Harry Axel Anderson

Birth date: Oct 5, 1909 Death date: May 22, 2013

CAPTAIN HARRY AXEL ANDERSON Great Lakes Master Captain Harry Axel Anderson, 103, a retired Great Lakes Master for the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company and a well known docent at the William G. Mather Museum Ship, passed away on May 2 Read Obituary

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Leif Anderson

646w ago

Papa,You carried so many wonderful qualities as a person that if one was asked if they could describe who you were in a sentence. They would say, â??He was a genuine, caring, loving, and noble man who left an impression so great, that their memories of you are precious and forever anchored in their hearts awaiting to see you once more.â?Fitting for â??Great Captainâ? of the â??Great Lakes.â?You touched so many peoplesâ?? hearts while you commanded your life here on Earth. You held a special smile that twinkled! If one was lucky enough to receive a hug from you, it warmed their soul.I forever will never forget my grandfather and am very proud that I share a part of his legacy.So, with my glass filled with Swedish vodka; my head held high! I bestow on to you with a toast, and sing â??Helan GÃ¥r!â?Goodbye Papa. Your ship has come to port and you are called upon to take the helm and sail the spiritual vessel in to eternal life. I look to a time when we see each other again with open arms. SÃ¤g hej till himlen.Jag Ã¤lskar dig vÃ¤ldigt mycket,Grandson Leif

Christine Rohn-Tielke

646w ago

Papa was truly a remarkable man, and his humor and wit will be missed. I was blessed to first meet him during a trip on the WILLIAM G. MATHER — where he demonstrated his "Heavy Weather Harry" prowess when departing Marquette on a very windy day. The next year I was privileged to take a (fast) trip on the CLIFFS VICTORY with Papa and Cindy. Capt. Harry's ability to dance and lead the conga line to "When the Saints Go Marching in" at International Ship Masters' Association conventions in Cleveland in 2000 and 2007 has become legendary in Cleveland Lodge #4. We are so glad that Lodge #4 members were able to join Harry for lunch at Harbor Court for our April meetings each of the past 3 years. Leaving this world on National Maritime Day was his final achievement! Fair winds and Following Seas!!Christine & Capt. Al Tielke

Heidi Adam

647w ago

Dear Papa, some of the best family memories I have include trips to 1508 Rosewood for visits with you and Nana! I am missing you both very dearly, and I wish I could be there to say goodbye to you in person. I am just so thankful I, Tyler, Kristof and Veronica all had an opportunity to spend some quality time with you this past Easter holiday! You are an anomoly, simply amazing!Oh Papa, oh my Papa! I will always be squeezing and pinching your cheeks when I close my eyes thinking of you.Love always,Heidi

Alan Anderson

647w ago

You are the best grandfather anyone could have ever asked for. Thank you so much for all the time we spent together, your love and care will be remembered forever. I looked forward to every trip to Grandpa and Grandma's house so much. You will be missed greatly, but more importantly it makes me smile every time I see your face.Love,Alan & Cathryn Anderson

Max Christensen

647w ago

May family made there living on the Great Lakes as fishermen… As I type this note, I look out upon the beauty of Lake Superior… But, I also know She and any Sea can be a fickle Lady… Long before out present technology, the ship to shore radio was the means to passing on important messages and warnings… My Uncle would rely sea conditions inland in there daily pursuit of Trout, Whitefish or fish of the season… It was as common as today's text, for ships to exchange news… I remember Captain Anderson voice when that exchange would happen when I was aboard… My Father and Uncle's had the greatest respect for this man… And on occasion when he was in port, stop by the fish shed the family had in Marquette's lower harbor… Captain Anderson you where a young mans hero… May you always sail gentle seas whit a light breeze at your back. RIPMax Christensen

Holly (Holcombe) Tomasch

647w ago

I was blessed to know Captain Harry Anderson for twenty years, having first met him in May 1993. He was a true captain of the SS MATHER–first as Master then as an ardent and beloved volunteer who greeted visitors attired in his Cleveland Cliff captain's uniform. My favorite memory is Captain once again "captaining" the MATHER when she was moved in 2005 from East Ninth Street Pier to her current site at Dock 32. Captain was in the Pilot House the entire time using whistle signals to communicate to the tug making the move. He didn't miss a beat, and the move went perfectly. He was an amazing 96 years old.Godspeed Captain Harry! You were much loved and are missed by the MATHER Crew and so many more whose lives you touched.Holly (Holcombe) TomaschFormer Director, SS MATHER

Capt.Roger Hewlett

647w ago

As a young lad in the 1950's I admired the beauty and majestic movements of the "Cliff's Victory" passing on the Detroit River. Little did I know that Captain Harry Anderson was on the bridge and that I would meet him 50 years later.. .I and Jonene were very proud to get to know Capt. Harry and Harriet through the International Shipmasters and Mariner's Church. He was a shining light and an inspiration………….Capt. Roger Hewlett and Jonene Eliasson…..St.Clair,Michigan.

Fred Connell

647w ago

Our condolences to Uncle Harry's family. We had lost contact with him and missed talking to him every Dec.30th when he called to honor my father, Alfred "Alf" Nygren. He was a great gentleman. He used to visit Alf at his river home and also visited our home several times. He lived a truly great life.Elane Nygren Connell and Fred Connell

Fred Connell

647w ago

Our condolences to his family. We had lost contact with Uncle Harry and sorely missed talking to him each December when he would call to honor my father, Alfred "Alf" Nygren. He used to visit at Alf's river home and also visited our home several times. He was a great person.Elane Nygren Connell and Fred Connell

Steve Nelson

647w ago

You will indeed be missed Captain Anderson, a fine Captain and a gentleman.I am proud to say that I knew you.Captain Steve Nelson

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