Rick Merrill Anderson

After a well-lived life, Rick Merrill Anderson, age 77, passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, September 12, 2024. He is survived by his loving wife, Eileen Spendlove Anderson; brothers, Kelly, Ty, and Shad; children, Jacob (Michelle), James (Lisa), Rachel Waters, Rebecca Bettilyon (Matt), Elizabeth Leigh and 16 grandchildren.

Rick was born to Doyle Merrill Anderson and Lela Draper Anderson on September 13, 1946. His father’s family settled in Fairview, UT, a place he highly valued. He fondly remembered spending summers at family sheep camps in Fairview Canyon.

Rick was a great student and loved to learn. He was also very athletic and received a gymnastics scholarship to Utah State University. He attended one year at BYU before graduating Cum Laude from the University of Utah with a degree in history.

Rick served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in England and there gained a taste for eggs and beans on toast with fried tomatoes.

The U was also where he met his eternal companion, Eileen Spendlove. She considered him the best-looking man ever, which he humbly denied. After 2 ½ years of courtship, he finally agreed to marry her on September 1, 1972. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on July 1, 1978.

Rick loved the outdoors and working with his hands, whether he was camping, fishing, gardening, cooking stews, laying tile or wood carving. He also carved his own Indian arrowheads. He was skilled at book binding, and to his wife, he was the best handyman ever. He spent 10 years as a crossing guard for Midvalley Elementary at 80th South and Bryce Drive, near Union Middle School.

Rick served in many capacities in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, including Elder’s Quorum President, Bishop’s Councilor, and Scout Master. He especially loved working with the boys in that program. He had a strong testimony of the Church and spent much of his time studying his large library of Church books. Later in life, he grew to enjoy watching Western movies.

A viewing will be held Tuesday, September 17th from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at his church, located at 586 East 8400 South. The memorial service will be held Wednesday, September 18th at 11:00 am, with a viewing from 10:00 – 10:45 am at the same location.

The service will be livestreamed on the Goff Mortuary Facebook Page at the following link: 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Funeral-Service---Cemetery/Goff-Mortuary-116988261695382/

(The livestream video will appear when the service starts.)