July 1986

July 2, 1986

Tonight I met with a young man who is very special to me.  Last Sunday, as I was sitting on the stand, while singing with the choir, in church, I looked down over the audience and saw this young man.  I had an overwhelming feeling come over me to talk to him.  I did, and asked him to come to my home.  I had no desire to lecture; only to listen.

He has always been a special spirit to me.  He served a mission to the Dominican Republic – came home & got started in accounting at the BYU - then abruptly stopped.

He told me without hesitation that I was one of a very few people that he could trust and he welcomed the invitation.  I didn’t realize what a very private person he is.  Basically, he told me he felt the pressure was on for him to grow up – too fast, and he wanted to slow down the process temporarily.  He can see the enormous (in his eyes) responsibilities that our generation has had to deal with and is reticent to become committed.  He asked if we couldn’t meet again and read his patriarchal blessing.

How grateful I am, now, for the lessons of my own life that make my life, counsel, and love of some little worth to others.  How marvelous it is to be trusted by the young people.  As I am a friend to them, I feel that Jesus, the Christ, my beloved Savior, is a friend to me.

July 3, 1986

Today, Norma & I worked at the welfare farm gardening raspberries.  There were to be 10 people.  Instead there were only 6 from our ward.  We really worked, but it was enjoyable.  2 of the people present were our Stake Pres. – James Nelson, and his choice wife, Louise.  I sincerely can hardly believe that my heavenly Father has allowed me to associate with such choice people.  Louise told me how she automatically awakens at 2:00 AM & gets up & reads or does things about the house.  This is because of her concern about her son with whom I met 2 days ago.  Oh! How I understand with compassion.  Norma and I have gone through such “sorrowing” for a major part of our married lives, as it pertains to our children.  It has been particularly for Kirk James currently, Eric, in the past, and Rick, also.  We now understand what Elshim meant when He told Eve that she would bring forth her children in sorrow.

Insert: Birthday Card / Caption: Love Norma

Insert: Birthday Card / Caption: Dear Kirk  You’re truly appreciated at this household for oh so many reasons – probably more numerous then the quills on this porcupine.  Have a really neat birthday – you almost were born on the right day.

Love Russ & family

Insert: postcards of Alaska

July 17, 1986 – A most unusual experience on the Alaska Cruise

I had long planned to have a family trip after I retired.  Norma and I settled on a cruise with the BYU Travel Study to Alaska.  Unfortunately, Kirk and Holly had conflicting problems that could not allow them to join us.

A week before we departed Duncan came down with what appeared to be a sinusitis.  One Dr. thought the symptoms to be a virus.  Because Duncan was not getting better I placed him on antibiotics and the next day he was much better.  Eric & Chris joined us, and on Sunday we departed by bus from Seattle for Vancouver where we were to board the boat, the Regent Sea, a large beautiful ship of Greek origin, and registered in Panama.  It required 350 people to man the ship.  They represented over 23 notions.

Dr. Richard Gunn, and his wife, Jeanne, were the tour & cruise directors.  He was a Prof. of Art at the BYU, and, as head been our experience when we were on the Mediterranean – Israel.  Egypt cruise with them 3 years ago, he brings to life the very essence of spiritual life in all things that we see on this earth – in its architecture, nature, its people

On Sunday, when we boarded the ship I believe Duncan wasn’t feeling too well, and by Tuesday he was becoming quite ill.  That evening Eric and I administered to Duncan.  Before doing so, Norma, Carol, Chris, Eric, Duncan & I prayed together to know the will of the Lord concerning Duncan before administering to him.  We then anointed him with oil, & I sealed the anointing.  He was informed that he would become well and that his sins were forgiven.

The next day Duncan became violently ill.  He had severe photophobia, excruciating headache, stiff neck, and elevated blood pressure.  We had a Filipino ship’s Dr. who was skilled & most helpful.  When we docked in Juneau, Alaska Carol & I left the ship with Duncan to admit him to the Juneau hosp.

