Lars Anderson, Instructional Assistant for Special Education, was leaving South after school one day when he noticed a student of his who had not yet been picked up. Forgoing his own ride home from a colleague, Anderson chose to stay with the student until another adult came.

Anderson’s students were his priority and always came first, Rosa Nevin, Administrative Assistant of Special Education, said.

After 21 years of putting students first and 56 years of being a catalyst of laughter, light, and love, Anderson passed away on Jan. 26. No cause of death has been released.

During his time at South, Anderson devoted many years to assisting students in the Special Education Department through one-on-one support and assisting in classrooms, Bridget Bucklin, Instructional Supervisor of Special Education, said.

“He was a funny, bright light in the department, and it is very obvious when he’s not here,” Bucklin said. “He’s going to be very missed.”

Anderson’s ability to alleviate negativity through his sense of humor is what will be missed the most, Bucklin said. But even with his playful nature, Anderson always possessed a supportive and approachable disposition, Nevin added.

“There were some students who some people couldn’t get from the main entrance to their classrooms, and we would call Lars,” Nevin said. “Within five minutes, he’d be walking down the hall, joking with somebody.”

Additionally, Anderson’s patience was a quality of his that stood out, Principal Dr. Barbara Georges said.

“Mr. Anderson was a gentle giant whose life’s work was dedicated to caring for students with special needs,” Georges said. “He brought a calm presence to each day, along with moments of humor and levity that lifted those around him.”

Anderson was not only an exceptional member of the school community, but he also dominated in sports, Georges explained. His athleticism stretched across football, baseball, basketball, and track, and eventually led to him playing football at Indiana University, she added.

A GoFundMe has been set up to support Anderson’s three kids, Emily, Trystan, and Ayden, with everyday finances in the period of loss, according to a message from Lars’s family on gofundme.com. Already, 149 donations have raised $24,556* out of the $30,000 goal. A piece of the donations from the fundraiser will be gifted to the Special Education Department at South, according to the same message.

“I’m not surprised that his family would want to honor his memory in some of the places that were really important to him,” Bucklin said. “It is very kind and sweet for Anderson’s family to think of us.”

Anderson will continue to influence the school even after he has passed, Georges said. Loss is difficult, but it is important to anchor oneself in the good that Anderson cultivated and the positive change he had on his students, Bucklin stated.

“We’re really lucky to have known him,” Bucklin said.