It's an honor to pay tribute to Post Register legend and our beloved father, Phil Anderson, who passed away peacefully on February 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Dad once stated that the way to truly honor a man is with writing that describes his character and life. We will do our best to hit it out of the park for him. Philip Fred Anderson was born on April 26, 1942, to Fred and Ruth Anderson in Blackfoot, Idaho. His loving parents described him as a gregarious boy who held conversations and provided comic relief before he could master a complete sentence. His love of Roy Rogers and westerns led him to proclaim himself the "Sheriff of Moreland," where there was plenty of room for his Wild West imagination. Following the end of World War II, Phil and his mother traveled on a train packed with soldiers returning home. He eagerly engaged in conversation with each soldier. His infectious positive nature was a warm welcome home and a reminder of the reunion that awaited them with their loved ones.

Born the son of a government trapper and a homemaker, his loving parents raised him with a deeply rooted Christian faith. Their love of God and family would nourish his spirit and leave a lasting impression that he would come to rely on throughout his life. As the eldest son, Phil took his responsibilities seriously. His younger brother, Gary, lived with a disability his entire life, which planted a seed of deep compassion in him towards the challenges and vulnerabilities of others. Phil was also the proud protector of his little sister, Laura. She remembered that he was always willing to include "this little morsel of a person who followed him around." In addition to being a government trapper, Phil's father ran a mink ranch from 1946 to 1962. This meant he was the man of the house when his father was working the trapline. Hard work was a part of life as he rose early to feed up to 1,300 minks before leaving for school with more chores awaiting him when he returned. His strong work ethic led him to become the manager of his family's mink ranch when he was a teenager. Upon graduation from Snake River High School, he earned a full scholarship to the College of Idaho, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration. During his time at the College of Idaho, events occurring in the Nation made an indelible impact. He greatly admired President John F. Kennedy and his call for citizens to serve others. The emerging Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War, combined with his faith, fueled his drive to contribute positive change in the lives of others. He attended the Berkeley School of Theology in California with the intent of becoming a minister. Although he was a natural orator, he eventually discovered that his gifts were more aptly suited towards networking within the community, where he could provide positive support.

One of Dad's biggest passions in life was his love of baseball. His love of the game was formed from time spent playing catch with his father and listening to Vin Scully broadcasting Brooklyn Dodgers games over the radio. His heroes included Sandy Koufax, Mickey Mantle, and Jackie Robinson. These legends sealed the deal in making the Brooklyn Dodgers his favorite team. He dreamed of a career in baseball until an innocent game of touch football left him with a severe shoulder injury, severe enough to result in significant loss of arm strength/velocity, along with a medical disqualification that prevented him from serving in Vietnam. Despite these setbacks, his passion and love for the game were unshaken. His recollection of the best day of his life was in June of 1962. This was the day he first laid eyes on Mom and immediately asked, " Who is that?" She was wearing a beautiful white dress and had the most radiant smile he had ever seen. Dad was hooked. Their meet-cute was a comedic introduction over a malfunctioning tap on a punch cooler. After a fumbled first impression, Dad recovered his courage and asked her out. They were wed on November 10, 1965, and moved to Idaho Falls, where they became the proud parents of Roger, Carol, and Julie. Their family unit was a close and loving one that continues to this day.

Since Dad had a knack for networking with people, his role as Assistant Manager at the Idaho Department Store fit him like a glove. It was here that he began forming connections with businesses throughout Idaho Falls.

Established relationships and natural salesmanship led to his 31-year career at the Post Register. Serving in the roles of Advertising Executive and Account Executive, he received the Salesperson of the Year Award in 1994, followed by the McDermott/ Brady Award in 1999.

As for his contributions, he proudly started Farm and Ranch and coordinated the Home and Garden Show, Medical Guide, and special sections. He was well known for helping businesses increase their visibility in the community, and Dad wanted to see everyone succeed. Those who worked with our father have let us know the impact he had on their professional lives. He showed his colleagues what it meant to be a good guy and a professional through good times and hard times alike. Always a positive outlook, a truly kind gentleman, supportive, encouraging, always showing care and respect.

Those of you who personally knew our father recall fond memories from the Baptist Youth Fellowship in Blackfoot, First Baptist Church in Idaho Falls, serving with him on the Camp Board at Cathedral Pines, and alongside him at Rotary, where he served as President of the East Idaho Falls Rotary Club and Assistant Governor for District 5400. Our family echoes your heartfelt sentiments. If you believe you knew how much our father appreciated you all, it was infinitely more. He is thankful for each and every one of you.

He was a loving and devoted son, husband, father, brother, grandpa, and uncle. He is survived by his sister, Laura Lafrenz (Thomas Lafrenz); son, Roger Anderson (Pam McQuarrie); daughter, Carol Woodvine (Roy Woodvine); grandson, Jake Woodvine; granddaughter, Emily Woodvine; and daughter, Julie Anderson. In later years, Phil was delighted to become "Grandpop" to Emily and Jake. He mentioned them often and practically burst at the seams with pride.

There will be a "Field of Dreams" celebration of our Dad's life at a later date to honor him.

We will miss him immeasurably but are comforted with the thought that he is now reunited with our beloved mother and catching up with family members and friends at the ultimate reunion. We hope Mom's love and radiant smile were his first welcome home.