I cannot express the seriousness of Duncan’s condition while on the ship.  I was almost certain that he had a leaking aneurysm (a life threatening condition) at the base of the brain.  Those fears were alleviated when we found the Cat scan & spinal tap to be normal.  My concern for Duncan was so deep that I covenanted with God that I would give my life in turn for Duncan’s – if his could be spared.  I’m not sure but that I may be called upon to fulfill that promises according to the Lord’s will.

At any rate – how are the negative Cat scan & spinal fluid studies to be explained in view of the extreme incapacitation that Duncan was suffering.  I can only surmise that it was in answer to the administration or to my covenant & promise.  Future time will tell.

July 29, 1986

My dear brother Sorenson,

I address your reverently as “brother”, because I feel such a kinship to you in the realm of the spiritual, the scientific, and the domain of the scholar.

As I profoundly study – it would be an act of betrayal just to superficially read – “An Ancient American Setting For the Book of Mormon”, words cannot express the gratitude I feel toward you for the enormity of this gift.

First, the gift of yourself in following the pursuits, with steadfastness, that embody a life times work and that far surpass the scope of required academic publication.

Second, the gift of courage that has dared to transfuse a spiritual lineage record into the realm of probable reality.  The emotion generated by reading this choice book parallels that experienced by the instrument pilot who enters the hostile, uncertain world of adverse weather entirely dependent on the instrumental symbolic readings or manifestations governed by “Signals” from an unseen source (faith) when suddenly he emerges into a world of light (sunshine) with the reality of a true horizon that is no longer at (copier cuts off last word)

Third, as a Stake Patriarch, and because of the profound wonderment and intrigue I have experienced for the true scope of lineage, you have given new light and direction for meditative study and prayer

Lastly, as you have placed this work uniquely in the realm of historic credibility; anyone dealing with enhanced knowledge of the Book of Mormon and its antiquity, must become knowledgeable about your work, whether Church member or not, and if their credentials are to reflect honesty and integrity.

With all my heart I thank you for this gift of gifts.  It will hold a most highly prized position in my library

Sincerely,

Kirk J Anderson

Insert: letter addressed to Dr. Kirk J Anderson

Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies

P.O. Box 7113, University Station

Provo, UT 84602

20 August 1986

Dr. Kirk J Anderson

13567 Linden N. #112

Seattle, WA 98133

Dear Brother Anderson

Your kind letter of July 29, and others like it, mean great deal to me.  It is gratifying to know that someone is influenced for good by what you have done, as I am sure you know in your own life.  Particularly at a time when others, whom we can wish had more faith and perceptiveness, doubt or even scorn my work, I can use a boost.  Thank you very much for your thoughtfulness and sentiments.

I recently retired from teaching at BYU with the particular aim in mind of gaining relief from routine tasks of administration and teaching in order to concentrate more fully on making available the body of information on scriptural subjects that a life time of scholarship has permitted me to gain.

I wish the blessings of the Lord on you that you may complete your own sphere of work.

Sincerely your brother,

(signature)

John L. Sorenson

Professor Emeritus, Anthropology, BYU

March and April 1986

Insert: picture missing / caption:

This is a picture of Rick & me in our tuxedos at the reception in Medford, Oregon.  On Sat., March 1, Norma & I drove with Rick & Laurie to Medford for their reception.  I was able to attend, but still not well.

Norma & I were most impressed with Laurie and her family who feel very grateful that Rick has become their son-in-law.

Insert: series of four pictures of Kirk J. Anderson in leisure, tuxedo, and suit attire / caption:

A pleasant experience _ when Norma & I were walking through Nordstrom’s store on our way from the genealogical library to eat our lunch – we were in Salt Lake – Norma says: “Kirk there is a Madras jacket that you would enjoy very much”.  Spontaneously we went about purchasing it.  I had not even noticed it, but Norma’s eye had caught it and in her consideration for me she made the suggestion I buy it.  I am grateful for her and for the jacket.

