Brian Ralph Anderson passed away peacefully at home on March 27, 2023 in Salem, UT. He graduated to the next life with high honors after a long and graceful battle with cancer. His daughter Kristin played on the piano during the hour of his passing and the days and weeks preceding were marked by a constant stream of loved ones, family and friends coming to visit and comfort Brian in his final days. Even in his hours of greatest pain and fatigue we watched him telling stories, jokes, and giving words of encouragement and love to those who visited. These selfless, fun-loving and honorable actions were at the very core of who he was.
Brian was born in Huntington Park California on April 14, 1950 to Elva Elaine Wood and Lynn Wallace Anderson. He was their third and youngest son. His growing up years were marked with memories at the grocery store his father owned and body surfing at the beach with his brother Fred. He excelled in school and made a friend of everyone he met. He was incredibly grateful throughout his life for the friends he made as a child and their parents, some of whom included him as one of their own. He felt that they made all the difference in shaping the way he viewed the world for the better. His growing up years were blessed by the strength and determination of his wonderful mother. He was so grateful for her faithfulness in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints always, but especially after his parents’ divorce.
After high school he attended Brigham Young University. 
He took a break to serve a 2-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Central Atlantic States Mission (North Carolina/Virginia). When he returned to BYU he met the love of his life, Karen Wiest. She was the cook for his apartment and when he found out she spoke German he suddenly needed a lot more help with the German class he was taking. He used that as an excuse to spend as much time with her as possible until they began their courtship. They married on January 2, 1974 in the Salt Lake City Temple.
Brian and Karen lived in St. Louis, Missouri while Brian worked on his MBA at Washington University. He then transferred and finished at the University of Utah. He began working for Questar Gas Company 2 years before he graduated and stayed there until he retired 27 years later. He often wondered throughout his life what it would have been like to earn a living doing something he was truly passionate about. Some of his greatest interests were music, art, and languages. But his truest loyalty and love was with his wife and their 8 children — Jeffrey, Kristin, Nicole, Robert, Steven, Megan, Emily, and Joseph. Every decision he made was marked and underscored by the desire to provide for and protect his family.
Brian personally constructed a home for his family in Fruit Heights, UT. Twelve years later the family lived temporarily in Provo while Brian and Karen built their dream home in Salem, UT. Their dream was to provide a place for their children to learn from experience the benefits and satisfaction of hard work. Brian showed by example not only how to work, but also how to cheerfully do even the most mundane of tasks. He sang, danced, and smiled his way through moving pipe, pulling weeds, and building tree houses.
His early retirement allowed Brian and Karen to make many wonderful memories pursuing some of his life passions. Among the greatest highlights were trips together around the world. They visited Israel, Denmark and Sweden. In Sweden they met distant relatives and visited cities where their ancestors lived. He loved traveling to see his children and grandchildren and making memories with them as well. He also enjoyed visiting museums, going to plays, and attending the symphony.
Throughout his life Brian put the Lord first and served diligently in many capacities and callings. Brian and Karen were able to serve a mission in Kirtland and Cleveland, Ohio teaching institute to the young single adults and loved every second of it. They also had the unique opportunity to live in Nauvoo, Illinois for a year and a half where they served in the temple and their ward. At the end of his life looking back over all of his callings he shared that his favorite, no contest, was as the primary chorister in both Salem and Nauvoo. He loved the sweet children he served and teaching them the gospel through his favorite primary songs. He couldn’t think of them without tears of love and gratitude.
Brian is survived by his wife Karen, their children and spouses: Jeffrey and Margaret Anderson, Kristin Anderson, Nicole and Oscar Lopez, Robert and Diana Anderson, Steven and Katie Anderson, Megan and Ryan Boynton, Emily and Oscar Jimenez, Joseph and Taylor Anderson, Lisa Alleman (his much loved “adopted” daughter) and 31 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother Elva Elaine, father Lynn Wallace, and his brothers Lynn Darryl, and Fred Paul.
He will be missed greatly and never forgotten by the many who love him so dearly. We’re so grateful this goodbye is not forever but until we meet again. Or to use one of Brian’s favorite farewells (said with much exuberance) “tofa soifua!” which is Samoan for “Go with God.”
There will be a visitation Sunday evening, April 2, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 187 South Main Street, Spanish Fork, Utah. Funeral service will be Monday morning, April 3, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. the Salem Loafer View Ward (Salem Stake Center) Church, 470 East Salem Canal Road, Salem, preceded by a visitation that morning, April 3, 2023, at the church from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Services will be live-streamed for viewing by those unable to attend the funeral. Interment will be at Salem City Cemetery, 979 South 130 East, Salem, Utah
In lieu of flowers, family would gratefully welcome donations to help with Brian’s final expenses through VENMO karen-anderson-284
4 Condolences for Brian Ralph Anderson
Condolences(4)
Mike Wilson says
April 3, 2023 at 2:37 pmMy heart swells with gratitude to have known Brian Andeson!
