Dear Friends,

Dr. Tom Anderson passed away in April of 2022. My mom, sisters, and I fondly reflect on his amazing life. We think of how many pets lived better lives, how many learned to better care for their animals, and how many improved their agricultural businesses because of his attention and influence. In addition, we think of how many individuals, families, and communities in Central Utah he influenced.  His genuine care and love for animals, his steady, calm, and pleasant demeanor, and his kindness and generosity truly blessed many lives.

We remember moving to Gunnison in 1969, where Dad set up his own practice. He was the true “country doctor” – caring for anything that walked, crawled, or flew through the door. He practiced for many years on his own and was later joined by partners who extended the reach of the Gunnison Valley Animal Clinic. For over 45 years Dad practiced in Central Utah, serving farmers, ranchers, family-owned dairies, horse owners, pet lovers, and animal enthusiasts of every kind. In 2016, the Utah Veterinary Medical Association recognized him as the Utah Veterinarian of the Year, an award befitting this good man and his commitment to his profession.

Dad believed in education (keeping his Veterinary license active even as his health declined), so we also think of those he introduced, motivated, and mentored to enter an animal care field. He often expressed concern about access to good veterinary care in rural areas. He was very pleased a few years ago when Utah State University partnered with Washington State University to train young veterinarians. Just before he passed away, he was delighted to learn that a new College of Veterinary Medicine was approved at Utah State University, the first 4-year Veterinary Medicine program in the state of Utah.

In honor of Dad’s belief in the value of education, as well as his commitment to supporting future generations, and the future of veterinary medicine, we are establishing the Dr. Tom Anderson Memorial Scholarship in the new USU College of Veterinary Medicine. This scholarship will be awarded to a USU Veterinary School student seeking to practice in a rural area.

As his former clients, community members, mentees, colleagues, and friends, please consider contributing to this new scholarship in his honor – helping to perpetually carry on the legacy of this great man.

Gratefully,

The Tom Anderson Family 

The obituary for Dr. Tom Anderson can be found here: https://www.maglebymortuary.com/obituaries/thomas-anderson