Other News
May 2, 2024: WA State Governor and Assistant Secretary of WSF Talk Ferry Service & Solar Power with SJC Officials
Apr 11, 2024: Community Meeting: Sea Level Rise Adaptation for Outer Bay and Agate Beach Areas on Lopez Island
Mar 11, 2024: Queers in Unexpected Places: Searching for (and Finding) Gender and Sexual Non-Conformity in the Rural and Early PNW
Mar 7, 2024: DRAFT Richardson Marsh Preserve Stewardship and Management Plan Now Open for Public Comment
Dec 5, 2023: County Council Member Jane Fuller and Senator Liz Lovelett to Host Public Meeting on Lopez
Nov 3, 2023: County and Town Send Open Letter to State Officials Regarding Impacts of Poor Ferry Service
Sep 29, 2023: Conservation Land Bank Announces Special Meeting to Discuss Watmough Bay Preserve Addition
Sep 14, 2023: The mobile dental van is coming to Lopez! // ¡La camioneta dental móvil ya llega a López!
Aug 22, 2023: San Juan County Adopts 32-Hour Work Week in the Name of Fiscal Health, Recruitment, and Islander Wellness
May 25, 2023: Recap of Lopez Neighborhood Meeting Regarding the Relocation of Public Works Facilities
May 23, 2023: District 3 Councilmember Jane Fuller Opens Office on Lopez and Hosts Community Conversation
Apr 17, 2023: Give Lopez Starts April 17th - A two week fundraiser benefiting 15 Lopez Island Non-Profits
Sep 22, 2022: Interim Watmough Preserve Addition Stewardship and Management Plan Now Open for Public Comment
Astronaut and Islander - San Juan County Remembers William Anders
Jun 13, 2024
By San Juan County
San Juan County extends condolences to the family and friends of Major General Anders.
SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. June 13, 2024 - San Juan County mourns the loss of retired Major General William Anders after his plane crashed off the coast of Jones Island on Friday, June 7.
Anders made history as the Apollo 8 astronaut known for snapping the iconic “Earthrise” photo. Later in his career, Major Anders was a member of the Atomic Energy Commission, the first chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the ambassador to Norway, and held many other titles.
In addition to his national accomplishments, Anders was a valued resident of Orcas Island. Known to give talks at local events and donate to community organizations, Anders was an active member of the Orcas community.
“During their time here, Bill and Val were truly part of the fabric of our island community,” said Councilmember Cindy Wolf. “In spite of Bill’s celebrity status as an astronaut, they were genuinely down to earth.”
Wolf recalled a dinner at the Inn at Ship Bay where Bill loved everything Geddes cooked for him, “as long as it was meat-no veggies.”
“Many people here were honored by long time friendship with the Anders and I know Bill will be sorely missed. San Juan County sends deep condolences to all those affected by the loss of the local legend,” said Wolf.
Kelly Denny, a public safety diver on the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (WDFW) Police Dive Team was one of the many first responders on the scene.
“Later in the evening when I saw the news, recognized who he was, and what he did for our country, it all clicked.”
Like Anders, Denny also served in the US Airforce.
“When I made the connection that he was an Airforce veteran like me, it just made me feel overwhelmed that though it was a tragic accident, at least an Airforce veteran could be there to bring him home.”
The offices of the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office and the San Juan County Prosecuting Attorney and Coroner share in extending their condolences to the family and friends of Major General Anders.
“We’re all deeply saddened by the tragic incident,” said San Juan County Sheriff Eric Peter. “We’re proud to do our part to recover Major General Anders and return him to his family.”
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Anders made history as the Apollo 8 astronaut known for snapping the iconic “Earthrise” photo. Later in his career, Major Anders was a member of the Atomic Energy Commission, the first chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the ambassador to Norway, and held many other titles.
In addition to his national accomplishments, Anders was a valued resident of Orcas Island. Known to give talks at local events and donate to community organizations, Anders was an active member of the Orcas community.
“During their time here, Bill and Val were truly part of the fabric of our island community,” said Councilmember Cindy Wolf. “In spite of Bill’s celebrity status as an astronaut, they were genuinely down to earth.”
Wolf recalled a dinner at the Inn at Ship Bay where Bill loved everything Geddes cooked for him, “as long as it was meat-no veggies.”
“Many people here were honored by long time friendship with the Anders and I know Bill will be sorely missed. San Juan County sends deep condolences to all those affected by the loss of the local legend,” said Wolf.
Kelly Denny, a public safety diver on the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (WDFW) Police Dive Team was one of the many first responders on the scene.
“Later in the evening when I saw the news, recognized who he was, and what he did for our country, it all clicked.”
Like Anders, Denny also served in the US Airforce.
“When I made the connection that he was an Airforce veteran like me, it just made me feel overwhelmed that though it was a tragic accident, at least an Airforce veteran could be there to bring him home.”
The offices of the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office and the San Juan County Prosecuting Attorney and Coroner share in extending their condolences to the family and friends of Major General Anders.
“We’re all deeply saddened by the tragic incident,” said San Juan County Sheriff Eric Peter. “We’re proud to do our part to recover Major General Anders and return him to his family.”
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