Raymond E Anderson

Raymond Edmund Anderson, passed away April 6, 2017, in the company his wife of 61 years, Gloria and his daughters Kathy (Mark) Fruge’ and Nancy Anderson; it’s expected his life-long friend, Joe Bowers, met him on the best fishing lake ever, with a bucket of worms. 

Graduating from Boyne City High School in 1949, Ray enlisted in the Navy, serving on the USS Mount McKinley during the Korean War. Upon returning home he and Gloria married in 1955 making their home in Grand Rapid, before settling back in their hometown of Boyne City. A generation of staff and students will remember Mr. Anderson from his time as Boyne City Elementary School’s custodian, always whistling with his keys jangling at his side.  Ray retired in 1993. 

Ray was happiest out in the woods or on Lake Charlevoix, a fishing pole in his hand, winter or summer. Many of us can still see him sittin’ on his bucket out on ice! In retirement, he and Gloria enjoyed travel, working on the Fourth of July Committee and time spent with their friends. It goes without saying Ray was devoted to family, grandkids and especially great grands, delighting them with special treats, namely cookies! We’ll all remember his blue truck scooting around town as he picked the newspaper and made his daily social calls.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents Edmund and June, and sister Joanne. He is survived by his brother Ken (Dolly) Anderson, grandchildren, Melissa, Matthew, Maureen, Jamie and Alex, nine great-grandchildren, many beloved nieces and nephews, and his uncle Bill (Mary) Dunlop.

The community is invited to celebrate Ray’s life and adventures, Saturday, April 29 at the Boyne City Elementary School Cafeteria from 11:30am to 2:00pm. The family requests donations in his honor be made to Cancer Crusaders, Autism Speaks or the charity of your choice. He is missed dearly. 

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