Henry Anderson

Henry “Hank” William Anderson, 81, avid outdoorsman, loving husband and father, of Columbia Falls, passed away peacefully July 18, 2013, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born July 2, 1932, in Monroe, Wash., to Harold and Mary Anderson.

Hank graduated from Monroe High School and joined the Merchant Marine when he was 18. He traveled around the world and was drafted into the Army in 1951. He served his country for two years and in 1966 returned to the Merchant Marines, sailing the globe.

He married his first wife, Mary Jane Bower, and together they had a daughter, Valerie Lisa Anderson. The family moved to Columbia Falls.

Following Jane’s death, Hank met and fell in love with Flathead Valley local Ardis Rassmussen. The couple were married Oct. 5, 1959. Following the marriage, the couple settled in Columbia Falls, where they have resided ever since.

Hank worked as a heavy equipment mechanic foreman on the Alaskan pipeline. He worked throughout California and Montana.

He enjoyed all of the outdoor activities that are available in the area. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, trapper and snowmobiler, and regularly packed into the Bob Marshall Wilderness and in the nearby mountains of Montana.

Hank is survived by his loving wife Ardis Rassmussen Anderson; daughters Valeri Scott, Wanda and Bill Rains, Teresa and Brett Ready, and Brenda and Dave Stewart; sister Sally Anderson; seven grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.

The family will hold a cremation memorial service at a later date for the immediate family only.

Memorials may be given in memory of Hank Anderson to the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 1 Headquarters Children’s Fund, 490 North Meridian Road, Kalispell MT 59912.