Pastor Roy Brainard Anderson

Roy Brainard Anderson, beloved husband, father, and "Father in the Faith," passed away peacefully at the age of 77 in Shoreline, Washington. Born on April 24, 1947, to Carl and Virginia Anderson, Roy was the fifth of seven children. His middle name, Brainard, was inspired by the revered minister and missionary David Brainerd, reflecting the deep spiritual roots that would define his life.

At just five years old, Roy committed his life to faith at Great Valley Church in Pennsylvania, where his father was a minister. This early experience set the foundation for his lifelong devotion to his beliefs. In 1955, the Anderson family relocated to Seattle, where Roy would grow up and eventually meet the love of his life, Ethel. At the tender age of 14, Roy knew he was smitten, and in 1969, they married—a union that would endure for 55 cherished years.

Roy's early years were marked by adventure and service. As a young man, he worked construction jobs in Seattle as well as a skipper in Alaska, a testament to his strong work ethic and love for the outdoors. He attended Wheaton Bible College and later graduated from the University of Washington. His involvement with the Army ROTC led him to help soldiers struggling with drug problems; this planted the seeds for his pursuit of a counseling degree.

After joining the Army as a 2nd Lt, Roy and Ethel moved to Louisiana, where he was stationed, and started their family. After retiring from the Army as a Captain, they moved back to Seattle, where he went on to teach at his Alma Mater, Kings Schools. Later, he graduated from Fuller Theological Seminary with a Master’s Degree in Theology and an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy. In 1984 the family moved to Israel for a short time to help a church while the pastor went on sabbatical —a profound experience that enriched their lives. Roy’s many giftings and heart for men, marriages and missions had him serving in many different capacities during his life. He served as an associate pastor at several different churches, a marriage and family counselor for over 30 years, a volunteer chaplain for the Fire and Police Department for 20 years and travelling all over the world to train and equip pastors, churches and missionaries. Roy finished his counseling career with over 20 years at The Center A Place of HOPE in Edmonds, WA. Roy's life was characterized by his unwavering faith in Jesus, his dedication to his family, and his relentless efforts to mentor and support others in their walk with Christ.

Roy’s mission in life was to be a father in the faith who acts justly, loves mercy, and walks humbly with his God (Micah 6:8). To live a life of a love which flows from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and sincere faith (I Timothy 1:5). He served the Church in the prophetic/pastoral calling by discipling men for Jesus Christ, mentoring marriages for ministry, and raising up and training teams in missions' outreach.

Roy is survived by his devoted wife, Ethel, their three children, Tonja, Jeremiah, and Lance and their spouses, nine grandchildren, James Jr., Rebekah, Zoe, Kenzie, Zeke, Sammy, Dahlia, Atarah, and Azariah, and five of his siblings, Cully, Bill, Ruth, Nancy and Tina. He left a legacy of faith and love that will endure in the hearts of all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held August 24th at 11:00 AM at Canyon Hills Community Church in Bothell, WA to celebrate Roy's life and the profound impact he had on those around him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to one of the charities close to Roy's heart, continuing his legacy of missions.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to one of the charities close to Roy's heart, continuing his legacy of missions.

https://planningwithpurposeinc.com/lifeimpact or https://onechallenge.org/give/

If giving through One Challenge, select “Other Designation” type “Roy Anderson Memorial Fund” in the Note.