Memories of Bart Anderson

Honorary tribute to Bart entered into the U.S. CONGRESSIONAL RECORD by Representative Jim Matheson

2009-06-22T12:31:00.000-07:00

An honorary tribute to Bart was entered into the U.S. CONGRESSIONAL RECORD by Representative Jim Matheson.

http://0-www.gpo.gov.library.colby.edu/fdsys/pkg/CREC-2009-05-07/pdf/CREC-2009-05-07-extensions.pdf

Page 10, middle column, half way down the page

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HONORING THE LIFE AND WORK
OF BART ANDERSON

HON. JIM MATHESON
OF UTAH
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Mr. MATHESON. Madam Speaker, southern
Utah has lost a local treasure with the passing
of Bart Anderson of St. George, Utah.

Bart Anderson was often described by people
who meet him for the first time as ‘‘bearsized
Bart Anderson’’. He loomed large in the
community life of Washington County. He was
a retired St. George hematologist, historian
and folklorist. Everyone knew him as ‘‘Ranger
Bart’’ because he devoted his golden years to
giving slide shows at nearby national parks—
including Zion National Park—as well as at
state parks.

I knew Bart Anderson as a man with a passion
for the stories of this part of the West,
known as Utah’s Dixie—so named because
cotton was one of the crops grown by the
Mormon settlers here at the time of the Civil
War.

One of Bart’s most popular presentations
was one on the outlaw Butch Cassidy. It featured
vintage photos of Butch Cassidy, who
Bart often pointed out, could charm the locals
and even the lawmen of that era.

Bart was a talented and versatile man, who
turned down a number of more lucrative business
offers because they would take him
away from Dixie and he said he had too much
red dirt running through his veins to leave.

As a child, he contracted polio and when
doctors said he wouldn’t walk again, his father
threw him in the swimming pool to help make
him strong. When he was 11, Bart’s father arranged
for him to work for the Boy Scouts as
a guide into the back country. He developed
a great love of hiking, including the Grand
Canyon.

As an adult, he merged his love of hiking
with his passion for story-telling by giving
walking tours in downtown St. George. That
morphed into a series of history lectures for
which he developed over 100 slide programs
that communicated his love of place to residents
and visitors alike.

He married his sweetheart—Delorice—
whom he called ‘‘the wind beneath my wings.’’
She was often in the audience during his lectures
and performances. Whether he was reciting
‘‘The Ballad of Sam McGee’’ around a
campfire with a troop of Boy Scouts, or researching
history at the Washington County
Historical Society, Bart Anderson was happiest
when he was immersed in folklore. He received
many local state and national honors,
including an award as Outstanding Volunteer
from former First Lady Hillary Clinton.

One of his close friends—Lyman Hafen—
told the local newspaper that Anderson was
one-of-a-kind—with a heart as big as Zion
Canyon. I was very proud to be his friend and
while he will be missed, he will never be forgotten.

In Loving Memory of Father Anderson (by Sandy Anderson, Daughter-In-Law)

2009-04-28T13:44:00.000-07:00

Though I never got to meet you,
My love for you runs deep.
Your love for life & compassion
My heart will always keep.

You always listened to what I'd say,
And you'd offer some advise too...
A gift that is rare to find,
And possessed by very few.

You encouraged my dreams...
And inspired me to become more,
Your lifelong love of learning
Invigorated me to the core.

You sacrificed for your family...
To give them all a good start,
Your influence now lives on in them,
Evident in their giving heart.

With the marriage of each child,
Your heart and family grew.
Now that you've been called back home,
Trust that we're all blue.

While your work on Earth
May be over and done...
Father's work for you in Heaven
Has only just begun.

The Anderson Family Legacy
Will forever live and grow...
Our family "Will be Together, Forever..."
This we already know.

Honoring Bart

2009-04-15T22:47:00.000-07:00

Here is a clip from the beautiful graveside service, including the bagpipe music, the folding of the flag, and the 21 Gun Salute.

(You may want to pause the music at the bottom of the page before watching the video!)

Bart's Funeral

2009-04-15T22:01:00.000-07:00

On Saturday March 28, 2009 we laid Bart to rest. We did our best to honor Bart's wishes for his funeral, right down to the bagpiper! It was a beautiful day filled with our thoughts and fond memories of our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend.

