Paul Hayden Anderson

Surrounded by family, Paul Hayden Anderson, 88 passed from this life to greet his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 21, 2022.

Paul was born August 13, 1933, in Bakersfield, CA., the third of ten children born to John Abram and Ruby Ethel (Claussen) Anderson. While attending Wasco High School he ran track and set a state record held for many years. He was offered a college scholarship due to his running prowess. Paul was also a member of the Wasco FFA organization and took a pen of 5 steers to the state competition where he won Grand Champion. FFA afforded Paul his second college scholarship. His most notable high school accomplishment was winning the hand of his wife, Frances Foster. Paul and Frances were married April 19, 1952. To their union were born four children. They lived in Wasco farming with his dad until they moved to Lake Tahoe.

Paul was a hard worker as he provided for his family and worked many and varied jobs. One particular job Paul worked was on the Richmond – San Rafael Bridge as a rivet catcher, standing on a 4x8 platform many stories above the water with no safety net! He partnered with his father-in-law in a copper mine that is now under the water of Shasta Lake, and a ready-mix sand and gravel company. He was a heavy equipment operator and told many stories of plowing snow for hours to clear roads with no sleep and eating while in the loader.

The family moved to Ronan in 1970 when Paul and Frances bought Economy Foods which they owned/operated for 7.5 years. After selling the store Paul changed occupations and returned to flatbed long haul truck driving for many years eventually moving furniture for North American Van Lines. He enjoyed traveling, seeing the country from the cab of his Peterbilt and meeting many new friends. Paul was known for traveling a few extra (hundred) miles when a good meal could be had. In the late 80’s, his family convinced him to leave the road and start the family business, Rocky Mountain Showers, and later, Rainbow Septic Service. Paul was an integral part of both businesses and his family depended on his wisdom and experience to keep the mechanical end of the businesses running successfully.

While his children and grandchildren were in school, he attended as many sporting events as he could, to cheer them and their teams on to victory! He loved watching their efforts and successes and traveled throughout the state following them.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents, John and Ruby Anderson, his wife of 63 years, Frances, his grandson T.J. Anderson, and his daughter-in-law, Cindy Anderson.

He is survived by his daughters, Debbie (Dave) Long, and Robin Anderson, his sons, Jim (Judy) Anderson, Tom (Melissa) Anderson, and his grandchildren and great grandchildren, Dusty (Rachel) Long, and Jack, Nate, Sarah and Tommy, Dan Long, Robert (Tammy) Jennison, and Tyler (Julie) Hildrith, Morgan Jennison, Rich Jennison, Jeremy (Megan) Anderson and Hunter and Kylie, Josh (Rachel) Anderson and Heidi and Havanah, Janel (Brandon) Scott and Dawsyn, Daryn and McKenzie, Jake (Tiffany) Anderson, Sarah (Christopher) Owens and Carter, Tyler (Hannah) Anderson, Garrett (Taylor) Anderson, Lathan Anderson, and his remaining siblings, their spouses and many nieces and nephews.

Paul will be remembered for his love for Jesus, his work ethic, his willingness to lend a hand to those in need, his love of hunting and fishing. However, none matched the love of family, especially the grand and great grandchildren.

One of his favorite things to do in his later years was to sit on his back deck and watch his tomatoes grow, the deer graze and look at his mountains.

Dad spent his last year of life at Polson Health and Rehabilitation Center where he was the life of the party! We want to express our thanks to the staff and all the folks that were part of his life and cared for him, there are too many to name, but a special mention to Abby, Sam and Zarah.

Memorial services for Paul will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. at the Ronan Community Center. Please bring your favorite dish for a potluck reception following the service. There will be a full obituary to follow.

Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.