A fighter pilot, astronaut, ambassador, civil servant and business leader, Anders—who is most widely known for being a crew member aboard Apollo 8—died in a small plane crash in the San Juan Islands on June 7, 2024, at the age of 90.
Anders and his Apollo 8 crewmates, Frank Borman and James Lovell, were the first humans to orbit the Moon. During the mission, Anders took a now-famous photograph known as Earthrise. The iconic photo of Earth emerging from the lunar horizon, suspended in space, would be named among the 100 Photographs that Changed the World by LIFE magazine.
After he left NASA, Anders went on to serve as chair of the National Aeronautics and Space Council, commissioner of the United States Atomic Energy Commission and founding chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. He was appointed as ambassador to Norway, where he served from 1975 to 1977.
In private industry, Anders worked for General Electric and Textron, ultimately becoming the CEO of General Dynamics. He retired in 1994, and he and Valerie began splitting time between the San Juan Islands and San Diego, where Anders continued to pursue his passion for flying and boating. The couple traveled widely and engaged in various philanthropic ventures, including founding the Heritage Flight Museum in Skagit County and supporting the Island Health Foundation. Anders said of the gift to IHF, “We hope to inspire others in our community to give now if they’re able.” Anders’ incredible life and legacy of service and generosity continue to inspire.
You, too, can create your legacy of giving at Island Health Foundation. To learn more, please click the QR code below. You may also contact the Foundation at 360.299.4201 or email foundation@islandhospital.org.