Gordon R. Anderson

Gordon Ralph Anderson, 88, of Conrad, died peacefully at Pondera Medical Center Extended Care on April 22, 2017.

Gordon was born on the homestead in Lignite, N.D. on July 2, 1928, to Henny Peterson Pearson and Edwin Anderson. Life on the homestead came to an abrupt end with the death of both of his parents and the severe drought and depression years hitting North Dakota. At age nine, following the hope of irrigated farming, Gordon moved to Conrad with his eight siblings. He attended Pioneer School and graduated from Conrad High School.

Gordon served as Army cook in Korea, a position he really enjoyed. After his time in Korea, Gordon joined his brothers in farming. He also enjoyed photography, opening a shop for a period of time on Main Street in Conrad. Gordon took pictures for over 300 weddings and many graduation pictures. He enjoyed painting and woodworking.

Gordon spent his winters in Desert Hot Springs, Calif., enjoying the sunshine, friends, and card games. His favorites were pitch, cribbage, and bingo. Many of his catchy cribbage phrases are now family quotes.

Gordon is survived by his sister Alice.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Bernhard, Gunder, Evelyn, Hub, Tony, Emma, and Ray. These Scandinavian siblings all had a huge part in Gordon’s life, raising him and working hard so the family could survive hard times.

No service is planned.