Lemley Chapel
Serving Sedro-Woolley &
All of Skagit County Since 1935
1008 Third Street
Sedro-Woolley, WA
360-855-1288
www.LemleyChapel.com
James “Andy” Anderson Memorial
James “Andy” Anderson Memorial

James “Andy” Anderson

James “Andy” Anderson

Sunday, April 13th, 2014

      James “Andy” Anderson, 72, of Sedro-Woolley, passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2014 while working on the family farm.

     Andy was born on January 23, 1942 to Andrew and Ellen (Marlowe) Anderson in Forks, WA.  He was an active student at Sedro-Woolley High, a president of the FFA, a wrestler and a state farmer, graduating in 1960.

    He joined the Air Force in 1960, meeting the lovely Linda McLaverty while stationed in England. Lyn and Andy married on September 12, 1964 and began their nearly 50 years of adventure together. With their children Lee and Heidi, they lived in Japan, Italy, Texas and California before returning to the Skagit Valley upon his retirement from the U.S. Air Force in 1980. He soon began a second career with the U.S. Postal Service in Mount Vernon, retiring in 2004.

    In addition to his beloved wife and children, Andy is also survived by his two grandsons, Sam, age 12 and Manny, age 2; and his siblings Mavis Betz, Larry Anderson and Bob Anderson; and a large, loving extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents.

    Andy had the kindest of hearts and was a friend to all. His sudden absence will weigh on friends and family alike. You are asked to bring your favorite memories to share (or just keep with you in your heart) as we lift each other up and celebrate Andy’s life at the American Legion Hall in Sedro-Woolley on Friday, April 18, 2014 at 5:00 PM.   In honor of Andy the family requests that memorials be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. 

Guestbook

  • Tina Mitchell

    I miss u so much Uncle Jim, I will never forget how much joy u brought to my life growing up…..I Love you

  • Oly Harrison

    Andy was an “Old & Gentle Soul”, I can’t believe he is gone. We had just exchanged E-mails on Saturday, April 12, 2014. To Miss Lyn and the chrildren, Noriko and I will have you in our thought and prayers. Tony Stabile (Speedy)and I will miss Andy and that great smile. Future Misawa Reunions will not be the same! May God Bless and comfort his wonderful family. Oly

  • Lew & Terry Casey

    Lyn,
    Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this very difficult time.
    It is hard to imagine attending the next Misawa Project Reunion and not seeing Andy there. I agree with Lee and Bobbe Hansel – “Our Misawa reunions will not be the same”.

    Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
    and let perpetual light shine upon him.
    May the souls of the faithful departed,
    through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

    Amen.

  • DUSTY MOSIER

    I SERVED WITH ANDY IN 67-8, AT TAN SON NHUT AIR BASE, RVN. HE WAS A FRIEND TO ALL, AND A CREDIT TO HIS PROFESSION. WE BOTH WERE OUTDOORSMEN, AND SHARED MANY STORIES/LIES ABT HUNTING/FISHING.

    A FEW YEARS AGO, ANDY & LYNN STOPPED BY FOR AN AFTERNOON VISIT, HERE IN SLATE HILL. I AM GLAD WE GOT TO RE-CONNECT ONE MORE TIME, I WISH THERE HD BN MORE OCCASIONS.

    IT SEEMS THAT THE GOOD ONES ARE CALLED HOME EARLIER THEN MOST.

    DUSTY MOSIER

  • Dutch Wiest

    The terrible news of Andy’s accident left me in an absolute state of shock and disbelief. Even now, I’m having trouble accepting it. My deepest condolences to Lyn and her family.

    I served in Misawa before Andy, but we later met through The Misawa Project. In the years I knew him, it was evident that this was a man who loved life and most every minute of it. You seldom saw him without a smile on his face and he pretty much befriended everyone he met. If you didn’t like Andy, you were clearly on the wrong planet. If you walked into the crowded Hospitality Suites at reunions looking for Andy, you only had to stand quietly for a moment and listen for his laughter that rise above the din of the crowd.

