Thomas Elliot Anderson, 83, passed away on April 8, 2022, in Gunnison, Utah.
Tom was born on a snowy spring day “at least 18 inches” on May 18, 1938, in a small cottage in Manti, Utah. He was the third son of L. Glen and Bernice Braithwaite Anderson.
Tom’s childhood was spent in Manti and the surrounding foothills and mountains. Summers at the Old Timer Cabin at Fish Lake were a treasure throughout his life.
Tom attended Manti High School and Snow College. He served in the Utah National Guard. In 1958 Tom began what would become a 60+ year mission of Christ-like service for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He was called to the Gulf States Mission, serving in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Upon returning from his mission, Tom attended Brigham Young University. During that same time, he met the girl who would become his wife of 58 years, Sharon Kay Rosenlund.
Tom’s genuine love for all of God’s creatures was manifest in his academic training, where he was awarded a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Colorado State University in 1966.
Tom became an exceptional and beloved veterinarian, a true caregiver and steward, with a passion to assist, give aid, and help heal all that he served – both animals and people.
Dr. Tom practiced well into his 70s and kept his license active to the present. In 2016, Tom was honored as the Utah Veterinarian of the Year.
Teaching youth was an important part of Tom’s life. He cared deeply for them and taught correct principles to many. He was honored with the Silver Beaver Award by the Boy Scouts of America.
Family, faith and freedom were pillars Tom lived by. He helped those in need and gave of his time, means and talents to lift, strengthen and support those who crossed his path. His church service was long and devoted. He was a missionary, a bishop, a Seventy, a youth leader, and Patriarch of the Gunnison Utah Stake.
He was a dedicated husband, father, grandpa, friend and brother. He worked hard, making the world a better and brighter place. He was referred to by many as “the best person I’ve ever known.” And he always had time for ice cream.
Tom is survived by his sweetheart, Sharon Kay; his children, David (Mary Ann), Kristina (Michael) Jorgensen, Julianne, and Susan (Alan) Christensen; his beautiful grandchildren, MacKenzie, Sadie (Justin), and Cambrie (Austin), Joseph (Misti), MaKayla, and Jessika, and Rylan; and great grandchildren Emmalyn and Everly; his brothers, George (Leona) and Richard, and brother-in-law Dale (Sharleen) Rosenlund.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his parents-in-law, sister-in-law Rhea, and infant sister Norma.
A celebration of the life of this remarkable man, who lived simply but richly, will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2022 at noon (MST) in the Gunnison Utah Stake Center. A viewing will be held prior to services from 10–11:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Manti City Cemetery at 3 p.m.
Online condolences and live streaming of the services at www.maglebymortuary.com under Tom’s obituary. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.
