Boatnerd Discussion Forum

I was very sorry to hear of Captain Harry Anderson’s passing and I feel honored to have been able to meet him briefly at the memorial service at Mariner's Church a few times. I was so impressed by the respect and deference that everyone there always showed him, and how a small crowd often gathered around him in the reception area to listen to his stories. His obituary showed a fascinating life and I would love to hear more stories about him.

Does anyone here have some they’d like to share?

I was on the Mather in 1967 when Capt Harry towed the disabled Bethlehem up Lake Huron to DeTour. It was pretty rough seas, the Bethlehem had engine problems, Capt Harry maneuvered the Mather close enough to toss a line and then run a cable. They did not let anyone go aft for fear the towline might part and come flying back. The Mather had plenty of power to do the tow. I was only 18 at the time and not smart enough to have a camera ... sure wish I had one.

A little correction. Capt. Harry is 103. Keep it tween the buoys.

He will be greatly missed. He handed out our completion certificates when we finished our "Docent School".

We received notice of his transfer to hospice ffrom his Granddaughter a couple of days ago.

He was one of our favorite people.

3 long and 2 short. May he sail on in peace with quiet seas.

One of the good guys, enjoyed meeting him and taking his picture as skipper of the Walter A. Sterling at Huron, Ohio once, real pleasant guy. Subsequent phone conversations were always long and lots of conversation about Cliffs. Sorry to learn of his passing. So long Harry!

Sad news in our Great Lakes community. Capt. Harry Anderson, the 102 year old former Master for Cleveland Cliffs, passed peacefully the other evening. His story is highlighted in the Historical Perspective ship Cliffs Victory.
In retirement, Harry was omnipresent at events aboard the Museum ship Mather the entire time it has been open. Always in uniform to mingle with and talk to guests. He Captained the Mather in '67 and '68, and while there, performed a daring at sea rescue of the disabled ore carrier Bethelem in Lake Huron.
His kind words and venerable presence will be missed by all who knew him. 3 long and 2 shorts!