Lowell Dwight Anderson
Lowell Dwight Anderson (1930-2023) was born on Christmas Day in Kingsburg , CA to parents of Swedish descent, Eric Gideon and Ruth Elizabeth (Ahlberg) Anderson. He was the youngest of seven, nicknamed Dwighty Boy and Moose by siblings Bernice, Verna, Marvin, Rena, Winston, and George. Their home was built on a deep faith in Christ and a shared love for music. The family moved to Santa Barbara when Dwight was two years old for his father’s job as chief engineer at Cottage Hospital. Dwight fondly remembered watching the underground workings of the steam generators and discovering the tunnels leading to the laundry. His first real job as a Santa Barbara News Press paper carrier was exciting, not only for the headlines of the 1940’s, but for the freedom to ride his bike anywhere across town and especially out to the military airport to watch takeoffs and landings.
Dwight attended McKinley Elementary, La Cumbre Junior High, and Santa Barbara High School. As a proud Don, he excelled in sports, receiving an invite to try out for the Brooklyn Dodgers and $3000 if he signed the contract. He didn’t think his mother would approve. Instead, he chose to attend Westmont College where he met his wife of 62 years, Doris Anderson, as they dutifully sat in alphabetical order for chapel. She claimed he took her name when they married in 1954. Their years at Westmont instilled lifelong friendships and a love for God and His Word that informed their daily faith.
Together they built a beautiful home in Mission Canyon where their children, Dustin, Dawn, and David were born and raised. Dwight taught elementary and junior high locally, then switched to academic and career counseling at SBCC, before returning to Westmont as Director of First Year students. In summers he would help build the family cabin in the Santa Cruz redwoods, and fit in a family road trip or two exploring the states. In 1974, the family took a 6-week trip to Europe where they were welcomed by dear relatives in Sweden, and the joy of worldwide travel was ignited.
Another facet of Dwight’s legacy was his gift for singing and love for directing various choral groups. He kept a song in his heart all of his life (Psalm 104:33-34) and quietly lived and served others, only for the glory of God…and did we mention his Swedish pancakes?
Dwight is survived by his beloved children, son Dustin (Karin), Dawn Fredrickson (Ken), and David (Helen Matzger); seven cherished grandchildren, Lena (Gerardo) Ibarra, Annie (Steven) Stroh, Karna Svensen Anderson, Karl Fredrickson, Signe (Brian) Dellavalle, Louisa Anderson, and Nelika Anderson; three sweet great grandchildren, Canyon Dellavalle, Yvan Ibarra, and Clementine Stroh, as well as sister-in-law Irene Roth, and many dear nieces and nephews.
The family would like to gratefully acknowledge the wonderful support which the Samarkand community and caregivers provided in Dwight’s later years. They too became his family.
A time of remembrance and celebration was held at Montecito Covenant Church on December 20th, 2023. Memorial donations to any of the following organizations close to Dwight’s heart would be greatly appreciated. Westmont or SBCC Nursing Programs, Paul Carlson Partnership, or Mission Springs Campership Fund.