Lowell R Anderson

Lowell was one of 6 children born to Clint and Edith Anderson of Clatskanie, Oregon. He had one brother, Don and 4 sisters, Dorothy, Neva, Norma and Lois. His first 12 years of life were lived in an old farm house without electricity. His brother always said “we weren’t poor, we just didn’t have any money”.

He attended Clatskanie High School and to bring in a little cash, drove the school bus picking up his classmates during his sophomore year at age 17.

In 1943 Lowell was drafted into the Army/Air Force and attended basic training in Greensboro, NC., followed by aircraft mechanics school in Amarillo, Texas and aircraft electrician school at Chanute Field, Illinois. In 1945 he was deployed to the Philippines. He was honorably discharged on March 7, 1946 one day before his 21st birthday. Best birthday present ever!

In the spring of 1946, Lowell began logging with his brother Don. Together they began felling, bucking and hauling logs in the Clatskanie, Oregon area.

A mutual friend introduced Lowell to Marie Selstad of Dutton, Montana and after a short 4 year courtship they married in Great Falls, November 24, 1956. They bought some property in Olympia where they cleared the land built their home and family, where they lived the rest of their lives.

Lowell applied for a temporary 90 day aircraft electrician position at McChord AFB in Tacoma and was hired in 1950. That temporary position turned into a 32 year career where he made many life long friends. He had an amazing mechanical aptitude and could repair or construct most anything. Lowell never took a trip to see a mechanic or repair shop….he was the mechanic and repair shop!

Together they enjoyed the farm life and all the bounty that it brought. They made their own apple cider, grape juice and canned produce from their garden and shared their abundance with friends and family. One of Lowell’s favorite past times was cutting firewood to heat the family home. Up until his mid 90’s he could be found “out back” cutting and splitting firewood.

Family was very important to Lowell and Marie and the made frequent trips to Oregon and Montana to visit their siblings and relatives. They enjoyed traveling in their RV and made many trips traveling the Washington coast, around the PNW and up the Alaska Highway as well. They had the opportunity to travel to the east coast, through the Panama Canal, and to Norway on 3 occasions.

Lowell was the last sibling of his generation. He is survived by his 3 sons and their wives, Stephen, David (Teresa), Dale (Beckie). 6 grandchildren, Brianna, Jacob, Travis, Emma, Allie and Andi and 4 great grandkids Thurston, Parker, Lola and Felix.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.millsandmillsfunerals.com for the Anderson family.