Roy Herbert Anderson's Obituary
Roy Herbert Anderson, 81, of Sandy, Utah, passed away on October 13, 2024.
Roy was born on October 16, 1942 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Jay Russell and Elva Anderson. He was the oldest of five kids; including David Anderson (deceased), Bonnie Giddens, Judy Johnson, and Becky Harrison. Roy learned to love the outdoors from his parents and passed this love on to his own family.
Roy was extremely proud of following in his father’s footsteps serving in the U.S. Navy and serving as a Salt Lake City Firefighter. He dedicated his life to service, on a destroyer in the Gulf of Tonkin as the Vietnam conflict kicked off. After finishing his tour of duty with the Navy he was hired on the Salt Lake City Fire Department securing his dream job. Known for his passion and commitment, he always chose to work in the busiest areas, ensuring he could help as many people as possible. He spent time at Headquarters, Station 12 downtown, and helped open Station 8 on 1300 S Main Street; where he spent the vast majority of his career. Loving the high intensity work and eventually finishing out his 31-year career at Station 3.
Beyond his professional life, Roy was an avid hunter, fisherman, and amateur chef. He loved spending time in the outdoors most often times with family. Fishing at Strawberry Reservoir was a family tradition for his entire life. Roy loved to hunt just about anything he could, but deer and duck hunting were his favorite. He started hunting on the Lakefront Duck Club with his father Russell Anderson who was one of the original members. Roy bought a membership on the Ambassador Duck Club in 1983, where he hunted throughout the remainder of his life.
Roy’s passion for cooking became borderline obsessive. He loved to experiment with new recipes often using his family and friends as test subjects. He would serve the meal and ask the inevitable question, “is it a keeper?”. Luckily, he was an outstanding chef and the family and friends reaped the benefits of his passion.
Roy had an “I can do it mentality”. He could fix or create just about anything. He was a jack of all trades and the go to guy if a neighbor or friend needed something fixed or needed “that tool”. Roy was always known for his willingness to help anyone and everyone, embodying a spirit of generosity and kindness that touched many lives.
Roy’s legacy of service, love for the outdoors, and dedication to helping others will be fondly remembered and missed, by all who knew him. He will always be remembered as a family man, Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather, and Friend to many.
Roy is survived by his loving wife, Sharron W. Anderson; his son, Troy R. Anderson (Significant other Tonya Nish), his Daughter, Tawnya and her Husband Larry Johnson, his niece, Jackie L. Jones. In addition, his beloved Grandchildren; Taylor and Oaklee Anderson, Sebastian and Quincy Johnson, Charly and Lainey Dynan, and his Great Granddaughter Everly Fuhriman.
You are invited to a Celebration of Life for Roy Anderson
Join us as we honor and celebrate Roy
Date: Saturday, October 19th
Time: 1:00pm
Location: River Oaks Golf Course
9300 Riverside Drive, Sandy UT
Your Presence will mean a lot as we come together to share memories and celebrate a remarkable life.
What’s your fondest memory of Roy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Roy?
Share a story where Roy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Roy you’ll never forget.
How did Roy make you smile?