Robert R. Anderson

Robert Richard Anderson (Bob), of Fountain Hills, died on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009 at Evergreen Hospice Center, following a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 80 years old.

Bob was born on May 30, 1929 in St. Paul, Minn. to Garfield and Clara Anderson. He was the third of five children and was raised in Mandan, N.D. and Minneapolis. 

Bob attended Patrick Henry High School in Minneapolis, where he met Beverly Blanchette.

Bob and Bev were married on Sept. 24, 1949 and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year. 

In 1947, Bob enlisted in the United States Army. He served in the Korean War in 1951, where he was assigned to the 5th Army Band and later the 10th Army Band. He achieved first chair tuba in his tenure and was honorably discharged in 1953.

Bob began his lifetime career with the Northern Pacific and Burlington Northern Railroads in 1947. Initially, he worked on the tracks and eventually was promoted to the payroll and accounting departments. The railroad transferred Bob and his family numerous times between Minneapolis and Seattle/Tacoma from 1960 until his retirement in 1986. 

From 1972-1990, the Anderson family lived on Mercer Island.  Following retirement from the railroad, he worked for the City of Mercer Island and for his son-in-law as an accountant. In the 1990s, Bob and Bev enjoyed winters as Arizona snowbirds and eventually became permanent residents of Fountain Hills.

His passion for playing the tuba inspired his involvement in the Robinsdale City Band, the Bellevue Community Band and the Scottsdale Community College Concert Band.

Bob is remembered by his family as a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. He valued his abundance of friends and adored his 12 grandchildren.

In addition to his loving wife, Beverly, he is survived by his four children, David (Sande) Anderson of Minneapolis, Cathie (John) Hall of Mercer Island, Timothy (Shelley) Anderson of Bellevue and Julie (Blake) Sedlacek of Mercer Island; his brother, Wayne Anderson of Minneapolis; 12 grandchildren and a host of extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Gordon and Roger and sister, Barbara.

The family suggests remembrances to Fountain Hills Community Band, in care of: Flintoft’s Funeral Home, 540 E. Sunset Way, Issaquah, WA 98027.

A celebration of Bob’s life was held Monday, Dec. 7, at Flintoft’s Funeral Home, Issaquah Chapel. Private inurnment was held at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent.

Friends are invited to get directions, view photos and share memories in the family’s online guest book at www.flintofts.com. 

Arrangements were entrusted to Flintoft’s Funeral Home and Crematory.