Alan Bennett Anderson, aka “Andy” to many of his friends; “Gramps” to his grandkids; and “GG-Pa” to his great grandkids, has officially hung his “Gone Fishing” sign on the door, at age 77. He retired on Feb. 2, 2020, to the great outdoors to forever camp, fish and sit around the campfire telling stories of an incredible life well-lived.
We are sure that his stories will range from great times as a kid, catching 107 fish in four days at his grandparents’ lake; his honored service with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve; his young, fast days charming women with all his charisma; countless hours playing pool with his buddies; his 30-plus years as a professional lineman (for the phone company, not the NFL), retiring as network technician in 2002; to all the joys of being a beloved son, brother, uncle and grandpa.
He will be missed beyond measure for his generous hosting abilities, his kindness, and his exceptional dress attire that usually consisted of a bright Hawaiian shirt and shorts of an opposite color. He had quite the skill of napping on the couch while holding the remote and his cocktail in hand without spilling a drop. He wore many hats: as a fearless, professional gambler betting on anything and everything, always giving it his all; a gourmet chef, cooking up exceptional meals; a very talented botanist producing the most beautiful flowers; and a card shark who loved staying up way too many nights after midnight playing cards in the dining room with family and friends.
Alan was a loving son to Seymour and Rosalie, an adored (most of the time) older brother, and a caring and a much-loved uncle, Gramps and GG-Pa. He could give a good stink-eye when displeased and a heart-melting smile when happy. He always remembered important dates and called on Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and on birthdays. His calls will be sorely missed.
He has left behind so many amazing friends and a loving family including his two sisters, his brother, his brother-in-law, six nieces, five nephews and eight great-nephews and nieces. Through his life’s journey, he also picked up a few strays that he found along the way, currently known as his “kiddos,” his step-daughter and son-in-law, two very loved grandsons and his adored three great grandchildren, along with a whole bunch of stuff that he won’t need on his fishing adventures, such as way too many rolls of electrical tape; used for everything from fixing truck parts, household fixtures and bandaging wounds.
Thank you, Alan, Uncle Alan, Andy, Gramps and GG-Pa for the over-the-top love you gave to us all! We, too, will forever share stories of our great adventures with you. LOVE YOU MORE!
There will be a memorial fiesta in his honor, with family and friends, on Aug. 15, 2020, in Page, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity; to Best Friends Animal Society; or make a bet at your favorite casino, in his memory.
If you would like to attend, or would like more info, please contact Kristi at kristi.dawn.gutierrez@gmail.com.
