David Lee Anderson

David Lee Anderson 59

David passed away very peacefully at home in the early morning hours Friday, Aug 30, 2024.  His wings were ready, our hearts were not.

He was the third child born to Waynette and Andy Anderson.  Both parents remarried and he was joined by two more sisters and another brother.  David grew up in Baker City, Oregon where he fell in love with the outdoors.  He loved hunting, fishing, dirt bike riding, and golf.  In high school, he excelled in wrestling and football. 

After graduating high school, David married and had two daughters. He served 8 years in the Navy and his favorite deployment were the years spent in Scotland.  He returned to Washington State to raise his girls.  Eventually, he made his way to Idaho where he met and married his life partner Kristy Plutt (courtesy of some mutual friends). 

David was very successful in every career he pursued.  He moved to the Magic Valley to work for Glanbia Foods in Gooding and finally as the Director of Operations for Idaho Milk Products in Jerome, Idaho. 

At home and at work, David loved to mentor the next generation (especially the Irish Grads).  He loved to watch those who loved to learn, grow as individuals and be successful in work and in life.  He lived by the motto “Don’t Try, DO!”  When his oldest daughter was graduating from high school, he asked her what she wanted.  She said she wanted to catch a fish bigger than her.  So, off they went to Alaska to accomplish that goal……….and they did!

Some of David’s favorite things to do included fishing in Alaska, Washington, and Florida with his best friend Jeff; hunting in Montana with the nieces and nephews, and bird hunting in South Dakota with his dog Josie.  Nothing was better than spending time with his children and grandchildren, whether it be watching movies, riding dirt bikes, or teaching them to fish, cook, tie flies, or simply to work hard with integrity.

He also loved to host dinners for his friends and family.  Over the years, the “Shop” parties were an annual event and sometimes even more often.  He enjoyed hosting Thanksgiving for anyone that was not able to go home (especially the Irish), epic summer blasts, trap shoots off the back hill, random Birthday parties and spur of the moment New Year’s parties.  Fun was had by all!

David is survived by his wife Kristy, daughters Jessi (Jeff) Bard and Dani Anderson; grandchildren Avery and Graci Bard and Bailynn Anderson; step mother Launi Anderson; siblings Donald (Colleen) Anderson, Tammy (Scott) Lamb, Jeff (Wendy) Anderson, Becky Haertel, Stephenie Merrill; and a large extended family including many nieces and nephews.  Last but not least, he leaves behind his dogs Kenzie, Sammi and Josie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step father Steve Waggoner, in laws John and Connie Plutt and nephew M.J. Simkins.

We would like to extend a special thank you to everyone who provided love and support in this last year, specifically the doctors and nurses at the Twin Falls Cancer Center, Enhabit Home Health & Hospice, John and Bonnie Bard, Jeff Anderson, Kelly Osborne, Mark Hayden and Jeff and Jen Walling.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, September 15, 2024 at the Gooding First Christian Church, 334 4th Ave West, Gooding, ID.  Please wear greens and blues and bring your favorite Dave story to share with all.    

Cremation arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service - Gooding Chapel.

Condolences, memories and photos can be shared with the family by following the obituary link at www.demarayfuneralservice.com.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the

MJ #18 Memorial Scholarship

at The University of Montana Western Foundation

710 S Atlantic, Dillon, MT 59725

or a Cancer Organization of your choice.

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