Terry Drew Anderson
Juneau resident Terry Drew Anderson died recently at his Juneau home while sleeping. He was 54 years old.
He was born in Spokane, Wash., where he graduated from Ferris High School. He moved to Juneau in the mid 1970s.
Anderson recently retired from the Alaska Army National Guard after suffering a stroke. He served in the Guard for about 20 years as a noncommissioned officer working mostly in administration, where he was renowned for his organizational skills. He set the standard for soldiers in physical fitness, often achieving the maximum score in the Army's physical fitness test.
Anderson was also an outstanding high school athlete, taking second place twice in Washington State's championship wrestling tournament. In Juneau, he was a well-known runner, often competing in marathons. He also served as a volunteer fire fighter for the Juneau Fire Department and taught classical guitar at the University of Alaska Southeast. Ten of his songs were published by ASCAP, a membership association of U.S. composers, songwriters and lyricists. His favorite outdoor activity was fishing.
"I served with Terry from the day he joined the Guard. He was one of the most reliable and dependable soldiers that I have known. He was never late, never missed work and was an incredibly hard worker. Our condolences go out to the family" said Lt. Col. Duff Mitchell, commander of the 3rd Battalion, 297th Infantry (retired).
Anderson is survived by his parents Ernest and Leona Anderson and his brother Robert Anderson, all of Spokane. He was preceded in death by his sister Connie and brother Steven.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, at the Auke Bay Bible Church, 11970 Glacier Highway. Capt. Kirk Thorsteinson, chaplain for the Alaska Army National Guard, will officiate.