As many as 200 people braved the cold and drizzle Wednesday night for a candlelight vigil at Causland Park for retired Anacortes High School counselor Keith Anderson, who has been missing for a week.
Reverend Terry Kyllo, of Celebration Lutheran Church, said, "We are here because of our love and concern about Keith." He said, "We all feel anxiety and fear because we don't know where he is."
Dr. Anderson, who was a counselor at AHS for 24 years before he retired 2 years ago, left home on January 6 to meet an acquaintance in Arlington and hasn't returned or contacted his family since then. His family has been concerned because he didn't take clothes or his medications and had only a little cash with him. Police have issued a statewide bulletin looking for Anderson.
During the vigil, School Superintendent Chris Borgen said that community reaction to Dr. Anderson's disappearance has "deeply touched" the family.
After a brief prayer, candles were lit by most of those in attendance, creating quite a glow in Causland Park. The ceremony lasted only about 15 minutes.
Dr. Keith Anderson is known for his warmth, gentle humor and the compassionate guidance of his students. He is a licensed mental health counselor as well as a certified school and vocational counselor. He himself has been suffering from depression lately.
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