Obituary of Leland Enoch Anderson

Leland Enoch Anderson passed away Thursday, July 28th, 2016 unexpectedly in Santa Cruz, CA surrounded by his family. It was just 5 short weeks after the passing of Edith, his wife of 74 years. He was 93. Leland was the youngest of 3 children, born November 13, 1922 to Enoch and Edith Anderson. He grew up and resided in San Joaquin for much of his life until he moved to Santa Cruz in 1972. While growing up in San Joaquin he met and married his childhood sweetheart, Edith Genik. They were married in September of 1942 and had two daughters, Karen and Cheryl. After graduating high school Leland served in the military and lived in several different states. After his service, he returned to San Joaquin where he owned and operated a grocery store and pharmacy with his siblings. He worked as the store's meat cutter. He thoroughly enjoyed this job and continued in this same profession long after he sold the grocery store until he retired. One of the most defining characteristics of Leland was his love for the Lord. He was a long time member of Twin Lakes Church, but more recently attended Church of Christ in Santa Cruz. Leland was also known to be a jokester. He loved nothing more than to pull a good old fashioned prank on one of his grandchildren or great grandchildren. Above anything else, he just loved to make people smile and laugh, and he was good at it. He has left us all with many fond memories of his quick wit and gentle, kind, and loving spirit. In his spare time he enjoyed watching old John Wayne western movies, playing card games on his laptop, and doing word search puzzle books. Mostly, he loved having his family around and his home filled with little ones. Leland was preceded in death by his wife Edith; daughter, Karen; and brother, Harold. He is survived by his sister, Mildred Pettit of Clovis; daughter, Cheryl Johnson of Aptos; grandsons, Darrell and Kevin Graham of Madera; granddaughters, Nicole Miller of Bakersfield, Brandi Johnson of Poulsbo WA, Rochelle Saxton of Aptos, Lisa Johnson of Aptos and Jaime Santaella of Watsonville; and 15 great-grandchildren. There are no services planned. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Church of Christ, 637 Pacheco Ave, Santa Cruz CA 95065.