The members and staff of the West Grove Fire Company are marking the service of Life Member George Anderson, who passed away on Tuesday, May 10 at 86 years old, after a short illness.

George Anderson served as a volunteer in the fire company for 69 years, and WGFC was very much his true dedication and commitment throughout his life. During that time, he answered hundreds of ambulance calls, often with his wife Barbara as his teammate -- the two were a driving force in establishing the WGFC Ambulance Division to serve a growing Avon Grove Community. George served as President of WGFC in 1974, 1975, and 1985; was Vice President in 1981; was Secretary from 1969 to 1973; and was Treasurer for 20 years from 1960-1968, 1976, and 1987-1997.

After stepping away from administrative officer duty formally, George continued to walk each morning to the post office and pick up the fire company mail, stopping by the fire station to greet members and staff, and distribute the mail, and was a strong contributor and assistant to whomever was the Treasurer over the years.

While he and Barbara lived at and raised their family at their home at Walnut and Jackson in the Borough, he was at the fire house more often than not. Those who grew up in the fire company remember his warm smile and greeting. He was an effective, yet soft spoken administrative officer, strongly committed to his roles, and particularly proud of building up an ambulance service in the early years, and having the fire company be seen as a good neighbor and responsible steward of the public's interest. He enjoyed every day of his fire company life.

George always lived and loved the town of West Grove, serving as a borough councilman for 12 years. He will be remembered as a great family man, and one of West Grove's most active volunteer citizens. His wife Barbara, who was also a Life Member, ambulance officer and active in the organization, passed in 2007, just after the couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. The extended Anderson family were also involved in many aspects of the West Grove Fire Company as well.

A memorial service for Past President Anderson will be held at the Foulk Funeral Home in West Grove on Tuesday, May 17 at 7pm, with visitation after 5pm. Memorial donations can be made to the West Grove Fire Company at PO Box 201, West Grove, PA,19390.

It is often said that a fire company is part of the fabric of American communities -- those who knew George Anderson will agree that George was very much a part of the fabric of WGFC. The WGFC is keeping the Anderson family in our thoughts in the days ahead, and our memories of George's service to the community.