Obituary of Gerald Joseph Anderson

Gerald (Jerry) Anderson

December 14, 1946 - October 25, 2020

Jerry lived his life serving humankind.  He worked as a family therapist and child mental health consultant for over 40 years. He touched thousands of lives with his warm and playful demeanor, and was always there to lend a hand.  The world has lost a tireless advocate for those in need. 

Jerry was born in St. Maries, Idaho to Beula (Marie) and Lloyd Anderson.  His family moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho when Jerry was 5.  He attended St. Mary’s College, and graduated from the University of Manitoba. He was drafted during the Vietnam war and worked with returning troops.  Following discharge, he obtained his Master’s degree from Washington State University where he met his wife Cindy.  They moved to Gig Harbor, and then Tacoma in 1980, where they raised their son Loren and daughter Stephanie.

Jerry began his career as a therapist at the Child Guidance Clinic where he spent the majority of his career, eventually becoming director.  For over 25 years he ran a summer camp for children involved with Child Guidance.  He was a mental health consultant for preschool programs and also a private practice therapist.  His work in the community was recognized in 1996 when he was selected to carry the Olympic torch on its way through Tacoma.  He was an active member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, and spent many hours volunteering with the St. Vincent de Paul program.  He also volunteered with at-risk youth at Tacoma Boat Builders.

Jerry was an ever-present father and coached many of his kids’ sports teams (whether he had any experience in the sport or not!).   He would spontaneously make up games with anyone who would play, including most recently with his grandchildren.  Jerry was an avid tennis player and hiker throughout his life.  He treasured sailing in Puget Sound and experiencing the beauty of Pt. Defiance Park.  He loved gardening and tackling projects large and small around the house, frequently with good results!  In retirement, he and Cindy traveled around the world, to Alaska, Mexico, France, Costa Rica, Peru, Ecuador, Italy, Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.

Jerry made friends everywhere he went.  He connected effortlessly with children, who could sense that he was a kindred spirit.  He always reached out to help, whether it was clients who were struggling, old friends who needed a place to stay, children whose house projects required a confident hand, or people who just needed someone to talk with. 

He is survived by his wife of 44 years Cindy, his children Loren and Stephanie, his grandchildren Solenne, Annika, and Kyran, and his siblings Tom and Julie.   He leaves behind a multitude of friends whose lives he impacted.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Patrick’s St. Vincent de Paul, Tacoma Boat Builders, or HopeSparks.

For information about an online memorial service, please sign up here: bit.ly/Jerry_Anderson