Bruce Everett Anderson

Bruce Everett Anderson, 77, passed away suddenly on March 24, 2020 at his W. Wardsboro, VT home after a long, but resilient battle with prostate cancer. He was born in Worcester, MA on May 28, 1942, to Donald and Rae MacCulloch Anderson. His stories of 77 years of accomplishments and adventures, could fill a book. Chapters included: parachuting out of planes in Vietnam, rescuing skiers as a ski patrolman, teaching golfers during his career at Mount Snow,as well as many hunting tales and lore about the fish that got away. Bruce’s hobbies included archery, duck carving, building model ships and painting landscapes; and to his children’s delight, video games. But above all, he was a loving father to his 3 children, although his wife insisted he was the 4th! A veteran of the Vietnam War, Bruce was an Airborne Military Police Sergeant. He enlisted in 1964, and earned two Bronze Stars in Vietnam while serving with the 173rd Airborne Division. He was part of the first major ground unit deployment to Vietnam in 1965. Having completed his undergraduate degree at UMASS before enlisting, Bruce went on to complete his MBA at Clarke University when he returned from Vietnam. He worked as an auditor for the U.S. Department of Defense in Boston, Massachusetts, and then found his own slice of paradise in southern Vermont. Bruce was appointed as the first Police Chief of West Dover, Vermont in Dec. 1971. After that, the majority of his career was spent pursuing his passion of golf and skiing as part of the Mount Snow team. Bruce could be found on the slopes as a ski patrolman in the winter, or teaching golf in the summer, where he was aptly known as “Longball.” Bruce and Andi first met at Mount Snow. One morning, he asked her to ride with him on the snowmobile to the top of the mountain to check the conditions and watch the sunrise. This date led to their marriage in 1981 and almost 39 more years of adventures. Bruce was also a selectman for the Town of Wardsboro for many years. At the heart of who he was, Bruce was a steadfast and caring family man, teaching through wisdom, and showing his love by his actions. He was a man of deep thought and intellect. While the kids may not have enjoyed his “extra” after-school math lessons at the time, he fostered a spirit of inquisitiveness and creativity that has had a lasting impact on all. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Rae Anderson and by his brother Brian. He is survived by his wife Andi (Gassman), sons Cody and wife Kristin of Boylston, MA, Colton of Brattleboro, VT, and daughter Cassidy of Lebanon, NH. Bruce was a warm and generous soul to all. He enjoyed the nature, quiet, and solitude of Vermont. His passing will be celebrated at a later time as Bruce would certainly wish everyone to remain happy and healthy, keep a strong resolve, and hold family close. Memorial donations may be made to Grace Cottage Hospital, 185 Grafton Rd. Townshend, VT 05353 or the veterans organization, Ruck-Up Inc. 42 Upper Knight St. Keene, NH 03431 ruck-up.org They do an awesome job supporting those who served.