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What a privilege to be a part of the celebration today! You did a beautiful tribute to Skip and a grand job of pointing everyone to his Lord :-) I'm sure at times your hearts must ache hugely and yet there is the knowledge that he is without pain and in perfect health, rejoicing in God's presence!!
The hats were a nice touch... especially when grandma decided it was a good way to cover up her short hair do! :-)
Although we hadn't spent much time together, we feel blessed to have a few brief memories of time with such an awesome family! :-)
Our prayers will continue to cover you in the months ahead.
With Love & Prayers,
H&H
Isaac, though I have never met your father, if he is anything like you then I would have liked him. I can only hope and pray that God will strengthen your family in this time of mourning. Take comfort that he is with the Father and will suffer no more. Hope all is well with you. Sincerely Brent Cooper (bkcoop66@cox.net)
I met Skip about seventeen years ago. Skip came to our church with his young family and became a faithful participant in our Christian community. It was a joy to watch Skip and his family as they grew in their faith and put their trust in Jesus Christ. It was my privilege to pray and talk with Skip many times about his health, his family, and his concerns. I had the privilege of baptizing him and participating in his spiritual growth. I watched as Skip took a keen interest in the biblical promise of Jesus Christ’s return to earth. Skip’s recognition of his own mortality caused him to think about eternity and life after death. Certainly the return of Jesus Christ is what every Christian should focus on. Skip did that. Skip loved his family and his friends and each person that knew him felt comfortable in his company. Skip leaves a deep impression on all of us and most assuredly on his family. They were blessed to have a talented dad, a gift from God.” Throughout the years I’m sure they will see his image coming through in their lives. Jesus said, “Unless a corn of wheat falls into the ground and dies it abides alone, but if it goes into the ground, it bears much fruit.” I believe we will see much fruit come from Skip’s life and from his passing from this life to the next. “Well done thou good and faithful servant.”.
Although I've never met Skips family, I personally knew Skip since I was a young boy!!! I was introduced to Skip through my family buisness, which he visited every wednesday until he became very ill. I remember many times Skip would be here on buisness for NTP, and after my father and Skip had finished they would just hang out for a few hours telling stories (jokes) and just really enjoying eachothers company like "BROTHERS"! They were more than assosiates, they were very very good friends, and even though my father has'nt talked much about Skips passing I know inside he is crushed!!! When I was in Junior High & High School, every Wednesday I would come home from school or Practice (football)
and I would have some pretty good stories for Skip and my father!!! Skip, and I would be in tears from laughter!!! Those were some of the best times of my life and Skip was their to enjoy them with us!!! To Isaac who I've never met, I always felt like I knew you a little bit because your dad always had a funny story about you!!! It sounded like you were a good prankster!!! Maybe someday we could meet for lunch or something!!! To the rest of the family God Bless and take care!!!!
Sincerily, Randy W. Lien
Isaac, I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you, and my heart is grieving for and with you. After reading about your father, and seeing his face in pictures, a little more of you makes sense. If it is any indication to how you might grow, I can say his shadow seems pretty amazing to walk after.
Much love and many prayers,
Amy
Isaac, this website is a testimony to your Dads life and his faith in the Lord. I was very honored to have a great father in law for a short time, and now a great new family for a lifetime!
-Michael Jordan
Isaac,
Amy just told me of this site...it's a beautiful to your dad. You never told me you looked so much like him!
I've been praying for your family. It's hard to lose the head of the family - the husband, father, leader, provider....there will be a missing place that he filled in all of your hearts. But each of you carry a part of him with you and he will live on in your memories.
Keven "knows" my dad even though he never met him. You are already doing a great job of introducing Skip to others and allowing those who knew him to share their feelings about him.
Bless you, bro.
Your friend, B
To the Anderson Family,
Thank you so much for honoring Skip in such a warm, caring manner. We know each of you will miss him immensely but he will live on in your memory which a little bitter with the sweet, but a good thing for sure.
Jim and I asked Jules if we could cook for Skip and his guests at his 50th birthday party. Fortunately for us, he agreed, and we had one of the most delightful times, as we watched a lovely interaction both with all the guests and family, of which we very much felt a part.
