Myron Waldo Anderson Obituary

January 4, 1937 – October 4, 2022

Photo and Obituary from ,Girdners

Myron Waldo Anderson died peacefully at his home on October 4th, 2022 surrounded by family and friends.

He was born in Turlock, California on January 4th, 1937 to Waldo and Thelma Anderson. He grew up on the family farm in Hilmar, California; was in 4-H, FFA and a member of the Turlock Cavaliers, a riding group that performed at the Cow Palace. When he was only ten years old (1947) he showed and sold his Hereford steer at the Grand National Junior livestock Exposition at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. In 1953 his family moved to Siskiyou County where they purchased the Grenada Mercantile. He attended Yreka High School, graduating in 1954. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy; being only 17 his parents had to sign for him. He served 1954-1957 achieving “E-5”.

After the Navy he returned to Yreka and worked for Purity and Safeway. He enjoyed driving his customized ‘56 Ford Victoria down Miner Street impressing many, especially Judy Burton. They dated a short while until her mother, Ruth Burton, very nicely told Myron he was probably too old for Judy and suggested he not continue the relationship.

In 1959 Myron married Elsie Friend and through the years they had three sons; Jim, Jeff and John. They moved back to Hilmar where he continued to farm with his dad, Waldo. Then they moved to Santa Cruz, California and he drove truck for his friend, Loren Humphrey and then started his own trucking business. In 1972 they moved to Montague and he worked for the Siskiyou County Road department for twenty years, retiring as Etna foreman in 1989.

In 1981 he married Judy Burton and helped raise her three daughters, Shawna, Shannon and Cricket. (They became the “Brady Bunch” and he discovered this was quite different from raising boys!) They enjoyed their home at the Forest House Ranch for 27 years where they especially enjoyed watching the geese on the pond. Myron spent his days taking care of anything that needed to be done to maintain the ranch. He loved to ride motorcycles, especially his Triumph and Harley Davidson. He also loved to race cars and he raced in Redding. After retiring from the county, he drove for BSB Cinder Company and Onarheim Trucking. He and Judy both worked for Stidham Trucking for a few years.

Myron and Judy had a wonderful life together, traveling to Maui every April for twenty years and spending August in Gold Beach where he had a passion for fishing the ocean with 5 Star Charter. It was there they became part of the Antunes Family. Also they met many great friends from Florence, Oregon. Myron loved NHRA Drag Racing and followed it to Las Vegas and Sonoma every year. He enjoyed football (Denver Broncos) and actually met John Elway in Colorado.

Myron was a member of Yreka Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. #1980 for 41 years, having been initiated on November 14, 1981. For many years he and Judy were active members enjoying many special events, especially when there was music to dance to! They held their wedding reception at Yreka Elks Lodge.

Myron was preceded in death by his parents, Waldo and Thelma, his parents-in-law, Fred and Ruth Burton, his daughter Cricket and his son in law James Israel. He is survived by his wife Judy, sons Jim (Renee), Jeff (Kershawna), Jon (Jennifer); daughters Shawna and Shannon; sister Claudia East (Don); 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his faithful companion (a “Rotti”) Hope.

Myron was a loving and caring man with a strong work ethic, taking pride in all he did. He was an honorable man, respected by many. He was an all-around “great guy”!

Our hearts are full of gratitude and love when we say a sincere “thank you” to family members, friends and neighbors for all their acts of kindness, love and sympathy. Also, the delicious food, beautiful flowers and plants, lovely cards, heartwarming visits and caring words are very much appreciated after Myron’s passing. A special “thank you” to Madrone Hospice and their devoted staff for the care they extended to Myron. Also Brenda Collins helped the family in so many ways with her loving assistance.

A Celebration of Life will be held in late April, 2023.