Roland A. Anderson

WOODLAND - Roland A. Anderson, 100, died November 5, 2023 at the Maine Veterans Home in Caribou, surrounded by family. He was born at home in Woodland, on October 6, 1923 the son of the late Andrew and Fern (McNeal) Anderson. Roland attended Woodland and Caribou Schools before being drafted in to the United State Army during World War II. Roland was in the 150th Engineer Combat Battalion serving under General Patton in both Germany and France until the allied forces declared victory. During his time in the military, he was the recipient of the Bronze Star Medal and Victory Medal. At the end of World War II, Roland returned home to Maine where he farmed with his father, and began working as the road commissioner for the town of Woodland. When Loring Air Force Base was built, he went to work as a heavy equipment mechanic and operator at the base for many years. Roland was an over 50-year member of the Lister-Knowlton Post 9389 Veterans of Foreign Wars, and of the Henry B. Pratt Post 15 American Legion. Mr. Anderson was Mason for over 50 years, serving as Past-Master of Washburn Lodge #193 A.F.&A.M., a D.M.L.A. Father, and member of Caribou Lodge #170 A.F.&A.M.  He was also a 50+ year member of the Anah Shrine, where he had been adopted as an honorary Klown, often referred to simply as “Dad”. He will be remembered by many for his involvement with the Anah Shrine Circus, where his favorite job was taking tickets at the door while greeting all of the excited families there for the show. Roland enjoyed hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling into his 90s. He was a dedicated caregiver to his wife who required 24-hour care for many years. Roland is survived by his son, Donald E. Anderson and wife L. Marie of New Sweden, three siblings, Mildred Chapman of Hartford, NY, Ronald Anderson of Salt Lake City, UT, and Gerald Anderson and wife Lorina of Woodland, grandchildren, Kristi Brewer, Chad (Lisa) Brewer, Eric (Megan) Anderson, Lance (Tanya) Anderson, Angela Anderson, and Faith (Jared) Hughes, 8 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Barbara (Haines) Anderson, a daughter, Nancy Lee Brewer, an infant son, Roland Anderson Jr., siblings, Margaret Hersey, Viola Milton, Keith Anderson, and Gordon Anderson. Graveside service with military honors and Masonic rites will be held in the spring at the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery.