Raymond "Ray" Leroy Anderson

Ray Anderson, longtime Petaluma resident, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2017 at the age of 89.

The son of the late Scott and Lucy Anderson, Ray is survived by his loving wife, Arlene Anderson of 68 years. Loving father of Mark (Marion deceased) Anderson, Brad (Cathy) Anderson and Lori Molden. Adored Grandfather of Jason, Ryan, Justin, Brady, Aly and Farrah Anderson, Sarah Connolly and Jacyln Sharp. Cherished Great Grandfather of nine. Dear brother of the late Stanley Anderson, Betty Lou Madden and Marie Metrano. Survived by brothers, Fred Anderson and Charles Metrano.

Ray was born in 1928 in Vacaville, CA. He was a depression era farm boy and a hard worker, dropping out of school in 6th grade to help support his family.

At 16 years old and too young for the Army, he joined the Merchant Marines. While on the ship SS Sea Sturgeon they struck an iceberg in the Atlantic. Despite the major damage and flooding incurred, they made it precariously back to New York harbor. Subsequently he was drafted into the Army and proudly served as a military police officer, chauffeuring General Douglas MacArthur and as a gunner protecting the food trucks supplying the people in Japanese villages.

In 1947 he moved to Petaluma and met the love of his life, Arlene Frates at Chandlers Dairy. Together they made many lifelong friends.

He had a passion for truck driving and this changed the course of his family history. Along with building three homes, he founded C & A Trucking in 1968 which continues as a successful trucking company in Cotati, CA. His early truck driving jobs included Sonoma Cheese Factory and Groskopf Weider in Sonoma, Haas Feed, Jameson Trucking and Henris Supply in Petaluma.

He loved his dune buggy adventures and exploring the Gold Country near Washington, CA, where he built a cabin for his family and friends to enjoy. Always joking, you never knew when to take him seriously. He was kind, loving and knowledgeable and was respected by his peers. He was especially fond of his two toy poodles, Molly and Gigi who were always by his side. He stood tall with his ambitions and personal integrity and will be truly missed.

There will be a Military Graveside Service on December 19, 2017 at 1pm at Cypress Hill Memorial Park, Petaluma, with a memorial luncheon following at the United Church of Christ Church, 825 Middlefield Dr, Petaluma. Bring and share your stories of Ray

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Petaluma Animal Shelter or COTS

Cypress Hill Memorial Park

United Church of Christ