William Andrew Anderson, the father of one of the most influential and celebrated Canadian musicians, died last week at the age of 100 in Saskatoon.

Anderson is the father of Grammy-winning singer and songwriter Joni Mitchell, who penned famous songs such as Both Sides Now and Big Yellow Taxi.

He was born on Aug. 24, 1911, in Wetaskawin, Alta., and was one of nine children in a large Norwegian family.

As a young man, Anderson joined the Air Force and met his wife, Myrtle McKee, while on leave visiting his friends in Regina. They were married two weeks later and moved to Fort Macleod, Alta., where Anderson trained new pilots during the Second World War.

It was at Fort Macleod where Joni Mitchell was born on Nov. 7, 1943.

Like his daughter, who wrote the theme song for the landmark Woodstock music festival, Anderson was also musically talented.

While working at North Battleford after the war, he joined the Kinsmen Club and gave trumpet lessons. He also led the marching band for a season and played for dances and in adjudicated competitions.

Anderson was also an athlete, winning trophies for tennis in his youth. He became an avid golfer when he moved to Saskatoon in 1952. With his wife, Anderson also cross country skied into his 80s.

His goal was to golf on his hundredth birthday and he did.

Anderson died in his sleep last week. His funeral was held Monday at Saskatoon Funeral Home.