PORTLAND, N.Y. -- The town of Portland continues to work on a memorial for Marmaduke comic strip creator Brad Anderson. But project organizers are having a tough time raising the much-needed funding.
"He was kind of like an idol in the community I think," said Herb McIntyre of Portland.
McIntyre works for the town of Portland and knew Marmaduke comic strip creator Brad Anderson almost all his life. Anderson died last month in a Texas hospital at the age of 91.
"Very sad. He was a very good friend of our family. He'll be missed, that's for certain," said McIntyre.
Anderson was born in Jamestown, grew up in Portland and went to Brocton Central School. McIntyre also went there with Anderson's children and remembers him as a witty man.
"I'll never forget his laugh, it was always kind of a 'Heh, heh, heh, heh.' Just a quiet laugh, no matter how funny things went he just laughed the same all the time," said McIntyre.
"He's just a pioneer of the town. His roots were here and how he never forgot that and it was quite an honor to have him come," said Portland Town Supervisor Daniel Schrantz.
Anderson last appeared in Portland July 16, 2012 on what was declared Brad Anderson day. Town leaders also kicked off a fundraising campaign that day to raise money for two life-size statues of Anderson and Marmaduke.
"We want to honor him like we did when he was living, but now with a memorial for him for his accomplishments in the comic industry," said Schrantz.
The town's Brad Anderson Committee looks to raise about $180,000 for the project, but to date has only received $10,000. Both Schrantz and McIntyre encourage others to help pay tribute to the famous hometown duo.
"It just seems like Portland was always his hometown and I think the people should find some way to remember him. And the statue of him and Maraduke would be a very fitting way to do it," said McIntyre.
Anderson's body will be flown from Texas and buried in the town's Evergreen cemetery next spring.
Tax-deductible donations can be sent to:
Brad Anderson Recognition Committee
c/o The Town of Portland
87 West Main Street
Brocton, NY 14716