Skowhegan – William John Anderson, 72, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, February 9th, 2025, due to complications from cancer. Son of William Hugh Brown Anderson and Pearl Anna LeBlanc, William was born at Melrose Hospital, in Melrose, MA, on March 5th, 1952. After spending his early years growing up in Boston, the family returned to Maine, where the Anderson family had historically settled in the late 1600's. William graduated from Bonny Eagle High School in Standish, Maine, class of 1970. While attending BEHS, he joined the school's Cross-Country team. In those years, his teammate (and cousin) Terry became his best friend, forming a lifetime bond. In his childhood, William enjoyed the outdoors. He was an avid swimmer who won local diving contests and could swim for miles. He was a Boy Scout (Troop 315 in Limington), earning many merit badges and becoming a troop leader. Willliam worked in different trades after high school and started his own family. He eventually joined the U.S. Air Force and, while enlisted, finished his nursing degree. He was fond of games, enjoyed card playing of any kind, and held a 117 average in Candlepin Bowling. Later, he started an online Spades league and became an avid online poker player. Over time, he had five children and several grandchildren. Some of his children recall that he made extra efforts around holidays. He often claimed to have had breakfast with the Easter Bunny, after the kids went to bed on Christmas Eve, he would add another huge layer of garlands and sparkles to the tree so it would look extra special on Christmas mornings. Even when distant in proximity, they knew he loved them. He was brilliant, insightful, talented, and charismatic, with a laugh that could fill a room when he was at his best. He liked to play with them and cared wholeheartedly, even when life and his thoughts would not cooperate. William was preceded in death by his parents, William and Pearl, and two sisters, Rose Whitten and Amy Anderson-Johnston. He is survived by his children: Sarah Splain and her husband, Don Splain, of Florida; Cathy Ainsworth of Vermont; Angus Anderson of New Hampshire; Amanda Robinson and her husband, Chris; and Devin Eiskamp from Maine; along with several grandchildren. William is also survived by six siblings: George Anderson of Skowhegan, Maine; Charles Anderson and his wife Felicidad of Abilene, Texas; Jessica Bruns and her husband , Mark, of Gray, Maine; Carl Anderson of Westbrook, Maine; Sheila McInnis and her husband, Bruce, of Somerville, Maine; and Eric Anderson and his wife, Kathy, of King William, Virginia, also his brother-in-law, John Johnston, who resides in New Gloucester, Maine. He is also survived by over thirty nephews and nieces and numerous great and great-great-nephews and nieces. William is being cremated, and, in the Spring, there will be a memorial gathering, after which his ashes will be scattered in places he cherished. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation (contact his brother George) to help offset costs or making a donation to help fight cancer. William is the third sibling to have died from cancer. #cancersucks