Joseph Lynn Anderson

Joseph Lynn Anderson

Born on September 29, 1937 in Virginia, Joseph "Joe" Lynn Anderson began his long journey through life. Joe was the youngest son of Preston Nash Anderson and his wife Ethel. Joe and his two older brothers, Robert & Frank were raised in a loving and disciplined household. His father Preston, a hardworking man was an enthusiast in astronomy, and his mother Ethel, a very religious woman, insisted on them attending church every Sunday (Preston sometimes made an appearance.) It was from this family home that Joe learned about punctuality and discipline and more importantly, he learned to love God and nature.

After graduating High School, Joe attended Ferrum College. On the football field at Ferrum Joe played offense, defense and special teams. A little crazy but mostly tough, Joe always listened to Coach Barnes and never left the field of battle throughout the entire game. Before leaving Ferrum, Joe earned the distinction of All American Guard. Here, he also met his first love, Beverly Saunders and they were married on August 29, 1959.

Joe transferred to William & Mary University to study Business Administration. While at William & Mary, Joe joined the National Guard and honorably served his country for 8 years in the reserves.

After graduation from college, Joe worked with Del Monte Foods and moved to the company headquarters in San Francisco, CA. While with Del Monte, Joe was recruited by a competitor, and after much deliberation, he decided to accept the position and started a long and successful career with the Clorox Company. Joe moved several times in the early years as he climbed the company ladder with Clorox. It was during this time in his life that his daughter Suzanne was born on June 27, 1965 in Fayetteville, NC, followed by his son Joseph Jr. "Jay" who was born on July 24, 1969 in Eastpointe, GA. Eventually, work would move Joe back to the San Francisco Bay area.

In May of 1981, Joe met his second wife Connie during a church social event for singles at the Community Presbyterian Church in Danville, CA. After the event, Joe (always the southern gentleman) insisted on walking Connie to her car. It was love at first site, and they both knew immediately this relationship was destined to blossom into something special.

On November 29, 1981 Joe and Connie were married in a beautiful ceremony at Tilden Park in Berkeley, CA with sweeping vistas of east bay hills near the San Francisco Bay. Joe and Connie lived in the Berkeley foothills and it was here Joe's third child Scott Mathew Lynn Anderson was born on August 31, 1983.

Joe finished his career with Clorox and retired in 1998. After retirement, he pursued his passions of travel, running, skiing and the outdoors. He also made an unsuccessful attempt at developing a passion for golf. Joe ran several half-marathons and completed the Portland Marathon in the year 2000. Mostly, Joe loved spending time with friends and family in the majesty of Lake Tahoe.

Joe was blessed with 6 grandchildren. His son Jay has four children; Colby (20 years old), Bradley "Brad" (17 Years old), Sarah (14 years old) and Ryan "Ry" (3 years old). His daughter Suzanne has two children; Lauren (18 years old) and Annie (16 years old). Joe's grandchildren brought him immense joy and laughter.

In 2006 Joe was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Always strong and independent, Joe struggled with sharing this news with his family, but soon succumbed and revealed to all in a letter wrought deeply with love and heartfelt sentiment.

Always the gentle warrior, Joe honorably fought this disease for over 10 years. During this time, his loving wife Connie was ever by his side offering compassion and support.

After a brave battle with Parkinson's Disease, surrounded by his loving family and friends, Joseph Anderson gently passed away in his sleep on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 12:30 PM in Rocklin, CA. In his 78 years, Joe was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, colleague and friend to all who knew him.

A celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 29, 2016 at 11:00 AM at St. Mathew Lutheran Church located at 5901 Lonetree Blvd.; Rocklin, CA 95765. Reception to follow between the hours of 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM at the home of Donna Judah, 140 Cinnamon Teal Ct.; Lincoln, CA 95648.

Joe is survived by his loving wife Connie, his daughter Suzanne; his sons, Jay and Scott and his 6 grandchildren; Colby, Lauren, Brad, Annie, Sarah and Ryan.

In memory of Joe, please consider donations to the following charitable organizations:

Michael J. Fox Foundation: https://www.michaeljfox.org/
Alzheimer's Association: https://www.alz.org/

Regards:
"Joe, you were a very loving husband. I will miss your delightful candor and will remember the magnificent life we had together. We have been blessed with 34 wonderful years. We were devoted to each other, we respected each other, we cherished each other and we had so much fun! This bond is what always got us through the challenging times. Joe, you are my soul mate, I will love you always and forever…" Your loving wife, Connie

"Dad, I am so happy we were able to spend so much time together, especially these last ten years. Thank you for being a wonderful father, papa and friend. I will miss your wisdom and sense of humor. I love you forever and ever and will see you again one day." Love always, your daughter Suzanne

"I will remember always your smile and laugh, your wit and humor, your intelligence and guidance; but mostly I'll remember your gentle strength." With love, your son Jay

"Thank you for loving me unconditionally. You always supported and encouraged me. I will miss your smile and the sound of your laugh." Love, your son Scott