David Allen Anderson of Mt. Hull, Wash. passed away September 13, 2016 at his home on the land he loved, after a battle with lung cancer. His spirit remained strong even when his body gave out. His final days were spent filled with hope while planning his next phase of treatment with family and doctors. He was always dreaming, always planning and always doing.

David was born November 3, 1955 in Tacoma, Wash. to Herbert and Patricia Anderson. They were both first-generation immigrants, his father came from a war-torn Latvia and his mother from Ireland. In 1975 he moved into the beautiful Okanogan Valley with his partner, Barbara, whom he met in New York while on a cross-country road trip. He always had a way with the ladies—she left a successful life behind to travel the country with him after knowing each other for only two weeks. They were together for 24 years.

They purchased property on Mt. Hull in 1977 and were married in 1979. David greatly respected the land he worked and saw potential in everything and everyone. With the support of a devoted wife, he built a large log home by hand, with trees he cut from the surrounding hills. His brother later told of coming into the clearing to see him peeling logs with blood streaked behind him, refusing to stop until his work was done.

David spent much of his life providing for his family by working in the apple orchards. He held other jobs, but always came back to horticulture. A few years ago he started Raven’s Keep, an I-502 marijuana production company. The business is named for a group of ravens that have lived on his land for many years.

David had a second love in his later years, Diane Lange—his heart was broken when she passed away in March of 2015. She loved him deeply, and in turn, he loved her with a fierce dedication. They spent tens of thousands of miles traveling together on his motorcycle to see family and friends, many different blues bands, and generally enjoying “the good life.”

His mother, Patricia Witt and his stepfather, Jerry Witt also proceeded him in death. David is survived by his ex-wife, Barbara Anderson and their four children: Zane Anderson (wife Kelly and their two children), Jessica Zachman (husband Jake and their three children), Jana Spangler (husband Brian and their five children) and Rebecca Quenzer (husband Jasen and their two children). He is also survived by his father, Herbert Anderson, his sister, Tami Zamperin and her husband, and his brothers, Brian and Darren Witt and their wives and children. Lastly, David is survived by his two beloved German Shepherds, Montana and Gunner, who are now living with family members. Family memorial services will be held at a later date.

Bergh Funeral Service and Crematory is in care of arrangements.