I put this picture of me in my journal to remind me of certain feelings I had about tuxedos and how we must listen to the feelings of others.  I truly dislike wearing a tuxedo and think I’m only had one  on at the receptions of our children’s weddings, as well as, at a couple of medical meetings.  In my own heat I was very resistant to wearing a tuxedo at Rick and Laurie’s reception, but kept my mouth shut and honored their feelings.  After I got the tux on I rather enjoyed it and realized how important it was for one of the 3 major events in their lives.

Insert: article “Human Factors Workshop” Aviation Safety March 1, 1986 / caption: Some of the fallacies in aeronautical training & accidents that relate to life

March 28, 1986

Tonight Norma and I had a very traumatic experience.  Several weeks ago I had a call from one of my previous patients who state that he wanted to know more about our church.  I invited him to our home.  He then asked if he could bring a friend and I said “of course”.

We were hardly seated when I realized that “the friend” was a disciple of Lucifer.  He was obviously a student and tried to be most impressive with his diatribe about the great Alexanderum scholars and the Jewish Rabbis – I asked him why he has desired to come into our home.  He said, because he wanted to “save us”.

He was invasive, obtrusive, and a smug sophist of the first order.  The only thing Norma & I could do was to bear our testimonies, but I made at clear we recognized the nature of his spirit.  The utter gall of such a person who would gain entrance into the sanctity of our home and then be so rude was unbelievable.  

After they left we recognized that he was undoubtedly a Sherem – an excommunicated apostate-

Insert: 3 live shot pictures of ducks / caption: I placed these pictures of my friends the mallard ducks in my journal so I could refer to them when carving and painting my models.

Insert: picture / caption: (on the picture) overcast, cowling of 828ID (under picture) This is a familiar scene very dear to my heart that I have witnessed many times.  We are returning to Seattle in 828ID, our plane.  Below are the Cascade Mtn’s.  We have just passed Mt. Rainier on our left and ahead is an overcast at 8000’ that is just beginning to break up.  We have just been cleared to 8000’.

Insert: picture (labeled 1-9) / caption:

We are now established on the ILS – the instrument guidance system which aligns the plane with the runway at Boeing field and guides the plane as to the correct rate of descent to the runway.

The time is 16 minutes after 1PM (1). We are in the overcast with the altimeter reading 1000’. (2) The HIS shows the wings level and 1 breath below the horizon (3) which with the gear (landing gear) in the down position (4) allows the plane to descent at 500’ /minute (5) with an airspeed of 100 knots (6) as indicated on the airspeed indicator.  

The STEC autopilot (7) is locked onto both the localizer and glide slope radio signals being transmitted from the airport. The plane is right on the localizer as indicated by the centered indicator (8) and, also, right on the glide slope as indicated by the pegged glide slope indicator (9).  With all systems looking good we were supposed to reach the runway at 3 minutes 40 seconds.  We passed over the threshold at 3’ 43”

Insert: picture / caption (labeled on the picture) overcast, West Seattle, Harbor Island, 8281D Cowling (under picture) 8281D is just breaking out of the overcast.  We are about 4 miles from the airport and still can’t make out the runway of Boeing field because of fog and mist.

Insert: picture / caption (labeled on the picture) overcast (under picture) Runway 13R (outlined and arrow) is now identifiable straight ahead.

Insert: picture / caption (labeled on the picture) 1 & 2 (under picture) Now prepared & cleared for landing.  Runway 13R straight ahead (1) and freeway I5 is to the left. (2)

Insert: picture / caption (labveled on the picture) McCall runway (under picture) Flight over McCall, Idaho in March, 1986

Insert: picture(s)

• Airplane mechanic (no caption)
• Kirk J. Anderson with grandkids painting (labeled on the picture) Scotty paints Courtney holds
• Carved duck (labeled on the picture) Bufflehead duck decoy painted by Courtney, Scotty & myself

April 5, 1986

Teaching grandchildren Courtney and Scotty Biddle how to paint a Bufflehead duck decoy.