    My heart reaches out to Andy’s family. Having lost my wife two years ago, I can only imagine what they must be going through at this point. Lyn, I pray that God will give you and your family the strength, grace and comfort to deal with this, and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

    Andy, my friend – rest peacefully and we’ll look forward to seeing you again one day.

    -Dutch

  • Danny Hartnett

    Thanks for the walking sticks Andy. You are a good man. Carve with the Angels and God Bless you and the family.

  • Bob & JoAnne Hogan

    We only knew Andy for a short time but it was like we had been friends forever. His demeanor and eagerness to engage you in conversation just made one very comfortable in his presence. We shall miss his company but will always remember our time with him. Thankfully, our Creator provided us with astounding abilities – one of which is, in quite times, we just need to close our eyes and there is Andy – looking back at us.

    Bob & Jo

  • Bob Frazier

    Lyn & family; My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. I have many fond memories of serving with Andy in Misawa. I was there 1971 – 1974. It was a pleasure visiting during some of the reunions (Vegas & San Antonio). He was a joy to be around. Only fond memories…. May God be with you all at this time. Bob

  • Cassandra (Sandy) Robinson

    Yancey, my heart goes out to you and your family and I will continue to keep you all in my thoughts. Hold on to the many great memories you have with and of your father. We love you my friend.

  • Sharon Blake

    I would like to add my condolences to Lyn and family…
    Though I never met you, Jim, I heard much about you and Lyn, from my Sis, Ardy Nash…
    How Ardy & I laughed, as Lyn was telling her to get up to Woolley, to their 5th wheel…so they could sit and have a few glasses of wine…I kept begging Ardy, not to go, just yet….She had been staying here with our Mom & me, for 2 months, while they were being displaced from their home…
    I wish now, I had told her to go ‘home’ earlier…so she would have had more time to spend with Jim & Lyn…
    My heart goes out to all of you, as you are dealing with Jim’s tragic death…..HUGS to each and every one.
    Sharon Blake

  • Vickie Gourley

    I did not know Andy, but I know his son, Lee. And that in and of itself speaks volumes of Andy’s character and the love he gave. Praying for you and yours with love. Vickie

  • Bill & Wan Murray

    We’ve known Andy, Lyn, Lee, & Heidi since our time together in Misawa, where Andy and I worked together in the “Fishbowl.” We visited with Andy and Lyn on several occasions last year, and we had a great time talking about old times, and some of the funny and crazy stuff we experienced over the years. It may be a bit of a cliché, but Andy was truly a Great American and a friend to all he met. His sense of humor was beautiful.
    Lyn, Wan & I hope to see you next month when we return to the States. All our love.
    Bill & Wan Murray

  • Bob & JoAnne Hogan

    We met Andy late in our lives and our time together was to brief but our memory of his person, integrity, and joy of life will be with us forever. In our quiet time, we can close our eyes – and, there he is smiling back at us.

  • Dave & Norma Shepard

    To Lyn and family we send our love and condolences at this very difficult time. We know the hurt you are feeling over the loss of Andy and reach out to you with a big hug and tear filled eyes. May God give you the strength to endure, heal your broken hearts, and give you a purpose to carry on with your lives. Please know that we will keep you in our prayers and wish a better “tomorrow” for all the family. Dave & Norma

  • Audrey "Little Person" Nash

    James “Andy” Anderson, we loved you so very much. Lyn, Lee, and Heidi we are so very sorry for what you are going through. This has been a great shock to all of us. I’m thankful Mike was there to stay by his side until help arrived. I know Jim knew he was there. Mike and Jim were more like brothers than cousins. You and Lyn so lovingly allowed us to park and live in our trailer here at the farm after being displaced from our mudslide in Index. Lyn, we will be here for you in any and every way you may possibly need us. We love you dear Lyn, so very much.
    Michael and the Little Person.

  • Warren Magnuson

    Lyn, Heidi, Lee and family,
    Judy and I were shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Andy’s tragic passing last weekend. You are in our thoughts and prayers through this difficult time. Please accept our condolences, Warren and Judy Magnuson

  • Carrie Montez & CD White

    May fond, happy and warm memories of Andy bring you comfort during this difficult time of loss. Our heartfelt condolences to your family.

