Gary Neil Anderson
Gary Neil Anderson died February 18 in Ajijic at the age of 77, following a series of strokes.
Born July 20, 1941 in Vancouver, Washington, Gary was the older of two sons of William B. and Velma M. Anderson. He graduated valedictorian from Ridgefield High School in 1959 and attended the University of Washington on an ROTC scholarship. Gary earned degrees in journalism and economics, graduating Phi Beta Kappa, and later attended law school, all at the University of Oregon.
Gary’s lifetime career in the paper industry took him to Oregon, New York, Ohio and Tennessee. Returning to the Pacific Northwest, he worked for the Weyerhaeuser Company in Longview, Washington, before retiring as plant coordinator in 2002. The next year, he moved to his favorite town, Ajijic.
Gary cherished his daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren, his Porsche, Formula 1 racing, traveling and boating with his brother and sister-in-law, music, his guitars, and debating with his many friends in the Pacific Northwest and Mexico.
Although a private person, Gary enjoyed Ajijic so much that he was the first to greet newcomers, orienting them to lakeside life. He was a local icon at Ajijic gathering places, making dozens of loyal friends who will miss his wit and banter.
Gary is survived by his daughter, Laura Ross; brother, Steve Anderson (Rolynn); granddaughters Sara Ross-Watters (Patrick) and Rebekah Coy (Aaron); great-grandchildren, Claire and Cyrus Watters, and Elias, Roman, Penelope, and Olive Coy.