Patten, Maine - May 27, 2026, Fulton Ira Anderson finished his earthly race, while encompassed in the love of his family, at Houlton Regional Hospital, in Houlton. February 12, 1952, he was born in Greenfield, MA, the third child of Earl and Frances (Noyes) Anderson.

He was raised at the family homestead on the Shin Pond Road, in Patten, ME, with nine siblings, some of whom he was a father figure. Not born of privilege and raised in the days of the working man, he drew his first paycheck ($5.00) at the tender age of five years old, laboring as a tractor driver for Joe Brawn. Consequentially, emerged a lifelong work ethic, with an insatiable ambition. In 1967 at the age of fifteen, he assisted in clear cutting land for the I-95 North Extension Project. The next several decades were spent honing his many talents, as he provided for his family. He worked in the woods industry, cutting trees and operating skidders, working for Huber Co, under the contracts of many local woodsmen. He was a self-taught master carpenter, designing and constructing anything from a backyard birdhouse to his own three-story lodge. Later, adding heavy equipment and forming Anderson's Construction, with his sons. Being business minded as he was, he also owned and operated three stores: Anderson's Grocery (x2) and the Patten Trading Post.

Though not a world traveler, his feet, never at rest, traversed many miles in the North Maine Woods, where he was most content. Instilled by his father, he was a skilled marksman, hunter, trapper, and fisherman, with a keen knowledge of the woods. He became a Registered Maine Guide early in his life and joined the Big Bucks Club earning his patch, numerous times. (all legal hunts!) He was also a fan of snowmobiling and motorcycling.

Known as a "Good Time Joe" and for his wild, country boy manner, with a great sense of humor, he acquired many friends over the years, from all walks of life. He could recite many lyrics, conveyed from his father, or big brother, Fleetwood, that would put a smile on his face and a blush on yours. He loved classic country music and may "occasionally" be seen with a Bud Light in hand. Through the naked eye, his stubborn and emotionless exterior seemed hard hearted, but if you looked beneath the layers, deep within was a heart drenched in compassion, sensitivity, and kindness, with a will to help anyone.

December 1969, he married the love of his life, Vicki Schmidt. That union, produced three children, whom survive him, Rodney (and Wendy) Anderson of Patten, Nicole (and Pat) O'Roak, of Bangor, and Logan (and Angela) Anderson of Patten.

Health issues forced him to retire in 2013, but not letting grass grow under his feet, he was determined to cut and sell loads of firewood. He trapped parcels of martens and fisher. His favorite pastime was bulldozing and bush hogging his property. He was an avid shopper, favoring Tractor Supply, Mardens, Uncle Henry's and antique stores. Always looking for a deal! He found solace in nature, watching the backyard birds. Equipped with an unappeasable sweet tooth, he baked many cookies, brownies and cakes! Many times he could be found baking a chicken or grilling the food of his choice ... cheeseburgers! He delighted in his afternoon with strawberry smoothies, Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, Blueberry Muffins from BJ's, ice cream, root beer barrels, and Cheryl's baked beans. His illness caused a profuse amount of limitations that he quietly accepted, with never a complaint. He endured with the utmost determination and an iron will to live, fighting to the last minute. He lived a life void of rules and swathed his own path. Some may say, He did it his way!

He will be sorely missed by his children, his seven grandchildren, Jordan, Emelia, Shaylee, Myrah, Julian, Gabrielle. and Rhesa; his three great-grandchildren, Evangeline, Esther and Jameson; his siblings, Filena (Stephen), Dwinal (Rachel), Fonda, Sheldon, Steven (Cheryl), and Stacy; special-in-laws, Sue Anderson and Rich and Theresa Schmidt; his four-legged partner-in-crime, Melvin; and several nieces, nephews, and friends. He was predeceased by his parents; his brothers, Fleetwood, Forrest, and Dwight, and the mother of his children, Vicki.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at his beloved 230 acres, on Hillside Dr., in Patten. In lieu of flowers, one may donate to the Patten ATV club, Att: Laura Brackett, c/o Wendy Anderson, 130 Lovejoy Rd., Patten.