Russell L. 'Andy' Anderson, 85
Russell L. "Andy" Anderson "went home to be with the Lord" on the evening of March 30, 2007, after a short stay at Brendan House in Kalispell.
He was born Dec. 19, 1921, in McLeod, N.D., the son of Charles and Jenny (Erickson) Anderson.
Andy, just a toddler when his mother died, was raised by relatives. By age 10, he was driving teams of work horses on his Uncle Oscar's farm. He loved hearing the sound of the work horses' hooves on the wooden floors of the barn at the end of the work day - which was every day.
During World War II, Andy, a U.S. Marine corporal, met the love of his life, Gwen Robinson, in Poulsbo, Wash., while escorting workers at the torpedo plant. He later served in the Pacific islands as a heavy-equipment operator. After he was discharged, Andy and Gwen were married and settled in Ferndale, where they raised their family and still reside.
Andy was employed in various timber-related jobs all of his adult life. He worked at Fergie's mill in Ferndale, operated a bulldozer for clearing in preparation for the Hungry Horse Dam, and then became a sawyer, logging "down the Swan," taking his bride to live in a tiny trailer in a logging camp.
In 1955, Andy lost his leg in a logging accident. He spent more than 25 years working for Royal Logging, maintaining the tires for the log trucks.
After retirement, Andy gave up his love for snowcatting. He and Gwen became "snowbirds," pulling their trailer to Arizona each winter. Never losing an interest in using a chain saw, Andy's hobby was cutting firewood. During the year he was 80, he cut, split, stacked and delivered more than 110 cord of firewood.
His hard work ethic followed throughout his life. He was always willing and available to help others, including haying, fencing and driving a hammer. Whether at work or at play, Andy always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes. Forever an optimist, Andy never met a stranger.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Lynn LaVonne, age 16 months; sisters, Ella and Alma; and brothers, Ellick, Percy and Walter.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Gwen, at the family home in Ferndale; daughter Rene Sudan and husband, Bill, of Ferndale; son, Brian, and wife, Terri, of Ferndale; sister, Alice Daniels, of Bigfork; special cousin, Ed Erickson, and wife, Marlys, of Milner, N.D.; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, 2007, at Swan Chapel in Swan Lake.
Memorials can be made to The Gideons or to a local memorial of your choice.
Arrangements are by Johnson Mortuary and Crematory.