Ronald Frederick Anderson peacefully passed away on Thursday, September 2, 2010 at the age of 90 years less 2 months. He was born on November1, 1920 in Spooner, Minnesota, moving to Fort Frances, ON as a young child, and resided here, his whole life. As a young man, he enjoyed the outdoors, eventually becoming a scoutleader. He developed a love of gardening, woodworking and farming. He worked many different jobs, helping support his mother and sister.
He started his retail career at the age of 15 at Wells Hardware on Scott Street and on the day after the Dance Fire began working for Rusty Green for the next 17 years. (He loved working with the juke boxes from Rainy River to Atikokan, travelling by passenger train.)
In 1944, he met the love of his life Elaine Kleven, who he married on July 2, 1946. Soon after this he and Elaine entered into business with his mother to operate Betty’s of Fort Frances. Under his management the store grew. He enjoyed retailing, and especially talking with customers and helping them find the products they wanted. He made many great friends both in Fort Frances and throughout the Canadian retail community.
Ron and Elaine, with their 3 children, Blair, Doug and Cheryl moved to Riverbend Acres Farm in Alberton in 1964. They raised cattle, and grew an organic garden. He and the boys participated in the cattle shows at the Emo Fair. The family enjoyed many happy days in the country. He retired in 1995, enjoying gardening, baking bread and spending time with Elaine, while still keeping his hand in the store.
He is survived his wife, Elaine Anderson; children, Blair, Doug (Ann), Cheryl Armstrong(Robin), grandchildren Faith Moen (Peter), Justin and Will Anderson, great grandchildren: Lyla and Aidan Moen, as well as sister-in-law Delsie Cumming and brother in law Ron (Ruth) Kleven and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his mother Betty, sister Peggy, son-in-law Lyle Armstrong, mother and father in law, Ella and Ronard Kleven, aunt Jessie Miller, uncle Stewart Easton, brothers in law Arnold Kleven, Harlan Ballard, and Bob Cumming, and sister in law Elvera Haver.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 7, at 10:00 a.m. at Knox United Church in Fort Frances, Ontario with Reverend Barb Miller officiating. Interment will take place in Riverview Cemetery in Fort Frances, Ontario.
Pallbearers will be Justin and Will Anderson, Peter Moen, Jim and Don Cumming and Robin Grimard.
Should friends so desire, in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Knox United Church Accessibility Fund, c/o 340 Church Street, Fort Frances, ON., P9A 1E1, or in care of Green Funeral Home, P.O. box 427, Fort Frances, ON., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com.
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