Lance Matthew Anderson of Spokane, Washington, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 21, at the age of 72. He was born on July 6, 1954, to Walt and Leveryle Anderson in Spokane, Washington, and grew up in Metaline Falls, Washington. After graduating from Selkirk High School, he attended Washington State University before graduating from Eastern Washington University. He later earned a master’s degree from Whitworth University. His time at Eastern was especially meaningful, as it was where he developed lifelong friendships, including through his participation in intramural sports as a member of the Little Deuce Coupe.

After graduating from Eastern, Lance worked for the Washington Association of Wheat Growers in Ritzville as editor of the Wheat Life Newsletter. During this time, he married his high school sweetheart, Cindy Kirby, in 1977. They shared 36 years of marriage and raised two daughters, Leslie and Lisa.

In 1979, Lance began his teaching career in Deer Park, where he taught social science to junior high students. After teaching himself to play chess, he developed a love for the game and eventually taught it as a junior high elective. After nearly 30 years at the junior high, Lance finished his teaching career at Deer Park High School, retiring in 2013.

Lance also found great joy in coaching. He began his coaching career as a junior high football coach while also coaching freshman boys’ basketball and helping build the girls’ basketball program. He organized skill-development camps and, as head coach, led the varsity girls’ team to the state tournament. The 1990 Washington State High School Class A Tournament marked the first state tournament appearance in the history of Deer Park High School girls’ basketball.

Throughout his 34-year career in education, Lance cultivated incredibly strong relationships with countless students and colleagues. Many of those relationships continued long after graduation and retirement, with former students and staff members remaining in contact with him throughout his life.

Lance grew up hunting with his dad, brothers, and friends, a tradition that became a deeply meaningful part of his life every fall. Anderson Boys’ Deer Camp was a sacred tradition he cherished, providing time with his dad and brothers to reconnect, share stories, and simply enjoy each other’s company.

Lance was a lifelong athlete, earning several high school team and league awards. After high school, he continued his love of sports through recreational softball. When his rec league days were behind him, he turned his attention to golf. On any given day, he could be found at the driving range or out playing a round, always looking for ways to perfect his game.

Lance met his wife, Roberta Wisdom, in 2010, and they spent the next 16 years building a life filled with shared interests, laughter, and good times. They spent summer days by the pool, working in the yard, playing golf, and looked forward to winter trips to Palm Springs. They loved golfing together and especially enjoyed couples’ tournament play. They found joy in staying active, having fun, and simply enjoying life together.

More than his accomplishments, Lance will be remembered for the relationships he built and the lives he touched along the way. From the students he taught and coached to the friends he stayed connected with for decades, he made an impression on countless people. He loved fiercely, laughed often, and found joy in the people and experiences that filled his life. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a legacy carried forward by the many people who loved him.

Lance is preceded in death by his parents, Walt and Leveryle Anderson. He is survived by his wife, Roberta Wisdom; daughters, Leslie (Sean) Libey and Lisa Anderson; stepsons, Ben (Patrizia) and Mitch Colvin; former wife and mother of his daughters, Cindy Anderson; grandsons Anderson and Maverick Libey; siblings, Lou Anderson, Katrina (Mike) Gabrielson, and Andy Anderson. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins, all whose company he very much enjoyed.

Visitation will be held at Lauer Funeral Home in Deer Park on Friday, October 2 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. A memorial service and reception will be held at Deer Park High School on Saturday, October 3 at 12:00 pm.