Your family is both a delight and a treasure and we know you will support one another through the months to come and, of course, Skip will certainly be part of that picture, watching over you all!
Again, thank you so much for including all of us in the celebration of Skip's life.
Our love to each of you,
Kathy and Jim Stoetzer
It is an honor that I can always have with me that a person who impacted so many lives was my Uncle. There will alwasy be a gap in my heart now, but I will be able to smile more than frown. I will be able to remember things from Christmas times that will make me laugh, and have fond memories of the last few years where our relationship grew. It was you and your family that without judgment of where I had been, introduced me to the Lord. I have that to be greatful for. My faith, which needs constant work, is something that wasn't even part of my life without your entire family... Thank You All.
You all are the people who I want to try to madel my family after... I can only hope to get close. Thank you to all of you for who you are, and who you will continue to be. You all mean so much to so many people. I hope that if you need anything at all, that I can be there for you.
Love to all,
Tom
My memories of Skip are all ones of joy and laughter. I have an imprint in my mind from when I was young; several families from our church went up to our property near Index to camp for the night. My family decided we would tent it while the smarter, outdoor experienced families all had their motor homes. Hmm…
They must have known much more then us because it rained all night long and the rest of the next day we spent under a tarp with a fire to keep us warm. Skip and Jules helped create a shelter for all us cold, sleep deprived campers. It was one of my favorite experiences.
I will always remember the sound of the Anderson/Sharpe family sing along time. I know that Skip is still making a joyful noise as he is now singing his praises in the presence of the King of Kings!
My Love and Prayers,
Katrina
I will always enjoy when I think of Skip, his dazzling smile and gentle mannerism.As part of the church family at Antioch at the same time the Anderson's were there,it was encouraging and a blessing to have Skip acknowledge me every Sunday morning.(not that the Jules didn't :0)
It was also special because of my involvement with Jews for Jesus at the time(and still),he took an interest in what I was doing.Like what was the latest project and some of the details about it. It made me feel really supported (not that others didn't),but he took the time to verbalize it one on one.
Quite a few years went by since then and I lost contact save but through Patti and Gerry Whitmarsh.It was then that I learned Skip was in UW hospital-where I'm also working.I was able to go visit him one evening while on shift and once again was blessed by his beautiful smile and anointing.He encouraged me and it was humbling.
It was also such a pleasure to meet Glenda-who greatly impressed me in that short visit of being "a nurses nurse".
The years that had passed not having stayed in contact were made up for by tenderly holding his hand while I stood visiting.And although Skip didn't verbalize it, I felt he was saying,"that's alright we're family in Jesus and you're here now."
Also one day flying into work running into Julianne while she was on her cell,and giving her a quick squeeze said,"Even though some years have gone by,I'm with you." And isn't that what it's all about? We are family! I learned much more about Skip at the beautiful tribute to him and I look forward to knowing him more when we're all part of that great cloud of witnesses.
We had some unforgettable times with Skip and Jules and the kids.
Skip's stories about college made me laugh so hard they brought tears to my eyes. But it was the stories about Isaac, Rachel and Hilliary that showed the depth of his love.
After Isaac grew up and moved out of the house, Skip and Jules always had video footage or photos of his latest escapades, which included chance encounters with movie stars and strange appearances on game shows. Skip was proudest of Isaac's efforts to document human conditions in other parts of the world, although I know at times both he and Jules worried about their son's safety.
With Rachel, there were updates about her softball games and her ongoing efforts to treat all the girls in their neighborhood to makeovers. Hilliary's artwork was a tremendous source of pride as was her love of animals. When he talked about the neighbor's dog mauling some of her chickens one year, his heart genuinely broke for Hilliary.
He loved to tell stories about Jules and her many practical and goofy jokes. There was always an "oh, that Jules," type of punch line.
My sons Austin and Garrick both loved Skip. They viewed him as one of the guys. I guess it was because he made time for conversations with them and laughed at their stories and jokes. He was a good friend to all of us.
Jules told us many years ago about Skip's illness, but, through some miracle, he still made it to the annual get-togethers. As the years and lung disease progressed, it took him longer to walk places. When he got winded, he told others to go ahead, saying that it just took him a little longer.
