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Chet Anderson, Hotsy Totsy Bartender is Dead

Share your memories of Chet.

Some sad news from the Hotsy Totsy.

Chet Anderson, who had been pouring drinks at 601 San Pablo Avenue for nearly two decades, is dead. Friends and Totsy patrons have been sharing memories of Chet on Facebook. This comment from Diana Lynn captures Chet's charm. 

"Came in to work at the Totsy a few years back and Chester was finishing up his shift, I was a little dressed up that day and he says "Did it hurt?" and I said, "Did what hurt?" and Chester said "When you fell from Heaven!" Loved, Loved, Loved that man - they don't make em' like that anymore. Here's to my one of a kind friend." 

Share your memories of Chet? 

Scott McFadin January 2, 2013 at 10:12 am
Chet Anderson was one of a kind. A man larger than life. A bartender from the old school that you just don't see much of anymore. A friend that could tell you things you didn't want to hear. A golfer that laughed more the worse he played. His passing is tremendously painful for me and the community as a whole. Chet, we miss you more than you can imagine.
Scott McFadin Owner Kensington Circus Pub
shera sherman January 2, 2013 at 01:47 pm
You need to work on the sensitivity level of your headlines! Wonderful Chester has passed away, leaving behind many people that love and miss him.
Debra January 2, 2013 at 02:14 pm
I totally agree with Shera Sherman - When I read the headline I thought he was killed at the bar. Shame on your headline.
Winifred Owen January 2, 2013 at 03:35 pm
Me three re the insensitive and outrageous headline!! What sort of a bush-league faux "journalist" could even conceive of such an inelegant heading. Shame, shame, shame.
Winifred Owen January 2, 2013 at 03:45 pm
Additionally, it is incorrect. There should be a comma after "bartender." Again, very disturbing that such a blunt headline would be used. Ever hear of tasteful euphemisms?
Alex Gronke (Editor) January 2, 2013 at 04:43 pm
Hi I wrote the headline. I regret that you found it insensitive. I personally consider "tasteful euphemisms" in times like these to be disrespectful. The first line of the post conveys my feelings on the news.
Ross Stapleton-Gray January 2, 2013 at 05:26 pm
My very first reaction was, "Sheesh, that's a rather insensitive headline," but the more I've thought about it, the more I've grown to like it, a lot. I never met him (unless it was over the bar there at the one Emily thing I attended, serving me), but imagine the headline as being cried, loudly, to the citizens of this small town, as a note of the death of someone of significance. I've never liked the euphemisms... have used "passed on" (and for some reason the Southernesque "passed" just sets my teeth on edge). But hear the word, O Albany, Chet Anderson is dead.
Eric Bordax January 2, 2013 at 07:31 pm
"Has died" might be a better alternative.
D. Mehrten January 2, 2013 at 08:05 pm
Yes. "Has died" is to the point without being shocking and is free of maudlin euphemism. So simple.
Stephanie Travis January 2, 2013 at 09:33 pm
I find it rather sad that a man has died and, except for the first comment, all anyone here can talk about is how the news was conveyed.
Scott McFadin January 2, 2013 at 09:39 pm
I can't help but add my two cents to this conversation. I was a good friend of Chet's and with all due respect, the headline was written just as Chet would have wanted. I'm fairly sure he finds all of this rather amusing. I'm definitely sure he wonders why we're talking about headlines and punctuation rather than regaling in his irreverent and wonderful life. I don't wish to denigrate anyone's contributions to this conversation but it just seems to miss the point.
Matt Anderson January 3, 2013 at 02:22 am
All, my name is Matt Anderson and i am Chet Anderson's son. I am thankful for all the warm wishes. My father has been a bartender in the Bay Area for over 50 years, he has met many people, poured many drinks and warmed many hearts. For the people who think the article title was abrupt please do not dwell on these little things. Dwell on the fact that my father was a generous, kind, honest and warm man. We will be having a remembrance for him and when that date is confirmed we would love to see the community out to remember him ad his legacy on the Avenue
Scott McFadin January 3, 2013 at 05:43 am
Matt,
You know how Chet seemed to always have a mischievous twinkle in his eye? His eyes never twinkled more than when he spoke proudly of you, his son. My deepest heartfelt condolences. The community will certainly be there to support you and honor your father's life. Please keep us posted as to your plans. Scott
Cathy English January 3, 2013 at 03:38 pm
To my son in law Matt Anderson, you are some kind of a great guy! Gosh darn, I know Chet is smiling from heaven today!
Steven Anderson January 3, 2013 at 07:36 pm
I am also Chet's son Steven Anderson. I agree that it was not the most tender of headlines but I think we all need to move past that and focus on what he meant to us in our life and how much he loved his family. My heart goes out to his wife Louann. They were happily married and very much in love. Dad would have wanted us all to support Louann during this tramatic time in her life. Peace & Aloha Dad!
Emilie Raguso January 4, 2013 at 07:48 am
I loved seeing Chet at the Hotsy Totsy. He was quite a character and will be missed.
Liz Hanson January 5, 2013 at 12:57 am
He was an absolute dream of a bartender, surly and sweet and a gentleman and a rascal. He introduced me to a wonderful crowd and made me feel as if I had been a long time patron. He made me feel so included in the boys club that I had to bring my husband to enjoy his "randy " panter . We will miss the son of gun too much for those who never had the pleasure of a sit down with this master bartender and fine fellow
john shots January 5, 2013 at 03:02 pm
The phrasing of his passing is unnecessarily cold, normally reserved for tyrants.
Show some respect.
Sandra Rossier January 5, 2013 at 05:00 pm
My sister is LuAnn Anderson. Chet and LuAnn were a loving couple who cared for each other through difficult times the last few years. Chet was a "True Gem" of a guy and my prayers are with my dear sister and his entire family. God Bless
Sandy Rossier
Karen Jones January 6, 2013 at 04:54 pm
My name is Karen Jones and Luann is my closest friend, my heart aches for this loss! Luann and I play golf together I would of loved to of played a round of golf with the big guy! well Chet you'll hit em straight in heavan ! and sink every putt! god rest your giving and gracous soul!
Joe Walker January 7, 2013 at 11:22 am
My sister Luann and Chet were just a great couple. Chet was very special in all aspects especially in loving and caring for my sister. My prayers and thoughts are with Luann and all of Chet's family.
Zina Carse January 9, 2013 at 04:02 pm
Luann has been my friend for some time. it took a while before I had the privilege of meeting Chet. the first time I met him I felt extremely intimidated by his manly demeanor. as I got to know him I felt the wonderful feeling of knowing that I had made friends with a true man.

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