Gary Dean Anderson

Gary Dean Anderson, lifelong Whatcom County resident, passed away April 16, 2023. Born in Bellingham June 26, 1948 to parents Delbert and Virginia Anderson, Gary graduated from Meridian High School in 1966. He enlisted in the Navy and served as a cook from 1968 to 1974.

Following in the footsteps of his father, Gary became a union carpenter and equipment operator. In 1976 he graduated from Olympia Technical Community College and became a well-known farrier which he did on nights and weekends for nearly two decades. While he worked full time with Strengholt Construction until his retirement in 2006. 

His farm and horses brought him great happiness. From being a jockey in his youth to President of the Washington State Draft Horse Pullers Association and contributing member of the Backcountry Horsemen of Washington Gary was eager to impart horsemanship tips and tricks and lessons learned, and rarely turned down an opportunity to take his horse Lucy riding. 

Full of energy and on the go, Gary was independent and active in his community. Whether seen at the Lynden Fair, the Everson Auction, or a couple of states away at a horse pull or machinery sale, his telltale red and white polka dot hat was his calling card. 

For his friends, family and neighbors Gary was quick to help and would loyally be there in a moment’s notice. He seldom said no and would put his projects on the back burner to assist someone else. He was highly revered as a great friend by those who were close to him. He will be missed by many, but loved by all. 

Gary was preceded in death by his wife Linda, parents Delbert and Virginia, sister Loreen, and niece Rawna Berge. He is survived by his son Ken, daughter Gerri and husband Tracy Epley, granddaughters Kira and Sophie Ferris, and grandsons Jasper and Sawyer Epley all of Bellingham his beloved sister Toni and husband Ron Carlson, their son Tug and wife Kelly, their children, and Rawna’s children Haley and Blake Berge, all of Ellensburg; and some very close friends he thought of as family. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Whatcom Chapter of the Backcountry Horsemen of Washington. In Gary Anderson fashion there will be no services. Instead, a celebration of life get together will occur on Saturday, June 24 at 1964 E Hemmi Road.