Insert: picture of Kirk J. Anderson / caption: This is my walking & golfing suit.  Since retirement Jan 1, 86 I have been able to walk with Norma regularly & play golf 2x weekly with a loss of 20 lbs!

Insert: picture of Kirk J. Anderson golfing / caption

About 25 years ago I took golf lessons from my good friend, Ray Bennett, and bought new clubs with the idea that I would probably join a golf club.  That idea was terminated when the Farmer children came to live with us.  Now, after retirement I started playing again & enjoy it tremendously.

Insert: picture of Kirk J. Anderson golfing / caption

My other golfing buddy, Ray Tame.

How I enjoy these righteous men.  They are great fun; sessions about their golf, and marvelous company Ray was married 2 days after Norma & me in the Salt Lake Temple.  We came to know one another in the 1^st Ward and subsequently the 8^th Ward.  Our friendship has always had great depth.

Insert: picture of Gene Conger in golf cart / caption:

My golf buddy, Gene Conger.  He, along with Ray Tame got me started playing golf again.  He was our first bishop in the 1^st Ward of the Seattle Stake.  His wife got Norma started in the Primary, which brought us back into activity.  Our paths did not cross for many years until the Seattle Temple was built.  He was a member of the Temple Presidency and now we share duty as sealers in the Temple.

Insert: picture of Kirk J. Anderson & Duncan Biddle (no caption)

Insert: picture of tulips

April 6, 1986

This day Norma & I took Carol & Duncan to the Columbia Gorge hotel in Hood River, Oregon to celebrate her birthday.  It was magnificent weather and the setting was also.

Insert: picture of Duncan & Carol Biddle surrounded by spring flowers

Insert: picture(s)

• Kirk & Norma Anderson in doorway of Marquam Manor (apartments)
• Kirk J. Anderson in front of University Hospital North
• Kirk J. Anderson in front of University of Oregon Medical School

April 6, 1986

On the way home from Columbia Gorge hotel we stopped in Portland and showed Carol & Duncan the University of Oregon Medical School which I attended 45 years ago.  We alos chowed them Marquam Manor which was the first home (really an apartment) for Norma and me when we were married in 1942. 

April 12, 1986

Today while bathing I received a crystal clear impression that all my thinking and planning for a mission has been on my terms – my time limit – not the Lord’s.  This is not my mission!!  It is the Lord’s errand or mission.

Norma and I knelt in prayer and covenanted with the Lord that we would do anything He calls us to do.  We asked only in return that we might be assured that our family would be cared for and that their problems would be eased and resolved while we served.  Also, that our own minds and hearts might be freed of worry.

January 1986

Insert: picture / caption: 

An unusual New Year’s party.  At Bob Hamm’s suggestion, we “surprised” Duncan and Carol by plaster boarding their upstairs.  Kirk James had come to Seattle for business and was able to join us.

Duncan has just come home from work taken a shower, and prepared for a peaceful New Year’s Eve.  He “looked” disappointed when we appeared on the scene and put him to work.  At midnite he was most pleased to see all the work done.

Insert: picture / caption:

Jan 4, 1986 – Picture of Bishop Kirk J Anderson, Holly, and Kirk Jared Anderson on day of baptism.  Norma and I made one of the most treacherous trips of all time from Seattle to Boise to attend.  We travelled by car and we encountered snow – ice – and fog which plagued us the entire trip.  Surely, this would indicate how important it has always been to us to attend major events (church, school athletic) in the lives of our children and grandchildren.

Jan 5, 1986.

Today I stood in the circle as Kirk Jared was confirmed by his father.  Also present was Eric Leland Anderson and the Bishopric.

I recorded the confirmation & blessing and wrote it out for Kirk Jared’s book of Remembrance.  It was Fast Sunday and it was a special meeting.  Bishop Kirk James Anderson gave a wonderful testimony & spoke of his gratitude for his heritage.  Kirk Jared’s other grandfather – Eldon Haskell gave a marvelous testimony.  I wanted to, but there just wasn’t time.

