Charles R. Anderson, 84

Early in the morning Feb. 28, 2026, Charles Ray Anderson (better known as “Chuck” to his family and friends) passed away at Elkhorn Healthcare and Rehabilitation in Clancy, Mont., after a two-year struggle with mesothelioma. He was 84 years old.

Chuck was born in Wallace, Idaho, on May 26, 1941, alongside a twin sister, Charlene. He was the fourth child of Ray and Mayme Anderson. Chuck grew up in Osburn and attended school there through his senior year of high school.

He landed his first job at the age of 15 as a flower delivery boy for Dunkers Garden. His sense of humor and good nature paired nicely with beautiful bouquets, helping to brighten the community. 

After graduating from high school, Chuck began working for the Bunker Hill Company in Kellogg, Idaho. While he started as a simple laborer, Chuck quickly learned new skills, allowing him to move into a maintenance mechanic role. He did almost everything: welding, pipe fitting, and mechanical maintenance. A staunch union man, he stood alongside his fellow workers during the good times and the bad times. He worked for Bunker Hill for almost 23 years and greatly enjoyed sharing tales from his nearly quarter of a century there.

During this time, Chuck met the love of his life, Barbara Wallace. The two were married Oct. 28, 1966, and were together for a month shy of 40 years when Barbara passed away. Chuck often noted that the two things that saved him “from all the stupid stuff that could have killed him” were meeting Barbara and committing himself to Jesus Christ as his savior. 

When mining went into decline, Chuck, Barbara, and their two sons, Tony and Gary, packed up and moved to Superior, Mont., where Chuck began work at Diamond International’s Superior timber mill as a millwright. All the skills he had learned from his work at Bunker Hill transitioned nicely, and he kept all the complex machinery running well for the 11 years he worked there, until the mill’s closure in 1994. Chuck then transitioned to Tricon Timber’s mill in St. Regis, Mont., for the remaining years of his career, retiring in 2005 at the age of 64.

Chuck loved target shooting, hunting, fishing, and camping. He also had a genuine love for music: listening to it, playing guitar, and singing. Chuck was never shy about raising his voice at church gatherings, with his notable baritone extending thanks to heaven. Friends would agree he had a love of simple pleasures such as good food and drink, joking around with friends, and raising people’s spirits with a smile. At the end of his life, Chuck was happy to note that he considered himself very lucky — he was blessed with a beautiful family, a meaningful career, and lots of joyous memories.

Chuck has been preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Anderson, and his sisters Joyce, Donna, and Charlene. Chuck is survived by his two sons, Tony Anderson and Gary Anderson. 

Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer condolences to the family or to share a memory of Charles.