Obituary

Leonard B. Anderson of Keremeos, BC, loving husband of Jodi-Anne, passed away peacefully from complications due to Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma on September 17, 2020.  Len was only 67. Len was born in Melfort, Saskatchewan on December 7, 1952, one of 6 boys of Edna Marie Pearson (d.2020). As a young boy, the family moved to Vancouver, BC where he spent many hours roaming the city, especially his favourite stomping grounds, Stanley Park. Upon graduation, in October of 1970, Len joined the Canadian Armed Forces, into the Signals branch as a Rad-Op. Len enjoyed a long and illustrious career, reaching the rank of MWO. During his 42 years of service, Len was fortunate to travel the world over.  From postings to Calgary, Lahr, Italy, Petawawa, Egypt, Kingston, Croatia, New Zealand.  He was an instructor in both Kingston and Petawawa and was fortunate to work on the G8 summit held in Kananaskis.  Upon retiring in 2005, Len transitioned to the Reserves as the acting G6 for 1ASG, Plans MWO for 742 Sqn and finally the resources MWO for LFWA HQ G3 Branch.  Len loved the military, he loved his “soldiers” and made sure they not only knew how much they were appreciated, but he tried to pass on his knowledge of his trade and his love of fitness to them.  His soldiers were always trying to out-do him during PT…I don’t think they ever did…

Len retired from the military in 2010 to take on a civilian position at the Joint Personal Support Unit (JPSU) as a return to work co-ordinator.  A job he absolutely loved and was made for.  It was here that he felt he did his best works.  He assisted many service members in the transition from Military to Civilian life, helped many with their injuries (both physical and emotional), he aided many with their military careers, family issues, even life and death issues.  He retired completely in 2015 with the feeling that he didn’t do enough for them.  He would have been astounded to read what his “soldiers” have written about him.  He was extremely well liked and respected by all that came in contact with him.  Len was nominated for many awards, citations and promotions over the years, all of which he was extremely proud of. Len had a deep love of family, music and knowledge.  Family always came first to Lennie.  While he read just about anything, he really loved National Geographic, and he really loved Jeopardy.  He loved the Rat pack, Elvis, and Brooks and Dunn. Len was also an accomplished drummer, although he had to give it up in later years due to arthritis in his hands.  Len and Jodi-Anne loved to dance together, especially the two-step, but would dance to just about anything.  His favourite song to dance to was Etta James’s “at last”. Len’s love of sports was well known, from a life-long love of skiing, to paragliding, scuba diving, weight training, mountain climbing, two successful completions of the military Mountain Man race, as well as being selected as a Torch Bearer for the 2010 Olympics.  Len was the epitome of fitness. Len and Jodi-Anne settled in Keremeos in 2016 where they crammed a world of travel, RVing, and whole lot of love and laughter into the last 4 years of his life.Len is survived by his loving wife, Jodi-Anne Anderson (nee Crosthwaite), his daughter’s Mandy Lee Anderson & Michelle Ashely Summers (step), his two sons Geoffery David & Robert Alan Summers (step), his son-in law Tom Williams, his four granddaughters, Samantha Jones (nee Williams), Rebecca, Melanie & Tamara Williams and his remaining brothers Lloyd, Don, Roy & Keith. Len’s celebration of life will be held in the spring of 2021 (date to be determined). In lieu of flowers for those that wish to, a memorial donation may be made to your closest Legion branch, or to the Soldier On program (295 Coventry Road, Ottawa, ON  K1A 0K2)