Crispin David Anderson

Crispin David Anderson, our pumpkin pie and sweetest boy, passed away peacefully at home on September 7, 2025 at the age of 20 after relapsing for a third time with leukemia.  Crispin made a huge impact in the short time he was here.  Although he didn’t communicate with words, he was able to make others understand what it feels like to be loved absolutely and unconditionally.  Crispin’s actions constantly reminded us how important family and friends are, to slow down and be present, and to find joy in simple things.

Crispin loved music, vacations, going to the park, playing ring-around-the-rosie, and being outdoors.  Earlier in his life he loved swimming, and would spend hours diving under the water, jumping into the pool or being thrown from his Dad’s shoulders.  Crispin loved food, especially pizza, cake, donuts and his infamous bedtime snack (one single item from each package in the pantry until his bowl was full).  Crispin cherished the time he spent with his beloved Tita, and their many visits to the mall for lunch or the park.  He looked forward to celebrations with family and friends, especially birthdays and Christmas.  We sang happy birthday almost daily and found ourselves humming Jingle Bells or other Christmas music that Crispin listened to year round.

Crispin greatly enjoyed his time as a student at Avonmore Elementary and Allendale Junior High.  While attending Allendale, he learned to communicate on his “talker” and used it to make requests for the foods he loved (chips, pop, cake and pizza) the people he wanted to see (Tita, sister, Aunts and Uncles) and the places he wanted to visit (playground, airplane, Dairy Queen).

Despite the years of treatment, hospitalizations and procedures he underwent, Crispin always managed to find joy and contentment and he inspired us to try to do the same. We are immensely grateful to Dr. Rojas, Dr. McKillop, Niti, Stephanie and all of the physicians, nurses and staff at the Stollery and Alberta Children’s Hospital.  Because of their care and compassion we had many good moments as a family, despite the challenges we faced. We are also grateful to Crispin’s pediatricians, Drs. McGonigle and Chatur, especially their guidance in Crispin’s final days, and to Loida Balanag for her love and care throughout Crispin’s lifetime.

Crispin is survived by his parents Katrina Haymond and Jody Anderson, sister Caitlin Anderson, Loida Balanag (Tita), Grandma Gayle Pard, Aunties and Uncles Lisa and Brian, Tanya and Wade, Nicole and Jason, Amanda, Jamie, and Nancy and cousins Briage, Jazzmine, Kyrin, Myah, Chase, Shmuel, Chaya, Sarah, Shmaya, Amalia, Elisha, Skylar, Isis, Jenny, Gavin and Desmond.  He was predeceased by his Grandfathers Robert Haymond and Roger Anderson and Grandma Beverly Anderson.  A celebration of Crispin’s life will be held in the coming weeks.  In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in Crispin’s honour to Kids with Cancer Society, Stollery Children’s Hospital, or Make a Wish Canada.