CHESTER G. ANDERSON

Wasilla resident Chester Green Anderson, 63, died peacefully Sept. 14, 2004, from prostate cancer, at his home on Cottonwood Lake.

Mr. Anderson was born January 12, 1941, in Fittstown, Okla., to the late Green and Maudie Anderson.

In 1962, Mr. Anderson earned his bachelor of arts and science degree in teaching at East Central State University in Ada, Okla., and in 1963 moved with his wife, Diana, to begin teaching for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Whitehorse, N.M.

In 1964, he became the first long-term teacher in the village of Toksook Bay and later a teacher in the village of Oscarville. In 1967, he earned his master of arts degree in guidance counseling from East Central State University in Ada, Okla. Later that same year, he went to work for the Anchorage Borough School District as an elementary school teacher, and became an administrator with the Mat-Su Borough School District in 1974. He retired from the district in 1994.

In 1976, Mr. Anderson also opened his own tool and equipment rental business off the Palmer-Wasilla Highway.

Mr. Anderson was an active and energetic individual who loved spending time with his family and friends while working on landscaping and remodeling projects. He also enjoyed flying, snowmachining and riding his Harley.

His family said, "Chester gave us the strength and determination to become the individuals we are today."

Mr. Anderson is survived by his wife of 40 years, Diana Anderson; daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Scott Stewart of Anchorage; son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Kim Anderson of Fairbanks and grandchildren, Nicholas Hill and David Stewart.

A memorial service will be held for Mr. Anderson at 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 18, in the Cottonwood Creek Elementary School gymnasium at 800 Seward-Meridian Pkwy. in Wasilla.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hospice of Mat-Su, 3051 E. Palmer-Wasilla Hwy., Wasilla, AK 99654 in thanks for the loving care given to Mr. Anderson and his family in time of need.

Arrangements are with Valley Funeral Home & Crematory in Wasilla.