I’m so blessed to have had Brian as a friend. He called me to be a counselor when he was Bishop of the Salem 8th Ward, and that time was an incredible blessing for our family and me. I remember being taught, by Bishop Anderson, to consider more closely my feelings and the feelings of the spirit as we worked together as leaders in the ward.
Brian’s example of love for God and love for others has left a great impression on me. His constant brightness of heart even in the midst of struggles is inspiring! I look forward to renewing our friendship on the other side of the veil.
We love the Anderson family and share our heartfelt condolences and love with you! May you feel the peace and love that the Savior has to give.
Mike and Susan Wilson
Chris Shaw says
April 3, 2023 at 3:11 pmIt’s even a long time ago since we shared friendship in Fruit Heights, but I wanted to tell you how much I loved reading Brian’s obituary and watching the entire video presentation of him and your beautiful children and grandchildren. He is definitely leaving behind a wonderful legacy. I am sorry for your loss of such a great husband, father, and grandfather, but know as you know, you are a forever family and will see him again.we send our love and best wishes to you. Love, Chris & Jeff Shaw
Nancy Bigler Glazier says
April 3, 2023 at 7:03 pmDear Karen and Family, The Bigler’s loved Brian and his Mom and Brothers. We had so many inside jokes, as we shared our swimming pool, BBQ’s, Church activities, and service together.
I remember when Brian wanted to learn the Piano, he took a while from our Piano Teacher, then said she doesn’t teach like I would like to learn. So he sought out another teacher that could teach at the pace he wanted to learn. He far surpassed me with his ability and I was in awe. I am two years older then he.
He was a wonderful friend and he and my brother enjoyed scout trips, and excursions to the beach with my brothers and family Ward. He was so kind to us girls, there were three in our family with four boys. He was very respectful and kind to my Mom LaVerne =o). My Mom said he was welcome any time at our home, and he was. He lived four housed down from us. I loved to go and do a little cleaning with Elaine. She was a Gem. As a young girl I loved just visiting with her.
His brother Larry we called Red Dog.. lovingly, he was a character and so much fun. My brothers befriended him too. We enjoyed Road Shows, Dances, Melodrama plays with the Ward, and Wonderful Ward Dinners!!!.. We all. had so many friends and activities to enjoy at Huntington Park High School. It was a great time of Music, Friendship, Seminary, Ward Choirs, Stake Choirs, etc. I treasure that time the part the Anderson Family played in it.
I am so sorry for your loss but the tributes today were beautiful and non the less sincere full of love a devotion for such a terrific and wonderful man. He lived his testimony with love and kindness. I am happy he found such a worthy. companion to bring such beautiful children into the world to help make it a better place. I send my Love and heart felt condolences. Nancy Bigler Glazier
Nancy Bigler Glazier says
April 3, 2023 at 7:34 pmDear Karen and Family, The Bigler’s loved Brian and his Mom and Brothers. We had so many inside jokes, as we shared our swimming pool, BBQ’s, Church activities, and service together.
I remember when Brian wanted to learn the Piano, he took a while from our Piano Teacher, then said she doesn’t teach like I would like to learn. So he sought out another teacher that could teach at the pace he wanted to learn. He far surpassed me with his ability and I was in awe. I am two years older then he.
He was a wonderful friend and he and my brother enjoyed scout trips, and excursions to the beach with my brothers and family Ward. He was so kind to us girls, there were three in our family with four boys. He was very respectful and kind to my Mom LaVerne =o). My Mom said he was welcome any time at our home, and he was. He lived four houses down from us. I loved to go and do a little cleaning with Elaine. She was a Gem. As a young girl I loved just visiting with her.
His brother Larry we called Red Dog.. lovingly, he was a character and so much fun. My brothers befriended him too. We enjoyed Road Shows, Dances, Melodrama plays with the Ward, and Wonderful Ward Dinners!!!.. We all. had so many friends and activities to enjoy at Huntington Park High School. It was a great time of Music, Friendship, Seminary, Ward Choirs, Stake Choirs, etc. I treasure that time the part the Anderson Family played in it.
I am so sorry for your loss but the tributes today were beautiful and non the less sincere full of love a devotion for such a terrific and wonderful man. He lived his testimony with love and kindness. I am happy he found such a worthy. companion to bring such beautiful children into the world to help make it a better place. I send my Love and heart felt condolences. Nancy Bigler Glazier
Send Flowers
Sympathy Arrangements
Wreaths and Standing Arrangements
Casket and Family Flowers
Print Obituary