Gary Anderson

Gary Anderson, 50, of Havre, died unexpectedly Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008, at his home in Havre.

He was born June 25, 1957, in Great Falls and was raised and educated in Great Falls, graduating from CM Russell High School in 1975. Shortly thereafter, he became employed by the BNSF Railway as a brakeman. Years later, he worked as a conductor, and at the time of his death, Gary was a locomotive engineer between Havre and Whitefish.

Gary worked a total of 33 years for the BNSF Railway, and he lived for a few years in Whitefish during the 1980s. Because of his never-ending concern for his fellow co-workers, he became involved in the Safety Committee. Gary was also on the BLE Union committee.

Gary and Charleen Jones were married on Aug. 31, 1985. During their marriage, they had two sons, Tyson and Seth. Gary's family was his life. He took a lot of pride in being the best father and husband he could be.

It was his love for kids that led him to participate quite actively in many local sports in Havre. Gary coached hockey and baseball and umpired baseball. He was also well-known as the head referee in Havre for hockey and also the Montana head referee for hockey.

Gary enjoyed hunting in the Little Belts and the Highwoods with his family and friends. He also liked fly fishing and tying his own flies. He always looked forward to a good game of golf, and he really enjoyed cooking, often considering himself a gourmet cook. The love he had for pets was incredible, especially his two dogs, Harley and Ripper.

Gary is survived by his wife of 22 years, Charleen "Charlie" Anderson, of Havre; sons Andy, of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Tyson and Seth, both of Havre; parents Harvey Anderson and wife Dee, of Yuma, Ariz., and Ella Anderson, of Great Falls; brother Bruce Anderson and wife Karin; sister Vicki Holgerson and husband John; mother-in-law Clarice Jones; brothers-in-law Brian Jones, Brad Jones and wife Merry, and Calvin Jones and wife Linda; sisters-in-law Myrna Morse and husband Babe, and Lorrie Piccard and husband Joe; one grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial services were held Feb. 6, 2008, at the Fifth Avenue Christian Church in Havre with Rowlie Hutton officiating. Cremation has taken place and burial will be scheduled for a later date.

Memorial contributions in Gary's honor may be made to the Havre Youth Baseball or Bear Paw Bowmen.

Charleen Anderson can be contacted by mailing 1624 Juniper Drive, Havre MT 59501.