GORDON ROBERT ANDERSON

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GORDON ROBERT ANDERSON Passed away peacefully on November 12, 2005. He was in his home with his family, thanks to the caring staff and workers of Palliative Care Manitoba. Gordon is survived by his wife of 63 years, Hjordis; his son Jon (Gina); his daughter Jane Sjoberg (Darryl) and three grandsons, Ken and Kirk Sjoberg (Sara, and newborn great-grandson Karl), and David Anderson. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Richard. Gordon was born February 3, 1917, in Minneapolis, MN, to Walter and Margaret (Wamser) Anderson. He graduated from North High School and went on to the University of Minnesota for a time, then worked at various jobs including a labourer on Seminole Dam in Wyoming, an exterminator with Athelstan Son, and a clerk with the M. St. L. Railroad. He spent a short time riding the rails as many young people did during those depression years. In 1938 he was employed in the offices at General Mills, where he met his future wife. In 1941, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force as an aviation cadet. The day he received his wings at Luke Field in Phoenix, Arizona on March 16, 1942, he married Hjordis Schansberg. After a series of moves, he was posted to Gowen Field in Boise, Idaho where he was an instructor in B-17's. In March 1945 he was posted to Italy where he flew B-24's and was a Squadron Commander. Capt. Anderson returned to the U.S. in August 1945. After the war, he began a new career as a dairy farmer in Wisconsin. This was the beginning of his career in Agriculture. The family moved to River Falls, Wisconsin, where Gordon earned a B.Sc. Degree in Agricultural Education. He taught high school in Gilmanton, WI, became County Agricultural Agent in Winona County, MN, and then went on to earn a M.Sc. degree from Michigan State University. The family moved to Winnipeg in 1959 when Gordon was offered a position teaching Agricultural Economics at the University of Manitoba. Gordon's avid interests in hunting and fishing made the decision to move to Canada that much easier. In 1967, he became Assistant Deputy Minister in the Manitoba Department of Agriculture, and in the same year became a Canadian citizen. In 1970, he became Executive Director of the Canadian Consumer Council in Ottawa, and in 1971 Assistant Manager of the Land Development Corporation in Charlottetown, P.E.I. He returned to Manitoba as an Assistant Deputy Minister in the Department of Agriculture, and then General Manager of the Manitoba Agricultural Credit Corporation shortly before retiring in 1981. Gordon's special interests included woodworking, fishing, hunting, camping, canoeing, and Our Saviour's Lutheran Church and Scandinavian Centre activities. Gordon also worked for the Senior Citizens Job Bureau during retirement. Gordon's woodworking talents include turned bowls, jewelry and keepsake boxes, fireplace mantels and the design and building of a cabin on the Lee River. His three grandsons delighted in spending time with their Grampa at every opportunity. He was especially known for his creative sense of humour, which he never lost. He continued his active and independent lifestyle to the end. He led a full and fascinating life and we are blessed to have been a part of it. Should friends desire, donations may be made to the WHA Palliative Care Program, 409 Tache Ave., R2H 9Z9 or to a charity of their choice. A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 18, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, located at 600 Minto St. Interment will take place at a later date in Blair, Wisconsin. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 16, 2005