Gary Anderson was a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, mentor and friend. He was quick to offer advice or tell a joke and he understood the value of giving back. He had a unique ability to recognize the strengths in those around him. He was always coming up with lessons and challenges for his kids and others he mentored. But it wasn’t just the skills he was teaching or that he was pushing someone to try something new. Somehow when he did it, it felt like he believed in you. And he did.
Anderson was born on September 26, 1952, in Regina, Sask. He grew up on the farm outside of Bethune homesteaded by his grandfather in 1904. Anderson lived on the farm his entire life and would go on to raise his four children there with the love of his life, Karen.
Growing up, Anderson excelled at athletics and loved playing hockey, baseball and curling. His competitive nature followed him to many places including the show ring and the coach’s bench, but most noticeably it was a trait he passed on to his children.
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Anderson met Karen on July 2, 1973, and swept her off her feet, something he continually tried to do. They married in 1975 and Karen joined him on the farm, where they started their family. First Geoff, then Ginny, then a little later Becky and last, but not least, Bobbi.
As a farmer, Anderson spent countless hours on a tractor, sprayer and combine but it was his role as a cattleman he was most known for. He began showing cattle as a member of the Bethune 4-H Beef Club under the guidance of his father and it became a life-long passion. In 1979, he began showing his own cattle at Canadian Western Agribition. He was heavily involved with Agribition and moved from exhibitor to committee member to board member to executive member to president. Anderson taught his children how to fit, show and carry themselves. He instilled the idea that having confidence in yourself was the first step to success. He won countless awards including Limousin Breeder of the Year, Limousin Leader of the Year, Award of Merit for Advertising and Marketing Excellence, Saskatchewan Limousin Association Distinguished Service Award, Canadian Livestock Industry Leader of the Year and most recently, The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal.
Anderson was always looking for ways to give back to the community and sat on many boards including the Bethune Rink Board, Bethune Curling Club, Bethune Minor Ball, Regina Exhibition, Saskatchewan Limousin Association and the Canadian Limousin Association.
Anderson loved a nice meal and a good bottle of wine and would share stories of his favourite meals he enjoyed while traveling. He frequently attended cattle shows across Canada as an exhibitor, judge and respected cattleman. One of the trips he referenced most was his experience in Brazil. With Karen by his side, he toured the country, ate great steak and judged the National Red Angus Show. The combination of cattle, food and new friendships was one of his favourite ways to spend his time.
To some, Anderson was a farmer from a small town in Saskatchewan. But to those who knew him best, he was so much more. He had a zest for life and constantly looked to the future and what could be. He was open-minded and cared deeply about those around him. He was also a notorious practical joker and playing pranks on his wife, kids and grandkids gave him great joy (probably too much, if we are being honest). You always knew you were being messed with when he got that twinkle in his eye and started raising his eyebrows. That twinkle and his smile are two of the things we will miss the most about him.
In July 2022, Anderson received a long-awaited double-lung transplant. He fought extremely hard to recover and never complained throughout the entire process. He maintained his wit and sense of humour to the last day and became a favourite of the staff who cared for him. Sadly, Anderson passed away in April and is survived by his wife, Karen; son Geoff (Lacey), their children Seager, Swayze and Stiles; daughter Ginny (Jason), her daughter Austyn; daughter Becky (Adrian), their children Holden, Hollis and Emmie; daughter Bobbi (Wade); sisters Marlene (Wayne); Glenda (Tom); his sisters-in-law Susan (Garry); Charlene (Don); and his many nieces and nephews.
