjoyed 13 years of retirement together. On June 29, they would have been married for 56 years. Anderson is survived by his wife, Jean, and daughters, Sandi and Pam, and their families. The Andersons lost their third daughter, Sherrie, in an auto accident in 1980.