It impressed me that no matter how crumby he felt, he fully participated in life. Sitting around was never Skip's thing.
When hiking was no longer possible, he switched to campground camping and later to staying in an RV. He never shied away from enjoying campfire with friends, even if smoke was billowing in his direction.
Although a lack of oxygen prevented him from swimming, he jetted about in his rubber boat, rowed in a raft with Rachel and Hilliary and helped Bob pull skiers and inner tube riders in our old Sea Swirl.
Perhaps my fondest memory is of Skip and Bob motoring up after a couple hours of pulling kids around Diamond Lake. With sunburn-reddened faces, they stepped onto the dock and tied up the boat, talking and laughing the whole time. It's a picture that makes me smile.
Melodie Little
Many people came up to tell me what a blessing I was to the family during Skip's stay at the hospital. But actually I was the one that was so blessed.
I can't begin to tell you how special it was for me to spend the last 8 weeks of my brothers life with him.
(I have wished it could have been under better circumstances, but in reality, I would not have been there for 8 weeks if he had been healthy)
Since I live in Oregon, my times spent with my brother were at Holiday get togethers. And you know how that is. You always go away feeling that you did not spend enough time with someone.
Skip and I would talk on the phone once in awhile or email on occasion, but it was not often. I thought of him often, I knew he was so busy trying to make sure his family was taken care of before he died.
At the hospital we were re-united as sibblings!
I was so touched by all of the people who would come to visit Skip.
Even on his worst days, he would manage a smile and some joking around!
But, the special part for me was to be able to help him. I would wait on him, so to speak.
I would bring him blankets when he was cold, cover him up and tuck him in. I would fluff his pillow, when he was not comfortable, bring him something to drink when he was able to drink. There were so many things that I was able to do for him.
He never wanted me to leave. I knew he felt more secure when I was there, because the nurses are not always able to drop everything and run to a patient to fluff their pillow when they are called!
For awhile I was shaving him. That was a chore. His beard was so tough. I would nick him and he would say that was okay. I felt so bad because I knew it had to hurt. I finally got him shaving himself. (I must have really scared him with that razor!)
I would wash his hair and then brush it almost every morning. (He was very proud of keeping himself looking good, no matter how bad he felt.) He was too weak to do these things by himself.
We would talk some (when he could talk) but not alot. I would just sit there and watch him sleep or help him with something. It was a full time job!
When he couldn't talk, we would communicate by lip reading, writing on a tablet or by sign language. Not one of the these was easy.
Watching Skip light up when any one of his family members would come in, would make my day.
He was always so thoughtful though, even in his condition. He would tell me to call Jules and tell her she didn't need to come in, that she needed a night to rest. (He was always worried about her)
Julianne did have a huge plate to fill. Not only did she have to work everyday, she then had Skip on her mind and was trying to plan a huge Wedding for their oldest daughter Rachel. (I don't know how she did it?)
Other things Skip was always so thoughtful about, he would always ask me if I had called Randy. (My husband) Skip was always concerned about that. Randy was great. He never requested that I come home. Hmm? It made things for me so much more do-able.
About a week after Skip went into the hospital, Randy's mother (who lived in Idaho) had fallen and crushed her shoulder. Skip, lying in bed not knowing the outcome of the next day, would always ask how Randy's Mom was doing.
Skip was always worrying about someone else, even with his own worries.
There is so much I could write about during those 8 weeks at the hospital, but the bottom line is....I was trully the one blessed. Not only did I get to spend such a special time with my brother taking care of him, but I also got to spend a lot of time with Skip's family and friends.
I love my sister-in-law and my nephew and nieces. Enough good cannot be said about all of them. Skip had a gold mine of a family, and I was blessed to be brought closer to all of them.
Thank you Lord for giving me a new outlook in life.
I will and do, miss my brother. He was what made me light up when I knew he would be attending a get together.
Lord take care of him. He is special.
God Bless,
Skip's sister Glenda, and proud of it!
As a close friend of Isaac in Junior High School, I share a lot of fond memories of spending time with the Anderson family. One thing I could always depend on with every visit was a more than healthy dose of laughter. It was the kind of laughter that you treasure, because it made you feel alive, and in some ways a part of something special.
