Dean McCoil Anderson

Dean McCoil Anderson, a man with a big heart and a big sense of adventure, died at home holding the hand of the love of his life and with family at his side. Cancer was most certainly not in his plans, but we entrust him back to his Father in Heaven to continue with His plan.

Born to Myron Elmer and Merodean Petersen Anderson in Salt Lake City, Utah, he was raised with a strong sense of faith, an unwavering work ethic, and a drive to explore. From the young age of just ten, Dean developed his work ethic by building wooden plant flats for a local florist. He never missed his paper route, picked up odd jobs wherever he could find one, and never failed to find ways to keep himself occupied.

His cousins were a vital influence throughout his life. His early memories overflowed with tales of family dinners, pranks, motorcycle riding, and visiting the farm in Hinckley, Utah. This created an unbreakable family bond that was with him to the very end of his life.

Dean graduated with a bachelor's degree from the automotive engineering technology program at Weber State College. A school friend introduced him to Cheryl Wheelwright by setting them up on a blind date and while Cheryl immediately knew Dean was the one, it took Dean a bit longer to realize she would be his companion in life and eternal partner. They married in the Salt Lake City Temple on May 31, 1973. They made their home in West Valley, Utah where they raised two daughters and two sons and built a lifetime of memories filled with joy, tender mercies, laughter, and love.

A life-long hobbyist, Dean enjoyed outdoor adventures including waterskiing, dirt bike riding, hunting, and trap shooting with the extended family. He built an impressive workshop over the years where he spent hours learning woodworking, welding, and lathe turning, making gifts for everyone he loved. He enjoyed camping adventures from tents to cabins to RVs, scout camps to camping club, and everything in between. He and Cheryl explored our beautiful country on countless road trips to marvel at the sights and enjoy all that nature offers the soul. And he looked forward to springtime when he could plant his garden and distribute its bounty to anyone he encountered.

Dean knew the value of building with his hands and repairing things to extend their usefulness. Throughout his working career, he contributed to several companies by creating organized and efficient procedures, finding the right tool or part for the trickiest of jobs, and sharing his knowledge with colleagues and customers. He was resourceful and thorough, taking pride in all he did.

Dean's testimony of Jesus Christ and the restored gospel was strong, which served as an example for many. He fulfilled many callings including serving in the bishopric, leading scouts, served in the Jordan River Temple and, most importantly, found quiet ways to minister to everyone he encountered. He and Cheryl served in the Salt Lake City West Mission where he enjoyed working with the younger missionaries and building solutions to help with any project that came along.

Preceded in death by his parents, Dean is survived by his wife of 53 years Cheryl Wheelwright Anderson and his children: Jenny (Matt) Bunkall; Emily Anderson; Cory (Jolene) Anderson; and Scott (Stephanie) Anderson. Dean's eight grandchildren brought him new play sessions on the family room floor, allowed him to give them first-time experiences with home-grown vegetable gardens, and gave all of them countless memories. He holds a special place in his heart for Leon (Martha) Thornton and their two children who knew the Anderson home as a second home. Dean is also survived by his brothers Glen (Sue) Anderson and Mark Anderson.

Special thanks to Salt Lake Cancer Specialists, Loveland Clinic, and Dr. Preston Wilson for their compassionate care throughout Dean's journey.

The family will receive friends for a viewing Thursday, July 2nd from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home 4330 South Redwood Road, and for family on Friday, July 3rd prior to the funeral from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the Jordan North 4th Ward Building. Services will be held at the church 4270 South Falcon Street (4145 West) on Friday, July 3rd at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Valley View Memorial Park directly following the services. A luncheon for extended family will be held afterward.