Robert Anderson

A fishing pole sits in a rack at the cabin. Its line is woven into the fabric of his life creating a tapestry of memories which his family and friends will always cherish. Bob ('Brother' in Roundup), ('Wally' in Billings), was born in Roundup on Sept. 12, 1925, to George and Louise Anderson. His father taught him the art of fishing as a young boy and fishing became his lifelong passion. These skills were shared with future generations. He particularly enjoyed fishing and camping with his mom, dad and sister. He attended schools in Roundup, where he played varsity basketball and football and was an accomplished amateur boxer. He was granted an early graduation in 1943 to enlist in the Navy after the outbreak of World War II. Upon entering the Navy, he received his initial training in Farragut, Idaho. He attended Aviation Machinist's Mate School in Norman, Okla., and Torpedo Bomber School in Memphis, Tenn. He was then assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Cape Esperance for duty in the Western Pacific. After serving in the Pacific he was stationed in Seattle, Wash., as permanent shore patrol. He attained the rank of aviation machinist's mate second class, and was extremely proud of his military service. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in March 1946 and returned to Roundup. He married Betty Ussin on July 20, 1946, and from this union they had three children, Bob, of Billings, Paula (Doug) Rausch, of Billings, and Terry, of Tempe, Ariz. The cabin (Squatter's Roost) on Deadman's Basin was a centerpiece in his life. It brought together his life's treasures: family, friends, and fishing. The cabin was a staging area for countless fishing and camping trips, most of which were in the Musselshell drainages and the Crazy and Little Belt Mountains. He later moved the family to Billings after being hired by the Montana State Employment Service to work as an interviewer and claims representative. On April 8, 1977 he married Kathryn Bartley in Cody, Wyo., and on April 8, they would have celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary. After their retirement they traveled extensively, and particularly enjoyed get-togethers with family and friends. He enjoyed watering, gardening and watching the new beginnings of spring. If he had his way, opening day of fishing would be a national holiday. He also enjoyed his grandchildren, Harley, of Washington state, Julie Kraft, Jenny (Kerry) Sanchez, of Billings, Lori Heimbichner, Stephanie Anderson, Casey Anderson and 11 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his sister Elaine Morici and niece Shelly, nephews Greg and B, and niece Jan (Darwin) Cook. He was a truly kind man and treated all people with respect. He left the bonds of Earth on April 3, 2012. Memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans or the charity of one's choice. Cemetery: Burial will follow service in Yellowstone County Veteran's Cemetery in Laurel, MT Service: Funeral services will be held at Dahl Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.