Longtime Forest Lake EAA Chapter Member Dies

Ray Anderson, longtime Forest Lake EAA Chapter 1638 member, died Nov. 21, 2021, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 82 years old.

Anderson was the owner of General Repair Service in Vadnais Heights from 1976 to 2018, but he continued to go into the office after selling the business to his son because he loved what he did and all the people he met over his lifelong career. Anderson was a pilot for 54 years, an active member of the local EAA chapter, a longtime member of the Minnesota Waste Water Operators Association, and a member of the Diesel Pushers Club.

A 35-year, part-time resident of Lake of the Woods in Baudette, Minnesota, he enjoyed flying, driving, boating, fishing, camping, the great outdoors, and radio-controlled airplanes.

Chapter 1638 Member Donald Shipp said Anderson was a friend to many in aviation, specifically fellow chapter members. "Some of you are aware of the substantial tool box loaded with metal working tools that Ray and his friends donated to our chapter," Shipp recalled in a recent group email, adding the donated tools may be checked out and used by chapter members.

"Ray loved to fly," Shipp added. "He first soloed in 1967, and he obtained his pilot's license in 1968. He owned many airplanes over the years and used them frequently. He received an award from the AOPA for being a member for 50 years."

Anderson was a pilot for 54 years, an active member of the local EAA chapter, a longtime member of the Minnesota Waste Water Operators Association, and a member of the Diesel Pushers Club.

Two of Anderson's grandchildren are in pilot training, Shipp said. He was preceded in death by a son, Michael R., parents Edwin and Louise, and brother Richard.

Anderson is survived by his wife, Dolores of 63 years, daughter Debra (Robert) Scott, son Todd (Wendy) Anderson; grandchildren Michael (Jessica) Scott, Matthew (Brooke) Scott, Marc (Amanda) Scott, Danielle Mitchell, Jordan, and Nicholas Anderson; four great-grandchildren and a baby girl due in December.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring of 2022. Memorials are preferred to St. Jude Children's Cancer Research.