In the High Priest meeting, the time was devoted to testimony.  This time I was able to say a few things.  I pleaded with the brethren to pray for their Bishop – my son – that in todays world more than any other time our Bishops are on the firing line more than ever before.  When I finished I don’t believe that there was a dry eye in the room.  Several of the brethren said that their sons would not now be on missions were it not for their Bishop – my son.

Insert: Picture / caption: 

Jan. 7, 1986.  A visit with my sister Ruth, her daughter Laura Lee, and granddaughter.

I am trying diligently to get things worked out so that we can get Ruth to the Temple to be sealed to Dad & Mother before we go on our mission.

Jan. 9, 1986

Today Eric and I sojourned to Nyssa to see Jim, Peggy, and Warren Farmer.  They have established an onion processing plant and have done a wonderful job.  They are truly enterprising and we are very proud of them.  They have undertaken a large debt – load to do this, but I am sure they will succeed unfortunately, the onion crop did not fare well this year and the price is very low.

Jim is now in the Elder’s Quorum Pres. & recently baptized his youngest son.

Warren was just [reunited] to a high school sweetheart.  She is very fine woman, and Warren should be much happier.  He has been very lonely.

Insert: Christmas card (from Carol Biddle)

Dear Mom and Dad,

I’m sitting here with a guiet moment at Jane and Bobs what a year.  Dads retiring – you could be in Europe in the next few months.  WHAT WILL I DO?!

I hope you can use and enjoy this xmas gift.  We love you both so much.  You’re a constant support (that means more than materially).

With all our love from both Carol and Duncan and Jane and Bob

Insert: Christmas card & envelope from 

Elder Eric Jacobsen 

Monte Caucaso 1110 

Lomas De Chapultepec

Mexico D.F. 11000

Mexico

Dearest Andersons,

I just wanted to let you know I was thinking about you this Christmas even though it’s arriving a little late.

You’re such good people and such good examples to me.  May the Lord bless you for your goodness.

With Love, Elder Eric Jacobsen

Insert: article “Truth – and More” by Elder Russell M. Nelson; The Ensign / January 1986

Insert: letter (from ? – can’t read signature)

28 January 1986

Kirk J Anderson

SEATTLE

My dear friend Kirk:

Jolene and I appreciated very much your coming to our home last night.  We both value our friendship with you and Norma more than words can express.

I just want you to know that having the Power of The Priesthood brought to bear in my behalf is a privilege which we esteem very highly.  We both feel very good about going ahead to get the solution to my medical problem, and have confidence the Lord has a purpose this particular challenge in our lives.  We have always been blessed beyond our understanding with good health and membership in His Church.  With all of these blessings a person can’t really ask for any more.  In fact it makes me realize that there is much more that I can do to repay the Lord and my friends for the many kindnesses extended to me.

Thanks again for your concern, prayers, and help.  Please extend my love to the Quorum for their fasting and prayers at this time.  With that kind of concerted afforded from such a great group of men there is no doubt that all will be well.

Love,

(Signature?)

January 16, 1978

Tonight was a very special family home evening. We went to the church to play basketball (Norma, Chris, Carol, Duncan, Rick, Eric II, Trina and myself). We did it to teach Eric how to play.

Would you believe that it was the first time in my life I had played basketball? At age 57 I was able to run and keep up with the young ones of the family—I thoroughly enjoyed myself!!!

November 2, 1975...a letter from Carol.

On November 5th, Kirk wrote:

The following is a letter from Carol--an expression of love and gratitude for our family. While people of the "world" are expressing a regret for having given birth to children who have cluttered up their lives, we have the blessing of finding ourselves in the midst of choice--loving children.

