William "Andy" Raymond Anderson

William "Andy" Raymond Anderson January 15, 1952 - March 4, 2020 Andy was born to Jane and William Anderson on January 15th, 1952. From all accounts, he was a mischievous and smart boy, who had a wicked sense of humor and a knack for remembering obscure facts. He attended St. Paul's, St. Joseph's, and St. Peter's grade schools and graduated from Central High School in 1971. While in high school, during one summer, he worked at a ranch in Jackson. While there, some boys were offended that a cat climbed on their bunk and threw the cat off. Andy consoled the cat, and earned the nickname, "Catman", which he proudly owned. He worked at the Anaconda Smelter until the strike in 1971, whereupon he made the honorable decision to join the United States Air Force in 1972. While being stationed in Spokane, WA, he met the love of his life, who was visiting from California. He said that he just knew instantly that she was going to be his wife. Andy and Cindy married at Fairchild AFB April 26, 1974. Andy was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1980. He began working at the United States Postal Service in Butte, MT. and proudly went to work until he retired in 2018. Although he was retired, he continued to act as the union president of the APW Union and fought hard for the rights of the employees until his last days. Throughout their time together, Andy and Cindy raised 5 beautiful children, and doted on 7 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter. They loved to take long rides to enjoy the beauty of Montana. They laughed, argued, and then laughed some more. There was never a doubt that they loved each other unconditionally. He was a loving brother to both Jerry and Peggy. They had their share of arguments, but the jokes and laughter between them was worth every heated word. Andy loved his sister and brother and always had a piece of advice to share with them whether they asked for it or not. Andy was a hard worker who believed in the value of an honest day's work. He knew the importance of an education and encouraged all of his children to keep learning. He was someone people could go to for information about generally anything, but mostly information about Montana, specifically Anaconda, and union issues. He was always up for some fun, especially if it involved fireworks and presents. There was something really special about watching the joy in his eyes as he gazed at a night sky full of fireworks. He wasn't a man of many words, so when he spoke, people listened. Sometimes what he said was profound, and other times, he would say things that have us laughing still to this day. He never really took himself too seriously. He loved animals...of all types, and they loved him. It is said that he spent more on pet food and bird seed than he did on food for the people of the house. He loved music, especially 70's era music and The Glenn Miller Band, and while listening to a song, you would've seen him playing a mean air guitar. He was a huge Chicago Bears fan, but March Madness was his favorite time of year. He would save his vacation days just so he could take time off to watch the tournament. Andy was many things, but above all, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, cousin, friend, co-worker, and neighbor. He will be missed by so many people that include his "honeybuns", Cindy; his daughters Cathy Clark (Scott) and Maggie Swanson (Erik); his sons Bryan Anderson (Christy), Kevin Anderson (Emily), and Billy Anderson; his granddaughters Megan Caissey, Caila Clark,and Daylee Swanson; his grandsons Haden Clark, Bridger Swanson, Olin Anderson, and Paxton Anderson; his great granddaughter Myra; his sister Peggy Anderson Tuttle (Stephen); his sister-in-law, Denise Anderson; his numerous nieces and nephews; as well as cousins near and far. Andy is greeted in death by his father, William, his mom, Jane and his brother, Jerry. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the service at the church. Military Honors provided by the Anaconda American Legion Post #21 and the Air Force Honor Guard will follow the service.

Visitation

MAR 7. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (MST)

Holy Family Catholic Church 217 W Pennsylvania AVe Anaconda, MT 59711

Mass of Christian Burial

MAR 7. 11:00 AM (MST)

Holy Family Catholic Church 217 W Pennsylvania AVe Anaconda, MT 59711