Captain Harry Anderson Passes at 103.

[stephen davis]

Sadly, a Plain Dealer obituary has announced the passing of Captain Harry Anderson.

Here'a a link:

http://obits.cleveland.com/obituaries/cleveland/obituary.aspx?n=harry-axel-anderson&pid=165009383&fhid=15554


The long-time Lakewood resident, also known as "Heavy Weather Harry", has been the subject of many Lakewood Observer articles.

Here are links to a few:

http://www.lakewoodobserver.com/read/06/05/10/the-pulse-of-the-cityharry-andersonthe

http://www.lakewoodobserver.com/read/2011/04/20/captain-harry-anderson-enjoys-dinner-with-fellow-mariners

http://www.lakewoodobserver.com/read/20 ... h-birthday

.

[Gary Rice]

The legendary Captain Anderson and his wonderful family lived a few doors from us when I was growing up here in Lakewood.

Captain Harry, as mentioned, was 103 years young.

Many will fondly remember the Captain (a retired Great Lakes Master for the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company) as being a volunteer on the decks of the Steamship William G. Mather, docked downtown by the Science Center.

By the way, during WWII, then First Mate Anderson served with the United States Merchant Marine fleet, so please particularly remember him in your prayers on this Memorial Day weekend.

I have prepared another write-up concerning the Captain that hopefully will run in the next Lakewood Observer.

Sail on, Captain!

[Gary Rice]

Dad and I just returned from Captain Harry's well-attended funeral, where I led the family and attendees in a brand new ballad that I composed in the Captain's memory.

I'll attach the words to that ballad here, as they tell much about a loving man and loving memories of a Lakewood family and a magnificent Captain of the Lakes.

Nicknamed "Heavy Weather Harry", he was known for not stopping in heavy weather, but always finding a way to circumvent the worst of storms on the lakes.

You can also read my eulogy to the Captain in this week's Lakewood Observer.

The Ballad of "Heavy Weather Harry" Anderson
by
Gary R. Rice
copyright © 2013

Heavy Weather Harry was a Captain on the Lakes,
An' he never went to anchor, an' he seldom made mistakes.
When Lake Huron rolled an' tumbled an' the iron rivets blew,
He just sealed up the pop-outs, an' he pushed the ship on through!

Heavy Weather Harry was a giant of a man!
When others told him "Never!" he just said, "Oh yes I can!"
"Ring the engine's telegraph, and shovel on the coal!"
"We'll make Cleveland by 2:30! Just let shallow Erie roll!"

Heavy Weather Harry was a Master of the Lakes!
When white waters of Lake Erie looked like frosting on a cake,
He brought iron ore to harbor, in the dark of Winter's night.
Brought his ships back home to safety,
Passing Cleveland's Coast Guard Light!

Heavy Weather Harry loved his home in Lakewood town,
He was always happy when his family was around.
A man of God, he always found the time to kneel and pray,
And if I saw him here right now, I know just what he'd say:

"Cast the lines and set the course! We're bound for Thunder Bay!"
"Or maybe it's Valhalla now? We'll see you on the way!"
"If Great Lakes there be in Heaven, as the blue is in the sky,"
"Just listen for my whistle, 'cause I'll soon be passing by!"

Sail on, Captain!