Dennis Anderson

Dennis Anderson wrote this narrative reprinted from our 1971 -1981 “From Sea to Shining Sea”

Married to Chris Elliott from Boulder. Met in 7th grade, Casey Jr. High. Child Jacob Dean, 8 years old. Worked at Borchardt Construction Co. 8 years. Fittje is Dennis partner at R& D Construction. Moved to Longmont in 1977 and bought an old house that we are remodeling. We like to camp, fish, hike, and square dance. I like to hunt and play summer softball. Jake will be in 3rd grade and plays baseball and is in boy scouts.

Dennis Anderson wrote this narrative reprinted from our 1971 – 1991 Panther Tales

Graduated in June ’71. Married Chris Elliot in December same year. One son born August ’73 who graduates from high school this year. Good times. Bad times. You know, I’ve had my share. Life’s been “good” for me so far.

Fondest memory: Wrestling. Worst memory: Liver and jello.

Dennis Anderson wrote this narrative reprinted from our 1971-2001 Panther Tales

Thirty years since I’ve seen most of you . . . I’m now 48 years old, balding, trying to keep in shape and living well. I am retired and spend my time fishing, traveling and making different things with my hands. I also spend a lot of time with my son, Jake, his wife, Linda, and my granddaughters Jessie, Jenny, Christy, and Alli. It’s great going to all their school programs and growing up all over again with them. Over the last few years, I’ve experienced some health issues that make you appreciate life. Thank you for all sharing a part with me.

Dennis was one of the few people that were actually a true Boulder native. He attended Mapleton Elementary and enjoyed baseball and Cub Scouts. Then on to Casey Jr. High and BHS.

In Dennis’ later school years he was on the wrestling team and was quite good at it. After graduating from high school he played softball every summer for years with his buddies from high school (Orbitronic Squirrels). When age crept up he really missed their get togethers.

In December 1971 he married Christine Elliott (BHS ’71). They made their first home in Boulder and had 1 son Jacob (1973). In 1976 Dennis and his family bought an old house in Longmont and worked on it until moving to Apple Valley Rd. above Lyons in 1986. Then they worked on that house until moving in 1993. It was a beautiful place with 2 acres on the river. Dennis loved the outdoors and never ran out of projects at that place! When he couldn’t be found his family always knew he was down at the river fly-fishing with the dogs.

Dennis worked in Construction most of his life with Roger Fittje working for Milton Fittje (Roger’s dad) and Dick Borchardt (Diane’s dad). After a few years of working for other people Roger and Dennis formed a partnership, R & D Construction. They worked together until 1986 when they decided to go their own ways. Dennis stayed in Construction changing to mainly remodeling. He could build a house from the foundation to the end with his own hands. He was very talented and did beautiful finish work. In his later years he worked quite often in his wood shop. Dennis was a hard worker and when construction was slow in the mid 1970’s he worked for a brief time for Watt’s Hardy Dairy as a route driver.

Dennis enjoyed the outdoors and had fished about every lake and stream in the state of Colorado (so did his family). Camping, hiking and fishing every weekend were a regular event! The camper was always packed and ready to go!!

Dennis was diagnosed with Diabetes at the age of 25. He had many severe complications that eventually took his life. He had many, many surgeries, more than the average person could bear. Dennis never totally accepted the fact that he had lost his eyesight but remained a strong fighter to the end.

Dennis was very grateful to the friends and family that helped him through his tough times. He wouldn’t have made it as long as he did without their support. Dennis and I mutually parted our ways after 23 yrs. of marriage. It was a hard time for being so young. Dennis and I had a long visit shortly before his passing. I will always remember his saying “We were so young. We just never had a chance with my diabetes. I always wanted to grow old with you.”

Dennis is survived by one son, Jacob, four granddaughters and two great grandchildren. He is deeply missed by all that touched his life. Christine Elliott