William Alfred Anderson was born November 10, 1923 to Alberta Hanson and William Anderson, Sr. in Alhambra, Calif. He passed away at his ranch home in Dayton on June 4, 2008. He attended school until the third grade in Sweet Home, Ore. Mr. Anderson's childhood was spent on the road with his family trying to survive during the Great Depression.
At age sixteen, he and his brother, Chris, opened a wrecking yard in San Lorenzo, Calif. known as Anderson Brothers. Mr. Anderson was a Parachute Trooper with the Eleventh Airborne in World War II. After the war, he became heavily involved in his military surplus and heavy equipment business (also named Anderson Brothers) in San Lorenzo, Calif. In the early 1960's, he moved his operation to North Lake Tahoe to supply heavy equipment for the development of Incline Village.
Bill also opened Incline Stables in North Lake Tahoe in the early 1960's, and then in 1968 opened The Ponderosa Ranch to the public. He was the founder, president, and owner of the Ponderosa Ranch for over thirty years. He was a highly motivated driven individual who thrived on putting business deals together and just getting things done.
On December 9, 1996, he married Sharon Hunt. He took pride in making sure his family was well taken care of with the success of his numerous business dealings. Bill enjoyed the time spent with his friends and family at his vacation home in New Zealand. His favorite hobbies were big game hunting, fishing, campfire cooking, poetry, and collecting and restoring western artifacts and antique vehicles. He took pleasure in spending time with his dogs, and adored the constant companionship with his wife, Sharon.
Bill was preceded in death by his brother Chris Anderson of Carson City, and his sister Georgia Nelson of Tickfaw, La.
He is survived by his wife Sharon of Dayton; son and daughter-in-law Royce and Jessica Anderson of Wellington; daughter and son-in-law Jillaine and David Geddes of Reno; granddaughters Jennifer and Michelle Geddes and his six nieces.
Upon Bill's request, no services will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer's Association of Northern Nevada, P.O. Box 6362, Reno, Nevada 89513, or to Saint Mary's Hospice, 520 West 6th Street, Reno, Nevada 89503. Arrangements entrusted to Walton's Chapel of the Valley, Carson City.