Milton Joe Anderson

Milton "Joe" Anderson 76 - Joe Anderson left this world on November 20th. He was a lifetime resident of Whatcom county. Joe died as a result of a massive stroke. Joe grew up on Bellingham's South side at 20th Street and Douglas. He was a graduate of Bellingham High School. After graduation he was drafted into the Army and served in Korea until his honorable discharge.

During his time in the Army Joe married his first wife Mary who gave him his sons Bob and Don. Joe later married Darlene and he helped to raise her children Teresa and Donny until their divorce.

As a young adult Joe began building and racing stock cars at Skagit Speedway where he partnered with friends Doc and later Britt to field cars there for several seasons.

It was clear at an early age that he had a gift for all things mechanical. From his youth there was little doubt that Joe would choose auto mechanics as his trade. Joe worked as a mechanic at Wholesale Auto Wrecking and Diehl Ford among others. He also owned and operated his own shops at several locations. It was a common occurrence for small repairs to be free to his customers and sometimes larger repairs for those in need. No matter how busy his schedule was he would make time to chat with his clients, friends and relatives that would stop by.

Joe will be missed by his surviving brothers Al "Andy" Anderson of Bellingham and Duane Anderson and wife Maria of Mission BC. Joe's dear friend Lori Street was vital to Joe's ability to remain independent in his later years. Joe would often refer to her as his "daughter".

The family would like to thank Lori for her faithful support and help she provided to Joe. Our family would also like to give thanks to the staff at the St Francis nursing home in Bellingham for their extended care of Joe in his last days.

Joe is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Bob and Eva as well as sisters, Jeanne and Mary.

No service is planned. Burial will be at the Hopewell cemetery.