David Mowat Anderson, 81, beloved husband of Wanda, father, brother, and grandfather, passed away on Jan. 18, 2017, in Cinco Ranch near Houston, Texas. He was born in Seattle, Washington on July 11, 1935 to parents Juel Herman Anderson and Lillian Mowat Anderson. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Wanda; daughter Jennifer Holsomback (Ray) of Houston, Texas, and their children Cody and Amanda; son Gary (Tessa Kolmus) of Clifton, Virginia.; son Brian (Justine) of Seabrook, Texas; stepdaughter Valerie Webre (Robert) of Houston and their children Alyson, Ashley, Morgan, and Robbie; stepdaughter July Henry (Paul) of Dickinson, Texas, and her daughters Mary and Kelly; stepdaughter Jennifer Phillips of Houston and her sons Ryan and Nathan. He is also survived by his brother, Richard Anderson, of Olympia, Washington, as well as nephews and extended family and friends.
Dave grew up in Poulsbo, Washington, on Puget Sound where his parents owned and operated a drug store with his mother serving as the store’s pharmacist. He often spoke fondly of his youth in Washington, where his mother’s family had once operated logging camps and where he and his brother enjoyed the experience of growing up against a scenic backdrop of snow-capped mountains and evergreen forests. He graduated second in his class from North Kitsap High School in 1953, and he then earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Washington State College and an master’s degree. from the University of Washington. Dave retired from the Shell Oil Company in Houston in 1990 after 32 years of service, mostly in downtown Houston but with earlier positions in Ohio and California; he continued to do consulting work for Shell for several years after retirement. After retiring, he and Wanda made their home in Lake Havasu City, Arizona until 2006 when they moved to Georgetown, Texas. Dave’s interests included jazz music, genealogy, photography, astronomy, woodworking, and computers. He also enjoyed camping and traveling with Wanda. More than anything, perhaps, he enjoyed cooking and planning activities for all his kids. He enjoyed seeing them together and seeing them happy.
The family wishes to express its gratitude for the loving care given to Dave by the devoted staff and professionals at Atria Cinco Ranch in Houston. A memorial reception will be held in February. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).