  • Lydia Crooks

    Aw, Lyn. Mark and I are so very sad to hear your news. We know both of you through The Misawa Project and were looking forward to enjoying your company in a few weeks in San Diego. Your Andy was so kind and always there for us when something needed to be done. He touched our hearts.

    Lyn and family, your have our prayers and love as you go through this time of painful transition. I always think that sudden death is the worst because the survivors have no time to prepare. But for Andy, this was the best possible way to go. No time to fret or worry. He will not be forgotten.

    Please call if there is anything at all we can do for you. I do hope to see YOU at a reunion again, ok?
    Love and a huge healing hug.
    Lydia

  • Keith & Molly Davis

    There are far to few Andys’ in the world. I was blessed when he considered me a friend. We tipped a few cold ones on his farm. Andy, thanks for the memories, you will be surely missed. God bless you!

  • Molly Davis

    Lyn and family,
    I was so stunned when I heard the news. This is so sad! I will be saying prayers for all of you and asking God to give you piece, We will miss him at the reunions. What a great guy he was! Keith and I are so saddened by this news! Big hugs to you, Lyn!

  • Glenn & Jennifer Backstrom and family

    Lyn, Our hearts ache for you and the family. We will miss Jim’s happy and easy going personality and we are so thankful we were all able to be together a few weeks ago. What a fun time and great memory we will have of Jim at the family party. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Lee, Heidi and all of the family……With our deepest sympathy, Glenn and Jen Backstrom

  • Jim and Alice Kaus

    Dear Lyn, You know of the enormous respect I had for Andy. He was first class in my mind and it’s impossible to accept that we’ve lost him. Alice and I send our sincere condolences and pray for your Peace during these difficult times.

  • Dave "Dobie" Gillis

    First met Andy and Lyn at Philadelphia reunion, 4 years ago. We so enjoyed getting to know them both. Rarely saw Andy without a smile on his face, and he smiled from the heart. Our hearts are heavy with this news. Lyn, and Lee and Heidi and family, know that he will live in all of our hearts, and that so many hearts share your pain today. God Bless
    Dobie and Linda

  • Ben Whitten

    How sad that Andy’s life was taken by an accident on the farm he loved so dearly for the freedom it gave him. His “Soggy Acres” was that part of his heart and soul not already owned by his beloved Lyn. I served before Andy in Misawa, Japan, but it was by that assignment that he and I knew each other. We shared many a cocktail – well he a beer and me a Makers – at several reunions prior to my working with him when he was Chair of the Sea-Tac Reunion. What a great job he and his lady, Lyn, did for all of us. In any dealing with Andy all that was required was a handshake and a look in the eye. I’ve lost a good friend who has gone on to join our growing roster of Fallen Eagles. Rest in peace, Andy, and my God bless your family during this difficult time.

  • Jim an Linda Boone

    Lyn, we are consumed with sadness to learn of the tragic loss of Andy. We cherish the time we have spent with him at our Misawa Reunions. Our hearts are with you.

  • Audrey"Little Person" Nash

    Words cannot express the depths of sadness Michael and I feel. Jim and Lynn so lovingly opened their hearts and home to Michael and I letting us park and live in our 5th wheel on the farm, when the Index landslide made it impossible to live in our home. I know Jim and Mike are only cousins but the love they had for each other was of brothers. I am so thankful Michael was there to stay by you until help came. I know you knew he was by your side. Jim, we loved you so very much. You were more like a brother in law than a cousin in law to me. Lyn my dear you are like my sister and I love you so much. We share your loss. We will always be here for you and help you through this horrific time. Lee and Heidi we love you both so much. We are extremely sorry for your loss.

    Love, Michael and Little Person

  • Lee & Sandy Burleson

    Lyn,
    Sandy and I are so sorry for your family’s loss. We certainly have a empty place in our hearts today. Andy
    was such a special person and a good friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Love you.

