ANDERSON – Ricky Ray Anderson of Medicine Hat left this world to join his Saviour on Tuesday, March 29, 2005, at the age of 49 years. Rick fought his illness courageously for 19 years but he was tired and our Lord mercifully took him home. Rick leaves to cherish his memory his children, Jodie (Patrick), Nichole, Rick and their mother Ria Hagen, grandson Rylan and caregiver and special friend Lisa Weiss (Cory). He is also survived by his mother Edna Anderson, sisters and brothers Linda (Ron) LeClaire, Jim (Heather) Anderson, Alanna (Pete) Carter, Darla (Todd) Christianson, Doug (Toby) Anderson, Dawn (Mark) Miller; Ria’s parents, Fred and Coby Prins; her sisters and brothers, Clara (John) Broersen, Coby (Terry) Van, Jan (Cathy) Prins and Henry (Cathy) Prins; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Rick was predeceased by his father Gordon Anderson in July of 2004. Rick was born February 1, 1956 in Edmonton. He was raised in Hanna where he graduated high school in 1974. He worked at the family owned business, Andy’s Burger Bar, where he was known as the best burger flipper in town. He then went on to be a brakeman for the CP Rail. Next he joined his brother Jim in Brooks working for Anderson Construction, this is where he met and married Ria Prins in 1977, and they raised their family. Soon after he started a beekeeping business, Anderson Honey farms, which truly was his passion. In 1986 Rick suffered a brain injury and spent the next 19 years living in various care centers. In 1992 he moved to Medicine Hat where he resided at Redi Group Homes. This past year Rick lived in his own home with Lisa and Cory. Hockey was a huge part of Rick’s life, he played defence on various hockey teams, where he was nicknamed Toie. He was an avid fan of the Calgary Flames and Medicine Hat Tigers. Rick enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting, water skiing and dirt biking. He was known as a wheeler and dealer. Rick was a devoted Christian, he was confirmed in 1979 and enjoyed going to church. Special thanks to all Rick’s caregivers who have made his life so enjoyable. Family and friends who wish to pay their respects may do so at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME on Friday evening from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. The family of Rick invite you to share in the celebration of his life held at the Dream Centre (1714 Saamis Drive N.W., Medicine Hat) on Saturday, April 2, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Al Derry officiating. Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Brain Injury Relearning Services (Head Injury Program) 770 7th Street SE, Medicine Hat, T1A 1K6. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Ricky Anderson. Arrangements are by the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 540 South Railway St. SE, Medicine Hat T1A 2V6. Please call 526-2214 for further information.
