Bethel G. Anderson, 69
Was U.S. veteran; avid outdoorsman

FITCHBURG - Bethel G. "Andy" Anderson, 69, of Fitchburg, died Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007, with his family by his side after a short and courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in Fitchburg, the son of the late Bethel L. Anderson who died in 1999, and Gwendolyn (Spaulding) Anderson who died in 2006. He graduated from Leominster Saxon Trade School in 1958 and served in the United States Navy from 1958 to 1962.

Mr. Anderson was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 429 and the AMVETS Post 49. An avid outdoorsman, he loved fishing, hunting, reading as well as working in his gardens and backyard fishpond. "Andy" loved the time that he spent at his trailer in Kennebunk, Maine and the time spent talking with his five grandsons.

Before retiring in 2003, Bethel was the owner/operator of Andy's Lawn Maintenance. He provided landscaping services in the Fitchburg, Leominster and Gardner areas for over 35 years.

In addition to his wife of 45 years, Rachel (Desrosiers) Anderson, Bethel is survived by his son, Mark B. Anderson and his wife, Linda, of Ashburnham; his daughter, Heidi Hills and her husband, John, of Fitchburg; his five grandsons, Mark Anderson and his wife Mandy of Windham, Maine, Kevin Anderson of Ashburnham, and Michael, Daniel, and James Minichiello, all of Fitchburg. Bethel was also a very proud great-grampa to Jacob Anderson of Windham. He also leaves his sister, Diane Partridge and her husband, Burl of Ellijay, Ga., as well as his nieces, nephews, brother-in-law, sisters in-law, cousins, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 332 N. Lauderdale, Memphis, TN 38105.

Brandon Funeral Home directed arrangements.