Alan Anderson

A long-time Cut Bank native, Alan James Anderson "AJ", 94 years old, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 25, 2016, at Northern Rockies Medical Center.  He lived a full life and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Alan, third of four children, was born to Ernest "Ernie" and Harriet (Vilas) Anderson on November 21, 1921 in Cut Bank.

After graduating from Cut Bank High School, Alan attended the University of Montana for two years. While in Missoula he began flying with the Civil Pilot Training government program. Under this program he received a commercial license and instructor rating from the Portland Flying Service. He was employed with Pan American Airways in Seattle, Washington, where he met the love his life, June, who was working as a secretary at Pan American. While he was employed as a pilot at Pan American Airways, he flew to Alaska and the Aleutian Islands.

Alan James Anderson married Bette June Knapp on December 6,1943. To this union four sons were born, Steven, Jeffrey, Gary, and Gregory.

Alan served in WWll flying for the US Navy Aircorp in the Pacific Theatre. After the war ended, Alan and June moved to Cut Bank where he became the manager of Farmers Trading Company, a grain elevator originally owned by his father, Ernie.

Over the years, Alan expanded his business endeavors by purchasing the Plains Hotel, originally the Metropolitan, and becoming co-owner of a beer distributorship located in Miles City, Montana. Eventually, his interests turned to farming and ranching by the acquisition of the Hope Farm, the Perrine Ranch, and the Barnard Farm.

Alan was very active in the community. He served on the City Council, City-County Planning Board, Airport Commission, and President of the Chamber of Commerce. He was on the board of directors at Bank of Glacier County, a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and a member of the Elks and Moose Club.

He enjoyed playing golf, flying, traveling and he was an avid fishermen. In his later years he enjoyed meeting friends for coffee and telling stories.

Alan is survived by his sons, Steve (Mary Ellen) Anderson of Kalispell, Jeff (Suzanne) Anderson of Cut Bank, and Greg (Elaine) Anderson of Windsor, Colorado; 6 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernie and Harriet; his loving wife, June; his son, Gary; his sister, Helen Quist; and his brothers, John and Robert.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Glacier County Historical Museum or the Cut Bank Senior Center.