Zach Anderson Memorial Scholarship

Zach was born to Rory and Toni (Aamoth) Anderson on July 22, 1985 in Williston, ND. He was raised and educated in Williston, graduating from Williston High School with the class of 2003.

As a young boy Zach was very active in outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, bow hunting, 4-wheeling, skiing, camping and boating. Each year he would go on a family vacation to the lakes of Minn. or snow skiing in the mountains of Mont. Zach rode a Polaris 400 scrambler 4-wheeler and enjoyed many rides in the mountains and ice racing.

During his youth Zach was also involved in many different sports, baseball, football, cross country, but he enjoyed wrestling the most. Zach was a member of the Montana AAU Wrestling Assoc., USA Wrestling, Team ND Wrestling, Team Montana Wrestling, Williston Taekwondo/Judo and NDHSAA Wrestling. He was a Montana AAU Youth Delegate and a multi state champion in Freestyle, Greco, and Sombo wrestling. He also placed 6th at the state Folk style tournament his senior year. He earned many outstanding wrestler awards throughout his career. He would travel with his two brothers (Derik and Dustin) to different wrestling tournaments and also volunteered his time refereeing wrestling matches. The three brothers soon became known as the A-Team.

After graduating and getting into the working world, Zach took up the sport of golf. You could find him on a number of different courses getting a quick 18 in after work. He always carried his clubs in his truck just in case the opportunity presented itself.

But his greatest joy was spending time with family and friends. Zach was always able to make you laugh. He had a wonderful way with people. He enjoyed family vacations and camping trips. He often went on 4-wheel rides with his parents and loved to race. Zach had a special friendship with his cousins, Carly, Lauren, and Nichole. He was referred to as Super Z because he usually had to watch over them while growing up. Another special person in Zach’s life was his God daughter, Brooke Macey Sickler. Although she was only 1 ½ years old at the time of his death, he treasured his time with her. Zach made friends where ever he went and enjoyed each and every one of them. He had many friends through out the oil patch. He will always be known for his 100 watt smile.

While still in high school Zach worked for Randy’s Weed Service during the summer months. He enjoyed working with the crew and was known to play a joke or two. After graduating Zach went to work for Nabors Drilling working the oil rigs. He worked his way up and learned a lot about the oil field. He was with Nabors about 1 year and then took a job with Baker Hughes. He was kept very busy and said he drove highway 201 so much he should live there. He was with Baker for about 1 ½ years. He then worked for CE Natco for a short time and was currently with American Casing at the time of his death.

In Nov. 2005 Zach entered the Rehab center in Williston. After going through the program, Zach had a very wonderful outlook on life. He wanted to help others with problems and you could find him at the rehab center playing cards, helping at AA meetings, or helping his friends find the correct paths. Zach always greeted you with a warm smile and firm handshake.

On Jan. 29th, 2006 Zach was killed while doing a stabbing job for American Casing on Pioneer Drilling rig # 40.

Zach is loved and survived by his mother and father, Toni and Rory Anderson of Williston; his two brothers, Derik and Alyssa Anderson of Dickinson and the Dustin and Kecia Anderson of Williston. He is deeply loved and missed every day. The scholarship was set up to help students continue their education. We wish each applicant good luck with their schooling and sport careers.