Keeping the lights on for 50 years: M Health Fairview facilities engineer celebrates remarkable anniversary

Larry Anderson has seen a lot of changes in his 50 years as a facilities engineer, a career the 77-year-old began in 1972.

“You might as well say from the horse and buggy to the space age,” he said with a laugh.

Over the years of transformation, from his work at the former Rush City Hospital to his current role supporting M Health Fairview’s northern clinics, Anderson’s work ethic and upbeat demeanor has been a constant. The toughest change he faced? The switch to computer systems from physical paperwork in the early 2000s. He said the technological advances have been amazing to witness.

But Anderson hasn’t only been a spectator of history. In his role doing upkeep and remodeling of M Health Fairview primary clinics – including Rush City, North Branch, Chisago City, M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center, and M Health Fairview Northland Medical Center – he’s always gone above and beyond, said Kristin Clementson, M Health Fairview primary care service line director. Whether it’s a construction project, remodeling, general maintenance, or something else, Anderson has the gifts and talents to accomplish it, she said.

She’s worked with Anderson since 1989 at Rush City Hospital, a decade before Fairview Health Services purchased and began managing the former hospital. In those days, he was the “it” guy for facilities, taking care of everything imaginable to maintain the building.

“You could call him 24/7 and he would be there with a smile and a chuckle,” she said. His great demeanor made him beloved among his colleagues, and his commitment to the community goes beyond his daily role. He’s driven the float in parades and volunteered his time to help the North Chisago Historical Society clean and organize Rush City Hospital when it closed, even giving facility tours during a farewell celebration where community members came to reminisce.

Clementson said Anderson embodies good, positive behavior, a work ethic that epitomizes what M Health Fairview is about. “We’re here to take care of people and make sure everything is in the best repair possible,” she said. Through Anderson, others learn the joy in that work, and patients have more trust and feel good about the care they receive when they walk into an inviting environment, which affects their overall wellness.

Anderson has enjoyed the time with his colleagues, as well. “If I hadn’t had good bosses and good people to work with, I probably wouldn’t have been there this long,” he said.

Though Anderson said he still feels good and enjoys the work, he’s beginning to think about retirement. He looks forward to pursuing his hobbies, including hunting, fishing, and road trips, which he loves to take on old back roads with no destination in mind.

In a society where it’s increasingly rare for workers to remain with one employer for even a decade, Anderson is an example that change and growth with an employer is possible. “It does show some of the younger generations that you can stay in one place, and you can have opportunities, and it can evolve and change positively,” Clementson said.

Thinking over the last few decades, Anderson said the longevity of his work comes down to something simple.

“All I did was what I had to do, and I just kept going,” he said.

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