Saskatoon is mourning the loss of Al Anderson, a dedicated community leader whose impact on the city was profound. Anderson passed away on Tuesday at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy of service, passion, and unwavering dedication.
Al Anderson Obituary Saskatoon
Anderson often deflected the attention he received for his contributions, emphasizing the efforts of those who worked tirelessly without recognition. “I often think of the many people who contribute so much yet go unnoticed,” he once remarked, highlighting his humility and appreciation for the unsung heroes around him.
His motivation stemmed not from a desire for accolades but from a genuine commitment to giving back to his community. In a 1984 interview with the StarPhoenix, he expressed, “I never could ignore a challenge, and I think it’s one of the great appeals. It’s so real and dynamic to be there at the first. You have a certain feeling of helping create something. You simply don’t need any more than that to motivate you.”
Over the course of 70 years, Anderson’s involvement in Saskatoon’s community life was extensive. His daughter-in-law, Shauna Anderson, called him “one of the best” in a heartfelt Facebook post, reflecting the sentiment shared by many who knew him.
A fervent sports enthusiast, Anderson played a pivotal role in several key events and initiatives. He was instrumental in Saskatoon hosting the Canada Winter Games in 1971, the growth of the Western Canada Summer Games, the development of the athletics program at the University of Saskatchewan, the Bedford Road Invitational Tournament, and the promotion of ParticipACTION.
Anderson’s dedication extended beyond sports. When his son Doug was born with cerebral palsy in 1960, Anderson recognized the lack of resources for people with special needs and worked tirelessly to address this gap. He was a founding member of Cosmopolitan Industries, Kinsmen Elmwood Residences, and the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute. He also served as past president of the Community Living Association of Saskatoon.
His commitment to service was evident in his involvement with the Riversdale Kiwanis Club and his role in launching the RIKI Walkathon, which funded Camp Easter Seal on the shores of Lake Manitou. Anderson also established Cosmo Golf, a partnership between his store, Al Anderson’s Source for Sports, and Cosmo Industries, which produced and sold golf clubs across North America.
Anderson’s contributions were recognized with numerous awards, including CTV’s Saskatoon Citizen of the Year, the Howard Stensrud Spirit of Cosmo award, the B’nai Brith We Are Proud of You award, the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, induction into the SABEX Hall of Fame, and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022.
Reflecting on his life’s work, Anderson once said, “Obviously not everybody finds the same satisfaction in serving, but I’ve always found it to be incredibly satisfying and fulfilling.” He cherished the journey over the destination, stating, “The reward many times for me is seldom in the victory but in the battle. Honestly, I don’t remember many wins but I remember a lot of the battles.”
Born on April 27, 1932, in Langham, Anderson moved to Saskatoon in Grade 1 and attended Caswell and Westmount elementary schools before graduating from Bedford Road Collegiate in 1950. He had fond memories of his time at Bedford and maintained a strong connection to the school, sponsoring the Bedford Road Invitational Tournament and attending its centennial celebration last year.
In 1955, Anderson’s love for sports led him to open Athletic Equipment Sales, which later became Al Anderson’s Source for Sports. That same year, he married Joan, his lifelong love, whom he met as a teenager in Watrous. They enjoyed 67 years together before Joan’s passing.
Beyond his community work and sports passion, Anderson was also a talented singer, performing in the church choir and at various events. A celebration of life will be held on July 16 at 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, where Anderson was a member for 86 years.
Al Anderson’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those he touched and the community he helped shape.