William Anderson
Avid bicyclist, teacher

A Claremont resident for more than 4 decades and a lifetime resident of the local area, William Kistner Anderson exhibited what his family described as “the essence of the man: to live life to the fullest and enjoy his friends and family.” He also enjoyed swimming and tennis, and it was added, “looked good in a Speedo.”

Mr. Anderson, who died April 29, 2009 at the age of 75, was born in Pomona on May 11, 1933. He grew up in Ontario where he attended and graduated from Chaffey Union High School. He subsequently earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Redlands and a masters degree from the College of St. Thomas.

Mr. Anderson taught through the Los Angeles County Department of Probation for 35 years before his retirement. During his retirement years he was active with the Claremont Senior Bicycle Group, the Audubon Society and AlaNon.

Larry Scheetz, a fellow member of the bicycle group, calls Mr. Anderson “very well liked. He was one of the strongest riders in the group. He began ‘riding sweep’ (a rider at the back of the group assisting others) regularly, which was very helpful. In a short time, he was one of our most regular riders.”

On the tennis courts, Mr. Anderson was popular as well. Jeff Salas, a tennis friend, describes Mr. Anderson as “the greatest guy, was in better shape than many, and an excellent friend. He would light up a room.”

Mr. Anderson was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Arlene Anderson, in 2003. He is survived by his devoted companion, Dorothy Elwell; by his children, daughter and son-in-law Joy and Steve Gahring of San Dimas, daughter Julie Thomas of Florence, Oregon, son Jeffrey Anderson of Lomita, and son and daughter-in-law, James and Cheryl Anderson of Conifer, Colorado. He also leaves grandchildren Jesse, Kendra and Samuel, and great-grandchildren, Marcus, Sierra, Jordan and Lily.

Services for Mr. Anderson were held on May 5, 2009at Todd Memorial Chapel in Claremont. Memorial donations may be made to the Claremont Senior Bicycle Group, c/o Claremont Joslyn Senior Center, 660 N. Mountain Ave., Claremont, CA 91711, or to the Pomona Valley Audubon Society, c/o Keck Science Center, 925 N. Mills Ave., Claremont, CA 91711.

—Pat Yarborough