I loved spending time with Skip when I was visiting Isaac, partly because I could say things around him that I would never dare say around other parents. Skip just seemed to "get it." As a youth pastor now (none of us would have guessed that at the time) I look back at the way Skip made me and others comfortable with a smile and a sense of humor that reminds me how laughter can open doors to relationships that other traits cannot.
Although it has been many years since Isaac and I have been in Junior High, I cherish those moments and remember them often. God bless,
Warren
As I sit in the living room of my parents' house tying this post, I can still see Skip. It was only a little while ago that he was standing in our kitchen, smiling and telling the story about the bear, a story I'll never forget. I can see him in the living room too, laughing and joking and making life seem lighter, singing and changing voices. And then I think back to the other places that I knew Skip, at Antioch driving up in the Land Rover and piling his family in after church or at your house, out on the patio with the bbq, or playing pool in the living room. I can hear his voice. I can see his clear blue eyes and his smile and the way he would shrug his shoulders. When I close my eyes and think about Skip I think of all the places that he's been and filled up with life. My life was blessed to have Skip passing through it...and I miss him.
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
-Jonathan
It was a September evening in 1967 when I arrived in Mt Vernon and in front of the Campus Village apartment complex. Turning into the driveway I could just barely make out a vague shadowy figure hiding behind some bushes. He was using a garden hose to soak the long driveway and then watch cars slip and slide as they entered.
And so this was my introduction to Skip Anderson, the kid from Shelton, "Christmas tree capital of the world". We connected from our first meeting and became the best of friends a friendship that would last for the next 38 years.
During our two years at Skagit Valley College we had countless adventures and more fun than we should have. That skinny, curly haired kid I befriended was a self-confident, free spirit with a sparkle in his eye and a definite taste for excitement. And I became his willing accomplice.
I remember the night the landlady barged into Skip's apartment. She was under the impression that he had sneaked girls into his room. (A clear violation of apartment rules) Hearing noises emanating from the closet she swung the door open to find herself face to face with the redtail hawk Skip housed in there. She let out a scream and ran out never daring to venture back. It's probably a good thing too, as she never learned about Sherman the duck that Skip kept in an apartment room he'd filled with water.
At the end of that first year and unknown to us a few of our friends stuffed the Skagit Valley College ballot box thereby electing me President and Skip Vice President of the Student Body. The administration was less than pleased with this development so they found a loophole in school election rules (something like requiring a passing GPA) and we were unceremoniously booted from office.
As did all his friends I appreciated Skip's artistic abilities. Here was a guy that could easily survive in the deep woods and yet create such beautiful and delicate pieces of blown glass. I once watched him spend hours painting an unbelievably beautiful wildlife scene on the wall of his apartment. He then hanged a picture frame over it. Another time he spent hours creating a 12 foot wide curtain out of chestnuts. My friend the artist saw the world in a special way. This gift is ever apparent in Isaac, Rachel and Hilliary.
After two eventful years in Mt. Vernon we moved on to Central Washington University. Ellensburg turned out to be a perfect fit for Skip and his talents really flourished. It's here he actually honed his guitar skills and dedicated all his free time into becoming an exceptional pool player. He quickly became a high profiled individual around town that everyone knew and liked.
Time quickly passed and through a major miscalculation on my part I found that I had somehow earned enough credits to graduate. With my college time over I landed a job with the Spokane Park Department. After Skip graduated he moved in with me and I helped him get a job as a Parks Recreation Supervisor.
I remember one time getting two great box seat tickets to a Spokane Indian's baseball game. Being a day game Skip decided to call in sick. While sitting at the game we heard a familiar voice in the seat behind us. It was Skip's boss. He said, "Hey, I thought you were sick". Not missing a beat, Skip quickly responded, "So what time do you usually get off work?" It was a great retort. His boss laughed, bought us a beer and together we all enjoyed the game.
Skip moved back to Seattle and not too long later I received a phone call telling me that he and Julianne were getting married. He asked me if I'd be best man. I borrowed a sport coat and tie and headed west. I showed up the day of the wedding and it took some doing to convince Jules' mom that I honestly was a wedding guest. Yet my attire fit right in as for the wedding Jules had made Skip an extremely loud plaid sport coat. I still laugh about it.
