Bruce E. Anderson

WARDSBORO- Bruce Everett Anderson, 77, died suddenly on Tuesday, March 24, at his West Wardsboro home after a long but resilient battle with prostate cancer.
He was born in Worcester, MA, on May 28, 1942, to Donald and Rae (MacCulloch) Anderson.  His stories of 77 years of accomplishments and adventures could fill a book. From parachuting out of planes in Vietnam, to rescuing skiers as a ski patrolman and teaching golfers during his career at Mount Snow. hunting tales and lore about the fish that got away, the stories were many.
Mr. Anderson enjoyed bird hunting, fishing, archery, his arts, and to his children’s delight, video games.  But above all, he was known as a loving father to his three children, although his wife insisted he was the fourth!
A veteran of the Vietnam War, he was an Airborne Military Police Sergeant, enlisted in 1964, who earned two Bronze Stars in Vietnam while serving with the 173rd Airborne Division. and was part of the first major ground unit deployment to Vietnam in 1965.
Having completed his undergraduate degree at UMass before enlisting, he went on to complete his MBA at Clarke University when he returned from Vietnam. He worked as an auditor for the US Department of Defense in Boston and then found his own slice of paradise in southern Vermont.
On December 1, 1971, Mr. Anderson was appointed as the first police chief of  Dover. After that, the majority of his career was spent pursuing his passion of golf and skiing as part of the Mount Snow team. He could be found on the slopes as a ski patrolman in the winter, or teaching golf in the summer, where he was aptly known as “Longball.”
 He first met Andi at Mount Snow. One morning, he asked her to ride with him on the snowmobile to the top of the mountain to check the conditions and watch the sunrise. A date which led to their marriage in 1981, and almost 39 more years of adventures. He was also a selectboard member for the town of Wardsboro for many years.
At the heart of who he was, Mr. Anderson was a steadfast and caring family man, teaching through wisdom, and showing his love by his actions. He was a man of deep thought and intellect. While the kids may not have enjoyed his “extra” after-school math lessons at the time, he fostered a spirit of inquisitiveness and creativity that has had a lasting impact on all.
Mr. Anderson was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Rae Anderson and by his brother Brian. He is survived by his wife Andi (Gassman); sons Robert (Cody) and wife Kristin, of Boylston, MA, Colton, of Brattleboro, and daughter, Cassidy, of Lebanon, NH.
Mr. Anderson was a warm and generous soul to all. He enjoyed the nature, quiet, and solitude of Vermont. His passing will be celebrated at a later time as he would certainly wish everyone to remain happy and healthy, keep a strong resolve, and hold family close.
Memorial donations may be made to the veterans organization Ruck-Up Inc., 42 Upper Knight Street, Keene, NH 03431, or  ruck-up.org. They do an awesome job supporting those who served.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sheafuneralhomes.com.

The Deerfield Valley News

797 VT Route 100 North
Wilmington, VT 05363

Phone: 802-464-3388
Fax: 802-464-7255

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