Gayle Ralph Anderson

Gayle Ralph Anderson passed away peacefully on Monday, May 17th, 2021. Gayle was born in Salina Utah on April 12th, 1945 to Gerald and Eva Anderson. Dad had one brother, Glen, whom he loved and looked up to. Gayle grew up in Manti Utah and shared his love of this area with family and friends.

Gayle had five children: Shawn (Patricia), Tiffany (Miguel), Eric (Heather), Terrill (Stefanie), and Tyler (Jennaca). Dad enjoyed spending time with his 16 grandchildren whenever we gathered for family BBQs or functions.

Dad developed a passion for music at a young age and decided to study, compose, and teach music for many years of his life. Dad learned to play the accordion very well and shared his musical talents on special occasions and during competitions.

Dad met Mom (Kathleen) while attending Snow College and he knew he found someone very special. They were married shortly after in the Manti Temple.

Dad worked hard to support his family and at times worked multiple jobs to provide the essentials. Dad instilled in each of us a sense of ownership and drive to work hard to achieve our personal goals.

We would be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge Dad’s unique parenting technique to stop us kids from leaving our shoes in the front room. Let’s just say our shoes could often be found on the front lawn.

Over the years, Dad developed an interest in gardening and cooking and was often sharing new recipes, ingredients, and foods for us to try with our families.

Dad was often found quietly working in his personal laboratory, creating new art projects, drawing, pictures, developing photographs, and making precision marquetry wood inlays.

Dad loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ and would often share newfound knowledge he gathered from books he had read or through his own personal testimony. Dad shared his love of genealogy with the family by sharing personal connections to our ancestors and their heritage.

Dad helped us see that sarcasm and humor often helped us cope and overcome some of life’s difficult circumstances. (Thanks a lot Dad! ☺)

We know Dad is enjoying a special reunion with his parents, his brother, Glen, and many loved ones who have passed on to the other side.

We miss you Dad! God be with you ‘til we meet again.

Services will include a casual “Celebration of Life" to reminisce and reflect on our Dad's life while enjoying good company and food with friends and family.

The Celebration of Dad's Life will be held on Sat June 5th, 2021 from 11 am - 2 pm at the Crescent 7th Ward (949 East 10600 South, Sandy UT). Dad's remains will be laid to rest in Manti Cemetery at a future date.