Fred L Andersen

Fred Lee Andersen Jr. passed away peacefully on September 19, 2024 after a short stay in hospice care following a battle with throat cancer. Fred was born in St. Louis, Missouri on November 25, 1948. He is predeceased by his parents Fred and Shirley Andersen, and a younger brother, William (“Bill”). Fred and his family resided in North Syracuse, NY during his school age years. Fred participated in Boy Scouts, was a competitive swimmer, played ice hockey, lacrosse and wrestled. He was a graduate of St. Lawrence University (1971) majoring in political science, was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity and was active in student government on campus. Fred wholeheartedly believed that St. Lawrence changed his life and he stayed connected with friends and alumni throughout the years. After graduation, Fred worked for George McGovern’s Presidential campaign in 1972. He then began his work in the New York State Legislature as a valued and trusted staff member. Throughout his 30- year tenure, Fred served in increasingly important roles for Senator William T. “Cadillac” Smith, Senator Ron B. Stafford, Senator Tarky Lombardi, Jr, and Senator Carl Marcellino. Fred was most proud of his contributions in creating important seat belt and anti-drunk driving legislation with Cadillac Smith, and the significant environmental legislation that Senator Marcellino sponsored including the Clean Air/Clean Water Bond Act. Fred retired in 2003 and moved to North Creek, New York-his favorite place in the Adirondack Park. The true love of Fred’s life was the Adirondack mountains. He spent every second of free time hiking the High Peaks, canoeing and rafting the Upper Hudson River, and skiing. He especially enjoyed backcountry skiing. Fred also was a diligent trail worker and was an early member of SPTIS (The Siamese Ponds Trail Improvement Society).

Fred was a licensed whitewater raft guide and worked on the Hudson and Black Rivers for ARO Adventures, Hudson River Rafting Co., and Adirondack Wildwaters. His nickname was “catch an eddy Freddy”, most likely because he would have to pull over into a river eddy and pick up his customers who had fallen out of the raft he was guiding. Fred also worked at Garnet Hill Lodge Cross Country Ski Center in North River, NY as a backcountry guide. He loved leading clients on the backcountry skiing trail from the top of Gore Mountain to Garnet Hill Lodge. Fred had a passion for antique automobiles and spent countless hours with his good friend Dave tinkering in the nearby automotive shop. For years, Fred could be seen driving his 1959 DeSoto car around town. A google image search for North Creek still shows this car parked on Main Street. A lifelong avid reader of daily newspapers, Fred respected a vibrant free press in New York and poured over every local and statewide detail of record.

Fred had many friends in North Creek; a village that wrapped around him in times of need. He relied on the community and friends for help after his cancer diagnosis for rides to doctor appointments, therapy, grocery store, and to his tailor John Barbieri (Fred remained the best dressed man in town right to the end). Thanks and recognition to his friends at the Barking Spider Bar, Hudson River Trading, Walgreens Pharmacy, Hudson Headwaters Health Center and The C. R.Wood Cancer Center in Glens Falls. Special thanks belong to Amber Dunkley for a profound interest in Fred's care and welfare and to Dr. Colby Brown Jones for securing his beloved cats Boris and Natasha.

Fred wanted to be cremated. He did not wish to have any funeral services. Instead, his wish was for everyone to go do something they love in the Adirondacks and think of him. His ashes will be spread (where else but the Adirondacks?) by his forever friend Carol Merchant. Rest in Peace Fred Lee Andersen!