Bill Anderson, 83, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 25, 2009 at the Rainy River Health Centre in Rainy River, Ont. with his loved ones at his side.
Bill was born to Alexander and Elsie Anderson on east Rainy Lake on March 14, 1926. He was raised in Stratton, Ont. and lived there most of his life.
Bill attended Morley Consolidated School in Stratton, and started working in the bush at the young age of 14.
Bill joined the Canadian Armed Forces during World War II and was discharged in May, 1946. Upon his return from the army, Bill drove truck for several years for many area contractors, including the local paper mill.
He also spent several winters operating snowplow trucks.
In 1975, Bill purchased land in McCrosson-Tovell Township and it was there that he and Kari built a cabin where they spent many beautiful summers “at the lake.”
They loved to spend time fishing with their friends on Lake of the Woods, coming home to their beautiful oak landing.
Bill enjoyed the wonders of nature, and especially loved to watch the otters and waterfowl on the Little Grassy. He spent time watching the deer coming to drink on the other side of the river, and especially enjoyed watching an eagle in flight, circling and soaring upward to the sky above.
Bill enjoyed making furniture from diamond willow, and also took time to build a beautiful outdoor fireplace and which he placed special rocks that he and Kari had collected on their travels.
Bill had a fascination for antique cars, trucks, and tractors, and he fully restored his 1932 Diamond T truck. Over the years, Bill and Kari attended many area antique steam shows.
He also read many books about the history of this area, and greatly admired what pioneers had accomplished working with their hands.
Bill was predeceased by his parents; his younger sister, Patsy; and a younger brother, George.
His memory will be ever cherished by his precious friend of 45 years, Kari Upton; and his “chosen family,” Beth and Dennis Brown and their family, Linnea Johnsrud, Arne, Joan, Glen, and Danny Johnsrud, Dale and Marg Johnsrud, Cindy, Jim, Kyle, and Chelsea Miller, Tim and Erin Johnsrud, and JoAnne Nygard and her family, Dylan McDonald and Alyssa Silvaggio.
Several days before his death, by God’s grace, Bill gave his life to the Lord Jesus.
A graveside service was held Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at 1 p.m. at the Stratton Cemetery, with Beth Brown officiating.
A luncheon followed at the Stratton Seniors’ Friendship Centre.
The honourary pallbearers were all of Bill’s family and friends.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations will be accepted for project “Ultrasound 9-1-1” at the Rainy River Health Centre c/o Riverside Health Care Facilities, Inc., 110 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2B7.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com
Fort Frances Times
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