Paul Anderson was known for working quietly behind the scenes to get things done for the benefit of the community. 

And he did a lot. 

He served on foundations and nonprofit boards, helped found economic development and education organizations, and was a Rotary club president. 

There is one thing he did not like: the spotlight. 

“Paul was very nonassuming fellow,” said Sandy Emerson, a friend of Anderson’s. “He didn’t want to have any accolades.” 

The 83-year-old Anderson, who passed away May 8, is soon to receive some of the recognition he didn’t want. 

A city bench at McEuen Park, made out of a fallen maple tree at the park, is being dedicated to Anderson. “Paul’s Bench” will be flanked by a white pine tree and a dogwood tree, as well as some large rocks and shrubs. A pathway of pavers leads from the path to the bench. A plaque with a tribute to Anderson will be added later. 

Anderson would have approved, Emerson said. 

“The simplicity of a bench and that area to be improved with a butterfly garden, that appealed to him,” he said. 

The city is working on a separate project, a butterfly garden, near the entrance to Tubbs Hill. 

Tony Berns, executive director of ignite cda, said Anderson was a founding member of the organization when it was known as the Lake City Development Corp. and served with it from 1997 to 2007.

"Paul played a key role in the early years of the agency," Berns said.

Anderson worked on public policy engagement with both local elected officials and state legislators, was instrumental in some of the agency’s early partnership projects including Riverstone, Mill River and McEuen Terrace and was involved with partnership efforts on Parkside condominiums and businesses, the Kroc Center and the Coeur d'Alene Public Library.

"A pretty impressive legacy of community involvement with tangible community benefits still felt today," Berns said.

Anderson, who had a long career with Washington Water Power, which became Avista Corp., is deserving of a place to remember him next to Lake Coeur d’Alene, which he loved, Emerson said. 

Friends described him as someone “whose unwavering dedication and steadfast efforts made a lasting impact on our community. 

“He always wanted to be involved in things that made our community better,” Emerson said. 

The project is funded through donations, which can be made at panhandleparks.org. 

A celebration of Anderson’s life is scheduled 4:30 p.m. July 1 at Hagadone Event Center.