Lyle Anderson was born in Tracy, where he attended Tracy Public Schools and graduated as salutatorian in 1968. During high school, he was active in both basketball and baseball, as a third baseman and pitcher, known for his wicked curveball and screwball. His love of basketball continued throughout his life, and he was always ready to join a pickup game whenever the opportunity arose and was a lifelong college and NBA fan.
Lyle attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, graduating in 1972 with a B.A. in Art, Philosophy, and Religion. During his college years, he spent significant time in Europe, including studies at Oxford University in England and extended stays in Denmark. He went on to earn a Master of Divinity from Yale University in 1975 and a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Yale in 1980.
He taught philosophy at Wittenberg University in Ohio, Davidson College in North Carolina and at the University of San Diego in California. Later, he returned to school to pursue law, earning his degree in 1999. He practiced law for over fifteen years.
Lyle had a deep love for nature and animals, with environmental law being an early focus of his legal career. His rescued dogs and cats were the joy of his life. As he often joked, they always appreciated what he had to say, never disagreed, and even seemed to understand his sarcasm and unique sense of humor.
Throughout his life, Lyle enjoyed working with his hands, drawing on skills he developed in his youth while working at Donaldson Lumber Company and as a sod layer and general laborer for Unc DeVetter. He also learned electronics repair, stereo building, and speaker design from his brother Ron; swimming and water-skiing from his brother Clyde; and vehicle repair from his brothers Glen and Wayne. Youngest brother Dean was the recipient of any advice that Lyle wanted to generously provide.
An avid reader and writer, Lyle also had a lifelong passion for art and music. He visited many museums and galleries and occasionally purchased pieces that matched his tastes and budget. His music collection included a wide range of rock & roll and classical artists.
Lyle is survived by his brothers Clyde; Wayne (Janice); and Dean (Becky); sisterin- law Lori; nieces Jennifer, Pam, Julie, Melissa, Erika, and Gretchen; nephews Chad and Ryan; many grandnieces and grandnephews; and his furry friends Bubski, Squeaky and OK2.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Erland and Olive Anderson; his brothers Glen and Ronald; his sisterin- law Linda; and his nephew Jeff.
Lyle was a generous person and believed in the goodness of others (sometimes to his detriment). He maintained that the foundation of a peaceful world lies in our daily decisions regarding the treatment of vulnerable groups, whether they are humans, animals, or the environment.
There will be a memorial service for family in Minnesota with date and location to be determined.
Memorials are preferred to organizations supporting animal welfare, including Angels Among Us Pet Rescue.
