Edward D. Anderson

Edward D. Anderson, a long time resident of Fort Collins, was called home to his heavenly Father on Saturday morning, July 5, 2014, just a couple of weeks short of his 98th birthday. His wife and support for 71 years, Carol Crippen Anderson, preceded him in death in February of 2013. His brother, Dr. Albert Anderson Anita remains in Laporte, Minn. Ed will be remembered and dearly missed by members of his family, which include his daughter, Karlin Gray Lee and his son, Dr. Donald Anderson Lenore. Their families include six grand children and three great grand children - all of whom were a source of delight to Ed. He was devoted to his family, his faith, his church, and his musical career. Ed was born in Fargo, North Dakota, and raised nearby until he went off to Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in business. Strangely enough, however, he seemed to spend most of his time playing trumpet in the Band, violin in the Orchestra, and singing in the Concordia Choir – so it finally occurred to him that he should become a musician, which he did with much passion. After teaching high school in several small North Dakota communities where he met an English teacher named Carol, and serving in the US Navy during WW II, he moved his young family to Michigan State University, where he earned his Masters of Music degree. Shortly thereafter, in 1948, he came to Colorado State University, where he was Director of Choral Activities for 34 years. He embraced Colorado, the Rocky Mountains, and CSU with great energy and enthusiasm, never doubting his calling to "make music." His University Singers and Chamber Singers performed extensively at home and on tour. He was instrumental in the creation of the University Fine Arts Festival and the CSU Madrigal Dinners. While at CSU he received the "Oliver Pennock Teaching Award for Distinguished Service" and was voted a "Top Prof" by CSU students. The Colorado chapter of the American Choral Directors Association named him a "Choral Music Legend." He was a regular guest conductor at the International Peace Garden Music Camp and led their touring choir to Europe. His vibrant tenor voice gave him many opportunities as a soloist and he was a lifelong church musician as well. As Director of Music at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, he founded the annual Bach Festival which recently completed its 37th year. Bach epitomized for Ed the true motivation of music in the church – Soli Deo Gloria – to God alone the Glory! Upon retirement from CSU, Ed just couldn't quit conducting completely; so he organized the Fort Collins Chamber Chorale, made up of former students and musicians who just wanted to sing. This group performed two concerts a year for 21 years, with each concert donating its free will offering to a different local charity or non profit. As much as he loved music, he also had a passion for golfing, hiking, and fishing. At the urging of his hiking buddies, he climbed to the summit of Mount Quandary a 14er in celebration of his 75th birthday. Ed and Carol loved Community Bible Study and their friends there. He became a wood worker when he retired, and every day found him in his garage creating new carvings. When he moved to Collinwood Assisted Living, his creative bent led him to pursue water color painting. With the help of his devoted art therapist, he painted and made scrapbooks to his hearts content. This culminated in his very own "art show" which took place at Collinwood the Sunday before he died. His family is grateful to all of the folks there for helping him to have a full life to the end. A Memorial Service to celebrate Ed's life will be held at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 2000 Stover, on Saturday, July 19th, at 11:00AM. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be directed to music scholarships at Colorado State University. Donations can be made online or mailed to the Colorado State University Foundation, 410 University Services, Fort Collins, CO 80523.

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Edward D. Anderson

July 22, 1916 - July 5, 2014