Letter from Carol:

Dear mom and dad,

Today was such a special day! Fast and testimony Sunday always has been special to me. People's testimonies always say something that I need to hear, that makes me think. Today a lot was said that make me think and realize a lot of things and make me snap out of my ATTITUDE. One girl stood up and said, "How grateful I am that my parents are members and sealed in the temple!" I've never thought about that really. I knew, but never thought--so many girls are struggling to get their parents baptized, or into the temple I never realized the anxiety, suffering and all they have to go through. I don't have to worry about that. How thankful I am. We're such an active family and doing what we're supposed to do. Becky and Laurie don't have fathers so they expressed how they missed the priesthood in the home and just not having the counseling of a father. Debbie's parents are divorced and not members so she's mission a father, family and a priesthood. Connie's family is not members and I think Trisha's family is not active. I cannot believe it! I have the ideal family (she underlined that). I cannot believe how Tom's taken a turn. How he's grown, and John. Today I pulled out your letter dad that you wrote me in the restaurant. It really has helped me to read that and when Laurie and I read that today we cried our heads off! She looked at me and said, "Carol, I love your family!" She only knows what I've gold her, huh! I'm excited for Laurie to come this Thanksgiving to really see my family. She's always saying, "I love your mom" and I "I love your dad" always. She says she sees the same things in your Dad as she remembers in her father, I know she'd love to be related as family and I'm sure wouldn't mind one of your "Time for an interview"! I'm so thankful for the roof that I was under while at home your really pulled us through those times we needed help. I love you so much and don't' know what I'd do without your! That's why I'm thankful we're sealed in the temple! I love Kirk and his family and Eric and his family how Eric's understanding has helped me--I need my brothers! Mom and Dad, thanks for being Dunc's Parents. Because of your he's got such a testimony and desire to do what's right! I'm thankful for my free agency and how you let me exercise it. I know that when I was dating non-member boys there was a big risk--still, I had my free agency! But I know that by the way I was raised if they didn't have the same standards in mind I stopped right there. I always wanted to date potential members.

That guy in my Missionary approach has been doing a lot of things with me---taking dances but no real date. I don't really feel the same way as before--he's neat but not that neat. Duncan called last night exactly the time I needed him to. I was excited and then we had a really good talk. I guess my missionary keeps staring over at me. Alright.

I love you mom and dad so much. I love my family. I'm excited I think for sure Laurie, Matt and I are driving to Portland Friday and then I could take a plane from there.

Love, Carol

July 12, 1974

At this time I want to write about Duncan Biddle. He is Carol’s boyfriend. I personally love the young man very much because he is a special spirit. He spent last summer at the Lake (Payette) with us and we all enjoyed him so much. He has regularly attended church with us this entire year. We accept him as a dear friend and literally a member of our family. We have felt pride in his accomplishments as a student, football player, a wrestler, a skier, etc. He is now meeting with the missionaries and growing in the Gospel. He has fine parents and brother and sisters who have enjoyed a close family relationship but he now feels concern for them regarding the Word of Wisdom. He has been offered a scholarship to the U. of W. to play football but he told us tonight that he intends to go to the BYU after much prayer. This is a difficult decision for him because his father distinguished himself in playing football at the U. of W. and he would like to please his father.

            I really “feel” for this choice young man – that he will confront the “issues of life” as we now experience them and make decisions that will tear him apart from his family unless they choose to follow. He has also found that his best friend now wants to compromise his life in many ways – according to the world – which he cannot accept. Duncan has also seen fit to confide in Norma about his feelings for Carol.

            I pray that we, as a family, will support him in a way that he will always find a haven here. It is this experience that indicates to me that the power of the family is unbelievable. Just by being ourselves but by openly demonstrating our love and concern for others we can do a great missionary work.

What a blessing it would be if we all, as a family, could be called on a mission. How I pray it will be in the Celestial Kingdom as I envision it to be, that what we enjoy now will be so magnified many times and that we can all be called together to function as a family in various endeavors – even to the time we will become creators of new worlds, and be engaged always in that which “will bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man”.