Finn Andreasen

Finn Andreasen

Finn Andreasen, age 97, died March 3, 2005, at Providence Everett Medical Center, Colby Campus.
He was born December 9, 1907, in Moss, Norway, to parents Hendrik and Kristianna (Matthiessen) Andreasen. His father was a ships captain, and the family moved to San Francisco in 1913.
In 1920 the family moved to "The Ranch", a 65 acre farm three miles from Santa Rosa, California, where Finn and his younger brother Archie helped their mother work the ranch.
Finn worked aboard ships as a young man. During the Depression he met his wife, Ruth Russell, near Mariposa, California, where she was a nurse at a TB Sanitarium. Finn was working at Yosemite National Park for the W.P.A.
In 1936 and 1937 Finn was a cable spinner on the Golden Gate Bridge project. During WWII he worked in Bay Area Shipyards building, refurbishing ships for the Navy and Merchant Marine. In 1948, the family moved to Everett so that Finn could work on the Ross Dam project for Seattle City Light. In the early 1950's he worked on Adak Island in the Aleutians for a construction company expanding military facilities. His last years of employment were at Scott Paper Company, in Everett. Finn retired in 1972.
Finn married Ruth Russel on August 17, 1935, in Clovis, California. Ruth died May 10, 1989.
Finn was the last survivor of his siblings. He was preceded in death by his brothers; Arman, Henry and Archie Andreasen; a sister, Margaret Ruelas; and an infant brother, Walter.
He is survived by his daughters; Janis (Charles) Schumacher and Sharon Andreasen; nine grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Finn's family are grateful to his caregivers, Yelena and Julie who made it possible for him to remain at home.
This quiet man with the skills of his hands worked hard to support his family. He was faithful and true. A good man.
In April, a graveside service will be held at Plainsburg Pioneer Cemetery, south of Merced, California, where Finn's wife is buried.
The family invites neighbors and friends to an open house, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m., Saturday, March 19, 2005, at Finn's home in Eastmont.
Memorial gifts can be made to Providence Hospice of Snohomish County, 2731 Wetmore, Suite 500, Everett, WA 98201.