Former NSGA Board Chairman Al Anderson Passes Away

DOWNERS GROVE, ILLINOIS (July 8, 2024) – Al Anderson, who is the only Canadian to serve the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) as Board Chairman, passed away on July 2. Anderson was 92. 

Anderson entered the sporting goods industry in 1955 when he started Athletic Equipment Sales in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and it is now known as Al Anderson’s Source for Sports. Anderson was elected to the NSGA Board of Directors in 1971 and served as Board Chairman in 1974-75. He also served the Board as Vice Chairman/Chairman Elect, Treasurer and Past Chairman. 

“We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Anderson and we offer our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues,” said Matt Carlson, NSGA President & CEO. “Mr. Anderson was very passionate about the sporting goods industry and the time he devoted to the NSGA Board and association was emblematic of a life filled with service to others.” 

In 2023, Anderson received the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, which celebrates the excellence and achievements of Saskatchewan citizens. Anderson volunteered in numerous organizations in Saskatoon. His son Doug was born with cerebral palsy in 1960 so Anderson became committed to creating services and opportunities for people with disabilities. He developed Cosmo Golf, a partnership between Al Anderson’s Source for Sports and Cosmo Industries, where individuals with intellectual impairments produced golf clubs that were marketed and sold throughout North America. 

Anderson is survived by four children and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Those he was predeceased by include his wife of 67 years, Joan, and his son Doug. 

A celebration of Al Anderson’s life is scheduled at 11 a.m. on July 16 at Zion Lutheran Church, 323 4^th Ave S, Saskatoon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the “Stensrud Family Top of the Rock Trust,” care of Cosmopolitan Industries, 28 – 34^th St. E, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 3Y2.