Gerald Anderson

Gerald M. Anderson, 66, of Libby, died on Feb. 4, 2005, at his home on the Kootenai River. He was born on Sept. 12, 1938, at Hillsdale, Mich., to Clifford and Viola Anderson. Preceded in death by his parents, Jerry is survived by his children, Brock Anderson of Bozeman, and Ashley Anderson of Boulder, Colo. Jerry is remembered as an accomplished businessman who managed his own commercial real estate appraisal practice and was an active member and former president of the Colorado chapter of the Appraisal Institute. A man who shaped his children's lives through his passion for the outdoors, reading, learning and travel, Jerry could be found cheering his daughter on during high school basketball games, instructing his son in the fine art of casting a Caddis fly to a rising trout or manning the grill at his children's graduation or special events. His friends remember him as someone who pursued many endeavors and adventures in life. Whether it was model trains, strategic card games, commercial real estate appraisal, home remodeling, flying or academia, Jerry achieved expertise in everything he did. Above all else, Jerry possessed a passion for the Montana wilderness and shared this passion with his family. The happiest days of his life took place with a fly-rod in hand and his family close by on rivers and streams throughout the west. One place in particular captured the essence of his personality, the Smith River at Two Creek. Lazy aummer days wirh leisurely breakfasts by the wood-burning stove and consisted of one family decision about the activities planned for the day: "Do we head upstream or downstream?" The answer to this question never really mattered as he was always at peace with the feel of the sun on his back, the tug of the fly-rod in his hand and the cold, swift waters rushing over his feet. A celebration of Jerry's life will be held during March in Boulder. His family can be contacted at 303-746-7648 for further details. Donations in his honor may be sent to Montana Trout Unlimited, P.O. Box 7186, Missoula Mt 59807, or by calling 406-543-0054. Gordon McComas Former Libby resident Paul Gordon McComas, 85, of Eugene, Ore., died on Feb. 11, 2005. He was born on April 25, 1919, at Somers, one of the seven children of Asa and Effie Mae McComas. He grew up at Libby, working at a butcher shop during the Depression, contributing to the family income. While in junior high school, Gordon met Gerry Hough and they remained sweethearts through high school and college. They were married in June 1942 while Gordon was home on leave from service with the U.S. Army. Gordon completed his tour of duty in England and finished college at Stanford University where he majored in economics. He planned to become a high school history teacher, but the demands of supporting a growing family led him in a different direction. With his wife Gerry and their three children, Gordon moved to the San Francisco Bay Area where he worked for more than 20 years for J.C. Penney's before launching his own women's clothing stores, Adrienne's, with branches from Santa Rosa to Palo Alto. In 1970 they had the opportunity to relocate to the tropical island of Guam, intending to stay for two years Gordon's tenure at the Townhouse department store in Guam lasted for 25 years. Gordon and Gerry enjoyed the beaches, the people and the travel opportunities, returning often to the states to visit family members and friends. After Gerry's sudden death in 1989, Gordon continued to live and work on Guam until he retired at the age of 76, moving to Eugene to be near his family, associating himself with his son Gavin, owner of Sundance Natural Foods, Wine Cellars and mercantile stores. Gordon's passion for politics, foreign affairs and social justice never wavered. Outspoken about his own ideas, he was receptive to those of others. Full of life, interested in people, places and ideas, Gordon was a faithful friend, returning often to the Libby area to visit. In retirement he also traveled to Bali, Thailand, New Zealand, Ireland and Scotland. An energetic gardener, an avid reader, a fitness buff with a genuine interest in people, Gordon had a knack for recognizing the best in others. He rarely failed to charm those he met and his devotion to his family never wavered, evidencing itself in deep and unconditional support of those he loved. His later years were enhanced by his relationship with Ursala Zimmerman McComas of Mill Valley, Calif. Gordon's death came after a short and intense battle with cancer and pneumonia. Survivors include his children, Gavin, Eugene; Pam in Portland, and Gordon in Napa Valley. He will also be greatly missed by grandson Christopher, in Los Angeles, granddaughter Aubrey, a student at Brown University in Rhode Island, and grandson Dillon, a middle school student in Napa. John Rosenquist John A. Rosenquist, 72, of Libby, died on Friday, Feb. 18, 2005. He was born on Feb. 10, 1933, at Deer River, Minn., to Swede and Frances Rosenquist and came to Libby as a child. John attended Libby schools and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1951. He was stationed in Germany for the better part of his tour of duty. John married Carol Nelson on March 1, 1958, and they have lived at Libby throughout their 47 years of marriage. John worked for the J. Neils Lumber Company, St. Regis and Champion in various capacities, including end loader operator, brakeman and locomotive operator. Health problems forced his retirement in 1985. John belonged to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Eagles, Cabinet View Country Club and the American Bowling Congress. His children and grandchildren were the sunshine and spice of John's life. He was a devoted husband and an honest and loyal friend. A student of life, John worked to improve everything that he touched, whether it was golfing, fishing, woodworking, bowling or finding the best route to visit family. He had incredible patience and persistence. John was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife Carol, Libby; sons John Jr, Libby, and Randy (Robin), Spokane; daughters Teri and her husband Mike Nielsen, Kalispell, and Kathi Bales, Libby; grandchildren Candice, Chris and Spencer in Kalispell; Kelli and Jared in Spokane and Laura and Alyssa, Libby and great-grandchildren Kaileigh, Samuel, Emma and Skyler, Kalispell. Services were conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at Christ Lutheran Church followed by lunch at the church after the graveside service. Arrangements are under direction of the Nelson & Vial Funeral Home. The family suggests donations in John's name to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, Texas 75231-4596, the American Lung Association, 61 Broadway, New York, NY 10006, or Libby Volunteer Ambulance. Ernest Williams Ernest B. Williams, 82, of Troy, died on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2005, at the Libby Care Center. He was born on April 18, 1922, to Cleve and Francis Williams at Hazelwood, N.C., and spent his childhood in North Carolina. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942, serving in the Pacific during World War 11. Ernie was honorably discharged in January 1946, and was married to Marie Anthony later that year. He worked in construction as a heavy equipment operator, coming to the Troy area in 1957 to work in construction and logging. Ernie prospected in the area and was the original locater of the Asarco mine. He also prospected in the area of the Grouse Mountain mine. He operated Williams Manufacturing producing and selling mining implements. Ernie also made custom hunting knives and as an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed hunting and fishing. Survivors include his wife Marie, Troy; children Francis Kuntz and her husband Raymond, Montpelier, N.D.; Sandra Downey and her husband Gary, Libby; Bill Williams and his wife Becky, Troy; Darlene McNaughton and her husband Ken, Juneau, Alaska; Candy Williams, Bonners Ferry, Idaho; Dan Williams and his wife Lola, Troy, and Jim Williams and his wife Valerie, Juneau; step- daughters Elsie Yates, Montrose, Colo., and Judy Johnson and her husband Jack in Arkansas, sister Macie Williams, Waynesville, N.C., and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Services were conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Nelson & Vial Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Gene Bushnell officiating. Interment with military honors followed at Milnor Lake Cemetery. Visitation was from 9 a.m. on Tuesday until service time.