Ralph Corliss Anderson
1920 ~ 2007
Our dear husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully, August 7, 2007 with loving family members present. Ralph was truly an example of strength and perseverance as he courageously battled prostate cancer.
He was born on Dec. 28, 1920 in Toquerville, Utah to Walter Herbert Anderson and Lola Pearl Button. He was married to his sweetheart, Margaret Ruth Diston for 63 years.
Ralph was an active member of the LDS Church. He was a Priest advisor for many years and left a lasting impression on many young men's lives. He was active in his High Priest Group and served as a faithful Home Teacher. Ralph began his public service career as a Deputy County Clerk in Salt Lake. He was an out spoken political leader in the state of Utah, serving five terms in the State legislature beginning in 1959; he was the Democratic minority whip for two years. He was also appointed as the House Chairman of the Appropriation Committee in 1965-66. In 1967, Governor Calvin L. Rampton appointed him to be the Outdoor Advertising Control Coordinator for the State of Utah. He served in this position until his retirement from public service in 1986. He was an avid outdoors-man. His love of the outdoors was symbolized by the cabin he built as a legacy to his family. He will be remembered for his work ethic, integrity, sense of humor and love for his family.
Ralph is survived by his loving companion, Ruth and two children: Paul (Pam) Anderson, Shirley (Larry) Wright, six grandchildren, Ken
Anderson, Cherie (Brian) Walsh,
Heidi (Tyler) Nixon, Derek (Crystal) Anderson, Andrew Wright, Phillip Wright and nine great-grand-children; three brothers, Blaine,
Robert, James (Lois), and one sister Kathleen Burt. Preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Russell Burt.
Funeral services will be held Sat. August 11, 2007 at 11 a.m. with a viewing one hour prior to services at the Cannon 9th Ward Chapel, 1250 W 1400 S., Salt Lake City. Family and friends may visit Friday, August 10th, 6-8 p.m. at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple, Salt Lake City. Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Gardens. Online condolence to www.larkinmortuary.com
The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Patricia Legant, Dr. Richard Labasky, Dr. Stephen Lordon and Dr. Shawn Brooks. We would like to thank the staff on the 5th floor of the Cottonwood Hospital and to the CareSource Hospice Facility and their wonderful staff who gave Ralph such tender care in making his last days as comfortable as possible. Dad, you will be forever in our hearts.