Charles A. Anderson

Charles A. Anderson, 97, died of congestive heart failure at Falmouth Hospital on Friday, December 17, 2021, with his family by his side. Charles or “Charlie,” as he was known to family and friends, was predeceased by his beloved wife of 44 years, Bertha R. Anderson.

Charlie was born and raised on the banks of the Cape Cod Canal on Scenic Highway in Bournedale in 1924. He spent his childhood watching the dredges and barges as the canal was being widened. He was an avid fisherman and a graduate of Bourne High School. After graduation, he received machinist training and ran a lathe making rods for Moss Twist Drill Co. in New Bedford. For the next two years he worked for the war effort at Camp Edwards (now Joint Base Cape Cod), repairing army trucks. In 1947, he was hired at the Buzzards Bay National Bank, later to become Cape Cod Bank and Trust. Over his 40 year-career with the bank, he was a Branch Manager and later became a Vice-President. With his easy-going nature, soft smile, and resourcefulness, many community members credited him for helping them get their first car, start a business or move into new homes.

Charlie was the son of the late Kusti and Ida Anderson, who immigrated from Finland in the early 1900’s. Ten siblings predecease him: John Isohanni of Finland, Onnie, Henry, Alfred, Donald and Arthur Anderson of Bournedale, Helmi Toolas of Sandwich, Ida Tucker of Bournedale, and Esther Anderson of Foxboro. With his siblings and a large extended family, Charlie continued to enjoy fishing, hunting, and walking the woods of Bournedale. In 1955 he married Bertha Johnson. Together they raised four children in their home in Bournedale, directly across the pond from where he was born. They hosted family parties for every occasion, took frequent vacations to the family cottage in Maine, and held a special celebration every Christmas Eve genuinely enjoyed by friends and family alike.

Charlie was a member of the DeWitt Clinton Lodge, the Town of Bourne 1984 Centennial Celebration Committee, the Massachusetts Maritime Academy Town Committee, and several other community organizations. He enjoyed golfing and was quite a skillful player. He made a hole in one on two separate occasions, in the same hole at Holly Ridge Golf Course in Sandwich.

Upon retirement, Charlie and Bertha continued to enjoy time at their cottage in Maine, especially when their children or grandchildren came along. When Bertha was diagnosed with cancer for a second time in 1998, Charlie was her main solace and caregiver. He drove her to every treatment appointment and was her constant companion until her death in 1999. He was well-known for his steadfastness, patience and kind heart.

Charlie is survived by his four children: Deane G. Anderson, and wife Donna, of Sagamore Beach; Lewis E. Anderson, and wife Tara, of Sagamore Beach; Mary Jane Anderson-Wiley of Bournedale and Karen Alden, and husband Bill, of Buzzards Bay. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He also has a large extended family of nieces, nephews and dear friends, near and far, who will miss him greatly.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 23 from 10:00am-12:00pm at Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home, 40 MacArthur Blvd. in Bourne. A brief service will be held at 12:00pm, followed by burial at Oakland Grove Cemetery on Shore Road in Bourne.