Earl K. Anderson, 86, a longtime resident of Surry, New Hampshire and formerly of South Windsor, Conn., passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023.
He was born on Sept. 20, 1937, in Hillsborough and spent his earliest years at Webster House in Manchester. At the age of seven he was adopted by the late Jean (Warring) and Arnold Anderson of West Hartford, Conn.
As a boy, Earl spent summer vacations and many weekends working with his parents on their property in Surry, which they named Andacres. This later became his parents’ retirement home and eventually the home of Earl. Earl attended the Tilton School in Tilton and Williston Academy in Easthampton, Mass., before graduating from William Hall High School in West Hartford, Conn., with the class of 1957. He continued his education at St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y.
While living in Connecticut he worked at Putnam, Coffin and Burr and Hartford National Bank and Trust Company. He was also a banking consultant in the installation of online systems and operations methods. After moving to New Hampshire he worked with local surveyors and tax preparers, served as House Manager at The Colonial Theatre and operated an independent business assisting elderly people with financial and personal needs.
In 1984 Earl met Gareth R. Williams, with whom he shared a loving, devoted relationship for 39 years. Earl loved his home and loved to entertain guests, who always appreciated his cooking and his hospitality. He also loved being outdoors and spent many happy hours working with his tractor or chainsaw. He traveled to many countries throughout his life and spent 12 winters on the island of Nevis. He was a hard worker, and when he became engaged in a cause that he believed in he worked passionately on its behalf.
Two of his final efforts were helping to keep Maplewood Nursing Home in its current Westmoreland location, and securing funding for an addition to the Surry Volunteer Fire Department’s station. Those who knew him well could attest that he was a generous man with a big heart.
He is survived by his partner, Gareth Williams, of Surry; five siblings: Shirley Chow, Mildred Beauregard and Willis Rivers of Gardner, Mass.; Dorothy Sands of Westminster, Mass.; and Philip Hill of Rindge; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, April 28, 2024, from 1 to 2 p.m., with a memorial service to follow at 2 p.m., in the Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel, 44 Maple Ave., Keene.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Surry Volunteer Fire Department c/o John Berglund, 1 Village Road, Surry NH 03431.