Ronald Eldon Anderson, 77

Ronald Eldon Anderson, 77, passed away on Thursday, March 25, 2010, at his residence in Kalispell. He was born on April 15, 1932, in Flasher, N.D., to Elmer and Myrtle (Schoening) Anderson. The family moved to Somers in 1936. Ron and his younger brother Gene grew up on a working farm in Somers. It was the beginning of a life-long obsession for pork rinds, pickled pigs feet and limburger cheese. In 1953, Ron married Joan Scammahorn, and they settled in Kalispell, where they raised two sons. The family enjoyed the simple things in life and took hunting and fishing seriously. Ron mastered the art of shooting and was an avid fisherman. Ron worked several jobs before landing a position with the City of Kalispell. He hired on with the garbage crew and eventually settled with the sewer department. During his time with the sewer department, Ron found and made a necklace from lost dentures that included a gold tooth. He wore it proudly and liked telling stories of his days with the department. Ron retired from the City of Kalispell in 1990, having worked there for 26 years. Joan passed away in 2001 and Ron moved in with his son John. He didn t stray far from home until he bought a 1992 Buick Park Avenue in 2008. He loved his blue car and kept it shining. He drove everywhere and had a ball installed to pull a boat trailer. He had a renewed interest in fishing and started going to Smith Lake to fish off the dock. Here he met Dawn Hashley and they became the best of fishing partners. Just as Ron taught his sons to fish, he taught Dawn a trick or two as well, and they were looking forward to another successful year. After his retirement, Ron took his game of cribbage to a whole new level. He would challenge anyone who wanted to play him and on March 15, 2010, he finally had a 29 hand. Throughout the years, Ron amassed a variety of colorful friends and stories to match. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife; an infant great-granddaughter, Angelica Boyes-Anderson; and an infant step-great-granddaughter, Cloe Baldwin. He is survived by brother Gene Anderson of Edinburg, Texas; his sons, Roger Anderson and his wife Kathleen, and John Anderson and his wife Jana; two grandsons, Ivan and Erik Anderson; four step-grandchildren, Shelley Baldwin, Vanessa Holycross, Erin Carrell and Molly Doxater; as well as one great-grandson Wyatt Anderson; and several step -great-grandchildren. Graveside services for Ron will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 29, at Glacier Memorial Gardens. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Ron s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Ron s tribute wall.