Sad but a Relief

The Anacortes Police Department announced Friday that a hiker found remains of Keith Anderson, a former Anacortes High School counselor who has been missing for more than two years.

According to a press release, a hiker reported finding human remains on Saturday, June 23 in a remote area northwest of Darrington. King County Sheriff’s Deputies used cadaver dogs to search the area and recovered enough remains for identification. The King County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the remains as Anderson. A family member was notified last week.

Anderson’s family called Anacortes Police Jan. 7, 2010, after he had not returned from a trip to Snohomish County the day before to meet an acquaintance. Family members say Anderson was meeting the acquaintance to buy oxycontin, a powerful prescription painkiller. They say he originally took the drug after surgery and got addicted.

His abandoned truck was found in late January 2010 on a remote logging road about 20 miles northwest of Darrington. The area was searched extensively by law enforcement officers and search and rescue volunteers.

In a letter to the editor this week, Anderson’s family expressed thanks to the community for prayers, support, donations and time taken to search for him.

“No words could ever express how truly grateful we are for all you have done and the love shared between all who knew Keith,” they say.

A year ago, the search and reward fund was turned into a scholarship fund in Anderson’s name. Numerous scholarships over his tenure were presented by Anderson and the family will continue this legacy. The award will go to a student who has overcome obstacles and adversity during high school.