They Call Him 'Mr. Golden Valley'

Editor's Note: Today, Dec. 16th, marks the city's 125th anniversary. To honor the day, we thought we'd honor one of Golden Valley's most special people in the first of our regular series called "Greatest Person."

It was no surprise Don Anderson was the very first and only person to be found at the s historic church one early weekday morning. He was carefully and dutifully preparing for a boy scouts troop visit later that day.

“They just love the visits here,” Anderson said.

Anderson, who is known as Mr. Golden Valley Historian, has been retired for 22 years now, and spends almost all of his free time giving back to the community.

 “Golden Valley is important to me, because I have lived in the area for about 54 years,” he said. “It is my home.”

In fact, it is his impactful and unwavering dedicated spirit of contributing to Golden Valley that has earned him the recognition of being Golden Valley Patch's very first Greatest Person.

“I feel very humbled to have received this honor following two other recognitions this year—one from the Golden Valley Rotary Club as Golden Valley Citizen of the Year and then one from the Golden Valley City Council for my efforts in the Envision Golden Valley project. I so appreciate this,” Anderson said.

When Anderson won his Citizen of the Year award from the City Council, Mayor Linda Loomis said Anderson should be known as "Mr. Golden Valley" for all of his work in the community.

Though his resume is endless and includes being a Golden Valley Rotary Club Member for 38 years and serving as a Volunteer Commissioner on the Building Board of Review and the Golden Valley Human Services Foundation... what stands out the most about Anderson is his warm presence and instant infectious smile.

It’s clear he gives his time generously for what it does for his heart and mind.

“I believe that as a citizen, a person should, if possible, participate in community organizations to give back what citizens before us have created for the benefit of their new and now future generations,” Anderson said.

Anderson also says volunteering keeps him continually challenged, inspired and humble. He says each opportunity allows him to carry out a purpose for his life and for those around him.

“My 21 years as Secretary of the Golden Valley Historical Society has allowed me to learn about the heritage of the city and to find and help preserve that heritage and educate the current and future citizens that heritage,” he said.

He says he's inspried by other Golden Valley residents, members of the Rotary Club and those who have come before him.

“I hope that my past contributions have had some impact to make our community a better place to live, work, and play,” Anderson said.

Anderson has been married for 53 years to Mary Anderson (also an enthusiastic local volunteer), and they have two grown sons.

Editor's Note: To nominate someone for the community for next month's Greatest Person award, either respond in the comments below or email the editor: mary.costello@patch.com.