Tributes

Raymond Anderson

May 9, 1924 to November 8, 1996

by John Carlson and Phil Johnson

Ray Anderson was my balcony companion at Bethlehem Covenant Church, Minneapolis. He sat by the aisle and passed the offering plate to the balcony dwellers, During football season, we often talked about the Vikings on the way out, conversations usually limited by our desire to get home to see the game.

Ray helped people in need. Sometimes when things did not go well, he wondered if he was too much of a soft touch. It was not the money he worried about; it was the person he was trying to help.

John Carlson, fellow Bethlehemite, met Ray more than 40 years ago when Ray first came to Bethlehem. John writes:

Ray was quiet and shy, He came into church by the back door along 32nd street, quietly took his place in the balcony, and worshipped God in his way. He came. He worshipped. He ushered. He left. And, during the week, he would help with Meals on Wheels and other charitable services.

Born and raised in South Minneapolis, Ray graduated from South High School. He served in the Pacific Theatre of World War II aboard submarines. After the war, he went to Dunwoody Institute and became an electrician for the city of Minneapolis.

This past summer Ray was diagnosed with cancer. He had surgery, but never recovered. On my last visit to his hospital bed, I found him with body wasted away and only days of life left. But he managed a slight smile, a grasp of the hand, and an attempt to speak.

Along with John, I shall miss my balcony companion. We thank God for the gentle, kind spirit of Ray Anderson. Blessings on his family and friends, and may his soul rest in peace.