Two months later I moved to Seattle. With Jules now a major part of Skip's life the merriment accelerated. She was twice the jokester as Skip and he never knew when she'd strike. Among our many friends her pranks are legendary.
As time moved on we settled down with families, found real jobs and attempted to become responsible. Over the past 20 years a group of us would all meet somewhere in the middle of the state to spend a few days reflecting on our memories and creating new ones. I always loved listening to the stories Skip would tell especially those in which I was a part. He could spin a wonderful tale and I enjoyed his stories swelling with exaggeration and becoming more and more colorful with each telling.
I last saw Skip when in Seattle for Rachel and Jeff's wedding. Even though he had been through a lot and looked fairly frail he still had that special sparkle in his eye. We shared some laughs and talked about how we'd soon be playing tennis. I told him I'd be back to see him in two weeks. On my way out he took me by the hand and told me he loved me.
I never saw him again. Two weeks later on my way back to see him I learned he was gone.
Today I can picture him in my fondest memories as I reflect back on so many wonderful times.
Skip Anderson was a great friend of mine and I miss him.
When we were in to visit my dad, after his second surgery, Isaac asked him "What have you learned through all this?" My dad replied, "I have learned how much God loves me." It was amazing to see him change and become a better person through his trials in the hospital. Right now he is in heaven, experiencing God's love to the fullest.
When I think of Skip frequently since his passing, my thoughts often lead to his family. Isaac is a close friend and his mother and sisters were at one period in my life my Seattle family.
In this blog though, I want to talk about Skip.
I remember Skip as a man who worked faithfully for his employer to provide for his family. While living with Isaac, I recall Skip at his desk in the wash room often. He would shuffle papers around, make short phone calls, and try to fax and download stuff. Frequently, Skip would have technical problems and I would often hear noises of frustration. I remember after 9/11 his worry about job security since the economy dropped and that meant less big spending on motor homes, etc. To this day, I have some “Northwest Trailer” mugs in my kitchen cabinet. Every time I saw a motor home or trailer since living with the Andersons, I thought of Skip. I don’t think that will ever end.
"I remember Isaac's relationship with his father. It helped me recognize the
faults in the relationship with my father. I was always amazed at Isaac's
patience with Skip and with Skip's patience toward Isaac."
I remember Skip’s love for hunting. He would be out there right now because it is deer season as I write this. I always wished but did not voice that I wanted to go hunting with Skip. I think he hunted alone sometimes and that never seemed right to me. I have an image of him lonely on a mist covered hill quietly seeking his trophy.
I remember Skip’s love for pool. He taught me some neat tricks and lessons. The man was amazing at it. It was especially fun to see him play with his friends when they would come over. Skip was a good sport, fair and hospitable. He also told good stories. I’m a better pool player because of Skip.
"I remember feeling concerned for Skip because of his health. I can't begin
to know what trouble it brought to his life and goals. He was not a
complainer. He never complained that I know of. He always did much more work
than he probably should have. Skip had strong character."
I remember Skip’s interest in me. He was always eager to hear how I was doing when I came to visit. He always made me feel welcome and made me feel important and at home. Skip wanted to know how the mission work I was doing was going. I always felt so comfortable sharing and we went deep many times.
I remember Skips’ relationship with the Lord. He was always faithful in going to church. He was always interested in supporting and doing the Lord’s work. All his children are Godly as a result.
God is good. I miss Skip.
Corban Cooper
Bothell, WA
October 16, 2005
I am so sorry to hear about your father's passing. My prayers are with you.
Isaac in the short time I got to know you in Bellevue at Corban's wedding, I found you to be a man who lives life to the fullest with a fear and love for the Almighty.
Corban says your dad was a believer, so I'm sure he is looking down upon you now taking satisfaction in what a great Godly man you are.
Brian Jeffries
Phoenix, AZ
Anonymous said...
I know I knew Skip for a short time but it was a lot of fun to get to meet him and learn a little about him. Even play some pool with him at the house with his daughter hilliary. My thoughts and prayers have been and will be with the Andersons.
Kurt
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