Byron L. Anderson

Retired Minneapolis Fire Department FMO

From Dale Anderson (Byron's son):

Byron joined the Minneapolis FD in July of 1967 gaining the rank of FMO shortly after his hire. He retired on May 11th, 1996 after suffering many heart attacks and one battle with cancer.  Byron would have a few more heart attacks and finally another bout with cancer that would take him on February 16th, 2006.  He was less than a month away from his 69th birthday.  His cancer was deemed both times to be job related and made a statement once to me shortly after brain surgery that "If the heart attacks didn't kill me, I suppose the cancer will.  Byron had many friends who were fellow Minneapolis FD Firefighters and also had a nephew, Jeff Bartholomew, who posed for the statue that now sits at the center of the Minnesota Fallen Firefighters Memorial at the Minnesota State Capitol. The statue also includes his great-niece Janelle.

Byron Anderson's obituary:

Anderson, Byron L. age 68, of N. Mpls. Born 3/3/ 1937, passed away on 2/16/ 2006. Byron answered the Lord's six bells after his 2nd battle with cancer. Byron was preceded in death by his parents, Charles & Beatrice; sister, Frances and brother, Duane; buddies, Bingo and Dawn, and many fellow MFD co-workers. Byron is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Diane; son, Glen, wife Cindy; son, Dale, wife Nancy; grandsons, Kelly, Kyle, Kody, Zack and Randy; granddaughter, Amanda; sister, Elizabeth; special nieces, Audrey and Leslie; longtime friends & neighbors, Bob & Pat Langer; many relatives, friends and MFD co-workers. Byron served four years in the U.S. Air Force and was a firefighter and FMO for the Mpls Fire Dept. for 29 years. Byron retired in 1996, parking Engine 20 for the last time on May 11th. Byron, like all Mpls firefighters, is a true unsung hero to the citizens of Mpls, always going above and beyond the call of duty. He faced his cancer just like he faced fire and EMS calls: with bravery, valor and dignity. May St. Florian bless his soul and all of the MFD. Memorials preferred to North Hospice. Visitation Sunday (TONIGHT), 5-8 PM, service Monday, 11 AM, with visitation beginning at 10 AM, all at: Washburn-McReavy Swanson Chapel 1600 Lowry Ave N, Mpls 612-529-9691