Former Thompson Falls Resident Neal Robert Anderson Dies at 82

Anderson, a longtime Motorola engineer, is remembered for his love of family, faith, and community.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Neal Robert Anderson, a former resident of Thompson Falls, Montana, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026 at the age of 82. Anderson had a 37-year career at Motorola (later General Dynamics) in the Government Electronics Division, where he spearheaded and developed many critical national defense projects. He was also active in his church, IEEE, and local sports teams, and was known for his love of family, faith, and community.

Why it matters

Anderson's life and career highlight the important contributions that engineers and technical professionals can make to national defense and community service. His story also showcases the enduring values of faith, family, and civic engagement that have helped shape communities like Thompson Falls over generations.

The details

Born in Los Angeles in 1944, Anderson grew up in Oak, Nebraska and graduated from the University of Nebraska with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Good, in 1964, and they had two daughters. After starting his career at Motorola in Scottsdale, Arizona, Anderson and his family later moved to Missoula, Montana, where he lived until his passing. In retirement, Anderson remained active in his church, professional organizations, and local sports leagues, while also enjoying time with his growing family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

  • Anderson was born on January 2, 1944.
  • He married Sandra Good on August 14, 1964.
  • Anderson passed away on January 18, 2026 at the age of 82.

The players

Neal Robert Anderson

A former resident of Thompson Falls, Montana who had a 37-year career as an engineer at Motorola (later General Dynamics) and was active in his church, professional organizations, and local sports teams.

Sandra Good

Anderson's wife of 61 years, whom he married in 1964.

Shari Montgomery

One of Anderson's two daughters.

Shannon Pavlik

One of Anderson's two daughters.

Motorola

The company where Anderson worked for 37 years, later acquired by General Dynamics.

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What’s next

A celebration of life for Anderson will be held this summer. Memorials may be directed to the Leukemia Society or local food banks.

The takeaway

Anderson's life exemplified the values of faith, family, and community service that have sustained small-town Montana communities like Thompson Falls for generations. His engineering career and volunteer work left a lasting impact on both his local community and the nation's defense capabilities.