We lost our patriarch, Carl R. Anderson on September 2, 2020.
Carl was born on August 23, 1926 to Charles and Clara Anderson in Great Falls, Montana. Upon graduating from Great Falls High, Carl enlisted in the United States Army. Following the conclusion of World War Two he returned home to marry his high school sweetheart, Maxine Smith on February 7, 1948.
He enrolled at Montana State University under the GI bill, obtained a mechanical engineering degree, and in 1952 embarked upon a 34 year career with the Montana Power Company starting at the Rainbow Dam in 1952, then joining the Gas Utility Division in Bozeman before being promoted to the Butte home office in 1956 where he eventually became the head of the Gas Utility Division in 1967. In 1971 Carl was tapped to form a new Montana Power Department as the Manager of Environmental Protection. He was instrumental in the preparation of environmental impact statements for the Colstrip plants and the 161 kilo-volt line from Dillon to Clyde Park. He was later named Vice President of Operations for Altana Exploration in Calgary, Alberta. Carl returned to Butte in 1982 and became Vice President and General Manager of North American Resources Company. Two years later, that company, along with Altana and Roan Resources became the oil and gas division of Entech and Carl was named president of all three companies.
In 1986 Carl did something that you don’t see these days in “corporate America”. The three companies over which he was president had to trim expenses during hard times. Instead of having any of his employees laid off, he removed himself through early retirement. Dad was quoted as saying “What difference does it make if I retire in one year, three years or five? They all go fast at my age and I have had a wonderful career with a great company. I’ve raised my family and my employees need to raise theirs. A good working staff is a valuable asset when things turn around”.
“I’VE HAD A GRAND TIME!!”
Carl was preceded in death by his parents, brothers George and Stan Anderson, sisters Ruth Carrico and Phyllis Gebhardt, grandson Paul Anderson, and great grandson Junior Dallaserra.
Carl leaves behind his loving wife Maxine of 72 years; sons and daughters in law: Rick (Stacy) , Mike (Michele), and Jim ( Shelly,) ; grandchildren: Kristine Anderson ( John English) Kotie Dunmire (Scott Forman), Beau Anderson , Luke Anderson, Colt Anderson (Keelie), Brianna Dallaserra (Cole) ,Jake and John Anderson; great grandchildren: Reese Dunmire, Cage , Krew , and Coye Anderson, Boone and Duke Dallasera; sisters in law Margaret Wiley and Carol Turner; cousins Jim and Glenna Simpson, Randi Simpson, and Judy Simpson, and many nieces and nephews.
Services and a celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
Contributions in Carl’s name may be sent to The Paul Anderson Memorial Scholarship Fund at The Alexander Blewett III School of Law, The University of Montana FOUNDATION, P.O. Box 7159, Missoula, MT 59807.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Carl. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Carl and his family.
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Fritz & Gay Daily says
Jim, Mike, Rick and John Henry, so sorry to hear of the passing go your Dad and Grandpa. A great man, Enjoyed visiting with him at grand kids ballgames. Even though the past several years he could not see as well, you would never know that from his enthusiasm being there for his grandchildren. Rest in Peace my friend. Fritz & Gay Daily
Bill & Louise McKenzie says
Rick, Mike and Jim. We are so sorry to see that Carl has passed. He was a great guy. I enjoyed many years working for him. He really knew how to lead a family and a Company. Rest In Peace Carl.
Jake and Jordan Lowney says
I’ll always remember his warm smile and stately voice. They he and Maxine never missed our little league games. I always felt welcome in Grandpa Anderson’s house when Luke invited us over to swim. The OOL sign (there’s no P in pool) was pretty funny too. He was a good man, cut from the best cloth, a great example for young boys of the success hard work can bring.
My condolences. Especially to Luke. Love ya brother.
Dan & Wendy Bermingham says
It is not often you can consider someone a good boss and a good friend but Carl was one of those rare people. He and Maxine always made us feel liked and appreciated. To Maxine and all the family so sorry for your loss.
Bob and Owen Bush says
Our prayers go out to the entire Anderson family. Carl was one of my dad’s closest friends, and the two of them were able to spend precious time together once again on the phone not too long ago. My dad loved Carl, and I did as well. He and Maxine were always at our house when we were growing up. I used to love talking with Carl about everything. Such wisdom…what a great guy! We will be praying for all of you during this difficult time. He will definitely be missed by all. Love, Bob and Owen Bush
Frank says
I’m sorry for your loss Mike ! Your father must have been a great man to have raised a great man as yourself ! My prayers and condolences go out to you and your family ! If there is anything I can do for you please let me know ! He is in GODS hands now and God will be with you and your family !
Joseph Morris says
Joe & Sallie Morris
Dear Max– Hope you are doing ok. To the boys your Dad was one of a kind. World was a better place because of men like him. As we grow older we don’t get around as often but the memories are still good. Those 72 years were a good ride. Take care stay safe. I will call later. Our prayers are for your loss.
Robyn Hand says
Dear Maxine, Rick, Mike, Jim and all the families; I’m so sorry for you loss of Carl. He was a good man full of life & smiles. He will be missed by all that knew him. He had a good life and leaves a great legacy of family & friends.
Sincerely Robyn Hand. (Wiley)
Julie Henrich says
To Maxine & family, my sincerest sympathy is with you at this very difficult time. I think fondly of my time at MPC & Entech Oil Division when I worked for Carl. He was always a man who conducted himself with the highest of integrity, making it a privilege to work for & with him.
My thoughts & prayers are with all of you.
Julie Henrich
Rhonda Higgins says
We are overwhelmed by the grief we feel for those remaining behind still tied to earthly binds but rejoice believing our loved one, because of the love and respect they earned and maintained and the legacy they leave while with us, ensured their ticket to something so much more than anything we have here.
Aldrich wrote something like “when the sun in all its glory lights the eastern sky, he passed through the gates of Heaven and called it paradise”. We’ll miss him but we know his new address and if we can follow his path in life we’ll get our own ticket one day.
Our sympathy overflows and our love for all of us is steadfast.
Lori Dye says
He was truly one of a kind. I know he will be missed dearly. I am so sad for all of you. I will always cherish the memories of when Carl and Max visited Paul while he was at UCSD. That is when I grew to love them. They treated me like family from the first minute I met them. Paul spoke of his grandparents often, they meant a lot to him. In turn, they meant a lot to me, too. There is a part of me that is happy to think that Paul gets to see his grandpa again. I am sure they will have some great debates. My deepest sympathy to all of you.
Brooks Hanna says
I had many visits with Carl over lunch. Thankful for my time spent with him!!
John Winston says
So sorry to hear that your Dad passed away. Our condolences! He was a great person and he was always a great Friend who was always so kind and caring! He has a Great Family and I have been friends with the family since grade school! Our Condolences!
Jack Haffey says
To the Anderson Family – My wife Susan and I send our prayers and condolences to you.
While I did not work directly for or with Carl at Montana Power, I knew him and knew about his great work there. I watched and learned that he was not only a good and kind man and good manager but also a great leader. He treated people well and, as the obituary so wonderfully says, he thought of others first. I am grateful I knew him.
David Richardson says
Jim and the Anderson family. Only worked for Carl for a short time At North American Resources but during that time Carl always treated we with respect and trust. Our sincere condolences to all of you.