Alexander Anderson

Alexander "Bud" Stephen Anderson passed away Nov. 24, 2008, in Palm Springs, Calif.

Bud was born Dec. 13, 1939, to Archie and Evelyn Deshner Anderson in Wheeler. The family moved to Seattle for a short time, then settled in Fort Peck until 1949, when they moved to Whitefish. Bud played football for the Whitefish Bulldogs, graduating from Whitefish High School in 1958. He enlisted in the Navy in 1958 and after service, moved to Great Falls in 1962.

Bud's life was full of travel, creative pursuits and reward. In 1966, he started his family and later moved to Virginia, where he enjoyed his children and settled into a career.

Later when Bud was blessed with grandchildren, he moved to West Haven, Conn., to watch them grow, teach them about life's simple pleasures and old-fashioned values. At age 65, Bud retired and traveled out West to reconnect with family and nature.

Bud was and will always be an inspiration to all, as he truly believed in living for the moment, celebrating the day and never taking the love of family for granted. He will be greatly missed by all, whom he cherished and loved as much as they did him.

Bud was preceded in death by his father; stepfather Percy Shaw; an infant daughter; and nephew Neil Michalson.

He is survived by daughter Kristine, son Alex, daughter-in-law Billie Jo, grandsons Alexander (little Bud) and Justin, of West Haven, Conn.; mother Evelyn Shaw, sister Beverly Jacobson, sister Therese Michalson and husband Ed, all of Bozeman; brother Clifford Anderson and wife Betty, of Yucca Valley, Calif.; brothers Bill Anderson and wife Cindy and Gary Anderson, of Columbia Falls; sister Cathy Anderson, of Missoula; nieces and nephews Melody Martin and husband John, Steve Jacobson, Nancy Jacobson, Mick Scott and wife Monique, Frank Scott and wife Christina, Kerry Anderson, Mark Scott and wife Brandi, Delanie Campbell and husband David, Willow Shaw, Eli Shaw and wife Brittany, Nicole Martin and husband Josh, Dan Lally, Ryan Michalson and wife Charity, and Adam Michalson and wife Pearl; and numerous great nieces and nephews.