Bart loved Kolob Canyon, so we thought it was appropriate to have it as the cover of the program. We also sang If You could Hie to Kolob for our opening congregational hymn (one of Bart's favorite songs!)

Some of Bart's family before the viewing began
Kathy. Kristine. Paul. Sarah. Tyler. Flint. Eiko. Delorice

Because Bart served his mission in Scotland, he had a treamendous love for bagpipe music. His two favorite songs played on the bagpipe are: Amazing Grace and Scotland The Brave (the tune of Praise to The Man) both of which were played at his graveside service.

Because Bart served in the Navy Coastguard, he had a military funeral

Bart's nephew Jeremey is in the Army Reserve, so he was able to take part in the military service.

Because Bart's brother Paul, brother-in-law Ken, and nephew Jeremey all have served in the military, they folded Bart's flag. Bart would have been proud!

The Pallbearers

Tyler. Todd. Paul. Robert. J.B. Ken. Flint. Tony

Each pallbearer took off his boutonniere and placed in on the casket. Here is Bart's brother Paul placing his...

... and now his son Tyler

Until we meet again...

Bart's Viewing

2009-04-15T21:23:00.000-07:00

On Friday March 27, 2009 we held Bart's viewing at Spilsbury Mortuary in St. George, Utah. So many wonderful people came to show their respects. Bart lived such a full life, and was larger than life! How we will miss him!

Bart was a torch bearer in the Winter 2002 Olympics.
What an honor that was!

Bart loved Scotland!

Bart's adventures

So many people sent beautiful flowers!

The casket spray

Bart's children:

Todd. Tony. Tyler. Tara

Delorice. Tyler. Dr. Fawson

Shannon. Mayor Dan Barlow. Tyler

Rick & Tara with their children

Tasia. Tahlia. Colten. Caitlyn

Top Row: Todd. Paul. Tony

Bottom Row: Shannon. Tyler. Tara. Marsha. Clarissa. Clarissa's son

Bart, we know you were here the evening we held your viewing. We did our best to honor you well, and we hope we made you proud!

Bart ~ Living Life To Its Fullest

2009-03-25T19:08:00.000-07:00

Bart lived everyday to its fullest! He loved adventure, the outdoors, and most of all, his family.

Bart... always seeking adventure

Bart when he was just a little guy

Bart was in the Navy Coastguard

Bart (left, in the Scottish kilt), with his brother Paul and Father Sherman

Bart with his siblings

On September 6, 1983 Bart married his best friend and sweetheart, Delorice Harvill. Delorice who was his biggest supporter in all his endeavors and his #1 fan.

Bart (far right) with his parents Sherman and Eva, and his brothers and sisters.

Bart's most favorite place in the world to vacation was Hawaii!

Bart and his sweetheart loved traveling the country together

Bart with his brother and sisters:

(left to right)

Bart, Kathy, Karly, Kristine and Paul

Getting into character when telling a story, folklore or poem was one of Bart's many talents

"Bart's Hikes" were a popular community activity that he loved doing!

Bart's Family ~ The Early Years

2009-03-25T18:49:00.000-07:00

After Bart returned from serving a mission in Scotland, he met and married Marsha Mouritsen (later divorced). Together they had 4 beautiful children ~ Todd, Tony, Tyler and Tara. Many lasting family memories were made in their early years together in St. George. One thing is for sure, Bart loved his children, and he loved being a Dad more than just about anything!

Bart's children~

Tyler, Tony, Todd, Tara

Bart With Family

2009-03-25T01:09:00.000-07:00

Anthony. Tony. Tyler. Shannon. Isabelle. Bart. Kristine. Delorice

Bart loved his family! Getting everyone together, whether it be in St. George or in Salt Lake, was always such a treat.

Bart with his youngest son, Tyler

(This was the last time Tyler saw his Dad... we came down to St. George to visit him in the hospital after his knee surgery.)

Tyler & Bart

Bart with his younger sister, Kristine

Bart & Tyler at the Library

Tyler and Bart at Cracker Barrel

Everytime we visit St. George, we have breakfast at The Cracker Barrel with Bart and Delorice. After eating Bart would go to the store and buy a jar of atomic fire balls. Eating at The Cracker Barrel has become a tradition... it is "our place!"