Obituary: Bruce Anderson

Bruce was born in New Rockford, N.D., to Arthur and Olga Anderson on July 31, 1947. Bruce passed away unexpectedly October 14, 2020 at his home. He was the third of four children.

 Bruce grew up in New Rockford, N.D. where he attended all 12 grades and went on to attend Williston Jr. College on a basketball scholarship. There is where he met the love of his life Nancy Shaw. They were married for 50 years. They moved to Minot, N.D. where he finished college and became a teacher and outstanding coach. They have two beautiful children, Jason and Michelle which were his pride and joy.

 Bruce's first teaching job was in Grenora, N.D., from 1971 - 1977. He taught business and coached both girls, boys basketball and baseball. He cherished his time there, loved the people and they loved him back. His next adventure was a move to Minot, N.D. where he taught business and was the media coordinator at Central Campus until 2012. He was the head girls basketball coach for Minot High School for 38 years. During this time he had many accomplishments: a State Title, Coach of the year, National Federation State Association Coach of the Year Awards, Lions All-Star Basketball Coach, North Dakota Associated Press Sportswriter & Sportscasters Female Team Coach of the Year, National Federation State Association Sectional Coach of the Year, All-Star coach of the Year, National Girls Basketball Coach of the Year Finalist and North Dakota Associated Press Special Achievement Award and was inducted into the North Dakota High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2009.

Bruce and Nancy's next adventure was a move to Meridian, Idaho February 2015 to be near family. He loved living in Meridian, where Bruce and Nancy had many adventures with their motor home. They would go for many walks and Bruce would always say joking "another crappy day in Idaho," because he loved the weather in Meridian. Bruce knew no stranger. He loved people, especially playing pranks on his neighbors.

Bruce was a historian and loved to write about events. In his spare time he became an author and published six books about the history of Minot, N.D. He spent many hours in front of his computer writing and being creative, so proud of his accomplishments. He loved sharing his books with his brother, sisters and his history buddy sister-in-law Carol. Everyday sitting at his computer he would wait for his son Jason to call, they talked for hours about his books, sports and of course politics. Their discussions could get a little heated going back and forth telling each other they were right and the other was wrong. They were two peas in a pod. That phone call will be missed. His daughter Michelle would pop in to say hi and he would light up like a Christmas tree. Michelle was Daddy's Girl, he made that clear to his son-in-law Rich. He would always wait for his sisters and brother to call. He would let them know if they did not call often enough, even if it was only a few days. Family was so important to Bruce.

Bruce has six beautiful grandchildren, that he would do anything for them. He loved talking to them on the phone, face timing, going to all their events, and teaching them so many important things about life, to always to "be a leader not a follower." His youngest grandchild, Grace would always sing "You are My Sunshine" to him. Papa loved that song and would always sing it to all his Grandchildren. He would always ask them WHO LOVED PAPA THE MOST, he would wait for the first one to say I DO, because everything was a competition.

Bruce's true love was his wife Nancy! Nancy would always say "we are joined at the hip", they did everything together. He always reminded Jason and Michelle that he had the most amazing and caring wife and they had the best Mom and Nana no one could ever replace. He loved Nancy unconditionally.

You are our Hero and a True Legend! We will make you proud!

Bruce was proceeded in death by his father, Arthur Anderson and mother Olga Anderson.

Bruce is survived by wife Nancy, son Jason (Yvonne) Anderson, daughter Michelle (Rich) Huck, brother Darrell Anderson, sister, Karen Grimm and Gail Steele, grandchildren Livia, Christian, Katelyn, Taylor, Brielle and Grace and many nieces and nephews.

We will have a celebration of life for Bruce in the spring. Come prepared with stories to share.

Memories and condolences may be shared with Bruce's family on his memorial website at http://www.summersfuneral.com