William Donald Anderson

During his life of 85 years, Bill Anderson traveled from his ancestral homeland in Scotland to Barcelona and dozens of places in between. On Tuesday morning, June 23, he took his last travel venture when he left for his eternal home.

William Donald Anderson was born in Duluth on October 15, 1929, to Edith Cade Anderson and Scottish immigrant, William Anderson. Bill graduated from Central High School and received a bachelor’s degree in business and economics from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. He was drafted into the U.S. Marine Corp and served his tour of duty in downtown San Francisco during the Korean conflict.

Bill worked in the field of business and accounting at Reserve Mining Company, Scott Graff Company, The Congdon Office Corporation, Halvorson Incorporated, the Bombardier Corporation, and the Radford Company, retiring in 1992.

Bill was an Eagle Scout, served as assistant scoutmaster for Troop 15, and was proud to have both of his sons and grandson achieve the rank of Eagle.

Bill and Evelyn were married for 56 years and blessed with a wonderful family: two sons, Stephen William (Lori) and Kent Daniel who passed away in 1987; grandson, Douglas William (Ashley Richard); and great granddaughter, Katherine Ann. His 11 nieces and nephews were also an important part of Bill's life. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Mary Wells and Jean Wicker.

As a lifetime member of Lakeside Presbyterian Church, Bill served as deacon, elder, clerk of Session, and treasurer of the Presbytery of Northern Waters.

Bill was an enthusiastic member of the Lions Club for 59 years, serving as president of the Duluth Club during 1970-71. He never missed an opportunity to be a Lions Club volunteer. His favorite time was Pancake Day when he chatted with everyone he met as he cleared the tables.

Bill was an “ambassador” for Duluth. The Duluth Junior Chamber of Commerce named William D. Anderson Duluth's Outstanding Man of 1964 at their annual Distinguished Service Award Dinner. He loved his city, Lakeside, Lake Superior, Brighton Beach, and the Great Lakes shipping industry. He enjoyed picnics, parades, travel, trains, live theater, class reunions and good food. He liked to work in his flower beds, hoe the garden, and prune the bushes in his yard. He was an avid reader and was happy when he was cross-country skiing, golfing, canoeing, or birdwatching.

Bill always took time to visit with the people he met whether at a fishing village in Nova Scotia or on the Lakewalk in Duluth. Nobody remained a stranger.

The family is grateful to Reverend Kari Jutila and the Lakeside Presbyterian Church members, with special thanks to Patti Saburn; to Dr. George Apostolou; to St. Luke's Hospice Inpatient staff; and to St. Mary's Cardiac Rehab staff.

Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Sunday, June 28 in Bell Brothers Funeral Home, 601 N. 56th Ave. West.

Celebration of Life: 11 a.m. Monday, June 29 in Lakeside Presbyterian Church, 4430 McCulloch Street, with visitation at 10 a.m.

Memorials may be directed to Lakeside Presbyterian Church.

Please leave a memory of Bill or words of support for the family at www.bellbrothersfuneralhome.com.