Gordon “Gordy” Raymond Anderson

Gordon “Gordy” Raymond Anderson, 86, of Polson  passed away on Feb. 15, at his home surrounded by his family’s love, as he wanted.  Gordy was born on April 16, 1926 in Great Falls to Henry and Anna Anderson. He began working at a very early age to help support the family before enlisting in the Navy. He was a WWII Veteran as well.  He was an adventurous young man who enjoyed racing cars on dirt tracks, working with wood, and in his later years, painting as well. In 1947, Gordy married Rozella Fleming, until she passed in 1980. On September 4, 1981, he married his best friend and the love of his life, Yvonne Rose Anderson, and her wonderful children, who would know him also as “Dad.” Gordy started his own Auto Body Repair Shop in Polson (Anderson Body Shop) before going on to working in maintenance at St. Joseph’s Retirement Center, where he met Bill and Cindy McDonald, who became very great friends of the family. Gordy is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Anna Anderson, two brothers, four sisters, and his daughter, Patricia Mills. Survivors include the love of his life, Yvonne Anderson; his children Neil (Maggie) Anderson, Joe McQuire, Bud (Allie) McQuire, Frank (Carolyn) McQuire, Debbie Slack, Elaine (Mars) Scott, Carla Skiles, Fordyce (LaRese) Erickson, Tammie (Eric) Farley, Mike (Laurie) Erickson; and a daughter-in-law forever, Robin Erickson.  He also leaves behind numerous grandchildren, and many, many great-grandchildren. The number of lifelong friends he will leave behind are countless, and the wonderful memory he leaves behind in this community is enormous. There will be a pot luck-style celebration of his life at the VFW in Polson on Feb. 23 at 4 p.m. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.