    Lee

  • Sonny Brown

    My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Anderson’s. When I was younger, Andy and Lyn were always so kind and welcoming to me, much more welcoming then I deserved at that time. I will always think of Mister Anderson as an example of what a good man is and someone even today that I try to model myself after. He left an impression and will never be forgotten.

  • Jay Emmer

    Lyn and family, we can’t begin to express our sorrow at hearing about Andy’s accident. We thought so much of him and always looked forward to spending time with both of you at the Misawa reunions. His always present smile lit up any room he was in. We will miss him. Jay and Sue Emmer. St. Louis, MO.

  • Lee & Bobbe Hansel

    Word cannot begin to express the sorrow that we feel with the loss of Andy. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to Lyn and the family. Our Misawa reunions will not be the same.

  • John Smiley Garrett

    My heart is aching at the loss of a friend, but it also goes out for Lyn. She and Andy were good friends, both in Misawa and later as part of the Misawa Project reunions.

    Rest in peace, my brother. You were a good man.

  • Terry & Celeste Cullivan

    Lyn and Family:

    Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of Andy. We enjoyed our visits with you and Andy at the Misawa reunions. Andy always had a smile on his face and he lit up a room when he walked in. I remember us teasing each other at the Atlanta reunion over the Yuengling beer bench on the raffle table. You two were sitting in it and I said I was going to win it so don’t get too used to it! Andy smiled and said we will see about that. Wouldn’t you know it Andy’s name was first out of the hat and he gave me a wink as he walked to claim the bench. I told him he was not the caliber of beer drinker that I was and the bench should be in my man-cave. He said never happen GI! With a smile on his face he would regale me about how comfortable that bench was at every subsequent opportunity! What a guy. I served with Andy on the Misawa BOD and his calm demeanor and intelligent and intuitive deliberation will be sorely missed. We will miss him greatly but cherish our memories of him. R.I.P. Andy, you done good brother!

  • George (Granny) Welch

    Met Andy at several reunions for our group of USAF Security Service veterans. One of the friendliest, most helpful folks I have had the pleasure to know. Rest in peace, Andy, and thanks for your service to our country. May God comfort your wife and children. We’ll sure miss you.

  • Mare Trevathan

    Andy and Lyn took me in as their guest one Christmas season. I was meeting them (as a friend of Lee and GerRee’s) for the first time, and they were so welcoming. And a little nuts, too. In the most delightful and entertaining way. I have such fond memories of that visit, Lyn.

    Sending you big, big love.

    mare

  • "J.J." Johnson

    Andy and I were stationed at some of the same USAFSS sites, but at different times, Our careers were very close in time, mine being from 1961-1981. I remember Andy & Lyn from many Misawa, Japan reunions. I even sent Andy a large Andy Anderson poster that he displayed in the hospitality suite at the Seattle/Tacoma reunion that he and Lynn hosted. They were the most friendly and personal people I have ever met. Andy will be greatly missed. Our prayers go out to Lyn and Family. May you always have good memories of Andy. He will always be with you in your heart. God Bless !!

  • Denise Thorneycroft

    My thoughts and love are with all of you. I know we have lost contact over the years but you have never been out of my thoughts. You were all so caring and loving towards me and I will never forget you – Andy, Lyn, Heidi and Lee.

  • Dennis Harlach

    I knew Andy at our Misawa Project through his posts and reunions. He being somewhat quiet and I being brash and loud, our friendship simmered to a closer friendship. Maybe that is why this sudden news hits so hard. I am not good with words in these situations. But Andy, you will be missed by many that you touched. You will also be missed by me. I wonder what you are now experiencing. Take some time to think of us, as we think of you. God Bless, friend.

  • Jerry & Sharon Dennis

    Lyn and family: What sad news to hear yesterday, what a tragic thing to have to happen to you and your
    family. We will all miss him dearly, always a ready smile for everyone, one of the GOOD guys. We are
    still south in Tucson, and will not be able to attend your gathering, but know that our hearts and prayers
    are with you and yours. With heart felt condolences, Jerry & Sharon (Ketchum) Dennis