Darvin "Spud" Leonard Anderson 1918-1956
It is impossible to talk about Spud without mentioning the sadness that he left behind upon dying at such a young age.

He was a fellow who started out life with the bad luck of being orphaned at 5 years old. His father, grief stricken over the loss of his wife to illness, had killed himself - leaving 6 kids behind. At the funeral, “Papa” John Swanson picked Spud out of the six kids to take home in his horse and buggy. (It was often done that way in those days, family and neighbors all pitching in to help orphaned kids in need).

Spud got his nickname from an old cartoon that ran in the Prairie Farmer “The Adventures of Slim and Spud”, where the character “Spud” was also a plucky orphan. The field hands took to calling Darvin “Spud” and it sort of stuck.

He was a handsome, hardworking fellow. He was a kind and loving husband and devoted to his children. He fought heroically in World War 2.
Spud is remembered with such love that even over 45 years after his death, all who knew him still smile when they talk about his warmth and hospitality balanced easily with his practical skills, hard work, and sense of fairness. He is still missed.