Ed Anderson passed on July 28, 2025, at Hospice House in Laramie. He will be missed by us all, so indelible was his mark on our lives.
Ed was born November 23, 1946, to Dorothy and Arthur Anderson. Raised in Aurora, Illinois, he moved to Laramie as soon as he graduated high school. Throughout the rest of his life, he never had a desire to live anywhere else; the people and the topography of Wyoming suited him well.
Ed attended the University of Wyoming and graduated with a degree in Industrial Arts. During his college years he also pursued a different kind of education by traveling through Europe every summer with just a backpack and train pass. One of those summers was devoted to skiing every alpine mountain slope he could find.
After graduating college, Ed began his teaching career at Laramie Junior High School. He loved teaching and his students. When he ran into former students, they would often mention fond memories of his class, and many still held onto the metal box they made in his shop class.
Ed met Christie through their mutual friend, Catherine Mealey. On the day they were married, June 8,1974, an early summer snowstorm blanketed the Laramie area and closed the roads. This was the first adventure of many to come during their 51 years of marriage. Their son Russ was born in 1978 and his wife, Rebecca Cassity, joined the family in 2008.
Ed’s immediate circle of close friends and family also included his cousins JoAnn Anderson Smith and Deb Anderson, and his chosen sisters, Karen Voigt and Gwen Vines.
He had many friends who were important to him and who considered him part of their family. They remember him as kind and generous, always willing to share his many skills to help others, someone who genuinely cared about others.
Some of Ed’s many talents included metalworking and woodworking. There was nothing he couldn’t make or improve upon. Ed was instrumental in revitalizing Old Ivinson Avenue, remodeling several of its historic buildings. He and Christie created and opened The Chocolate Cellar in 1982. The brass and copper sign he made still hangs on the wall of the shop.
Ed had a passion for life. He enjoyed winters as a volunteer ski patrolman, summers whitewater rafting wilderness areas, and later in life, springs and autumns exploring National Parks.
Memorial contributions can be made in his name to Hospice of Laramie. As per his wishes, no services are planned
Ed was a great guy, so friendly and helpful. It was a delight to live across the street from him for 14 years.
So sorry to hear of his passing. He was such a kind person glad I was able to raft with him. Ivinson Avenue would not be what it is today with out all of their vision.
We will miss such a wonderful, talented, compassionate, caring, nice and all around great man.
We’re so sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. I was lucky to have known him as we were colleagues at Laramie Junior high. He was a kind, caring and helpful man and was very popular with students and faculty alike. He will be missed.
Hi Christie, I am so sorry to hear about Ed's passing.I will always remember him fondly. , and miss his visits to Sanibel. I would never have been able to renovate my deck after Hurricane Ian without his guidance and lending me his tools to accomplish this task. He was always kind and I always enjoyed our conversations about so many things.I am glad that he was my neighbor.I hope you will continue to spend your winters here. Sincerely, Tim
Mr. Anderson as I mostly called him taught me how to arc weld and metal fabrication. He was a great educator and he also helped me get a scope on my first big game rifle and was my hunters education teacher. Some 15 years later I was able to graduate from college with the same degree he had and substitute for his class a few times. He was a very smart Man and a true mentor for sure, may he rest in peace!
Ed and I taught together for many years. We shared many laughs and memories together. He will be missed.
Sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. He was an inspiration on the ski slope and we always loved to hear about his adventures. He will be missed. Sympathies to his family. Lowell and Susan Spackman
Ed and Christie were our landlords when Laramie Travel moved to Ivinson St. in the late '80's. I enjoyed all of the block activities we were a part of and the collaboration of the merchants during the holidays and special events. They were both insightful, had vision, and kind landlords. Downtown Laramie is as special as it is in part due to Ed and Christie Anderson.
I will miss Ed and his wonderful knowledge! Prayers to Christie and his son.