Richard Alan Anderson, 79, of Marion, died Monday, September 1, 2014. He was born in Bridgeport, CT on September 9, 1934, son of the late Alexander Alan Anderson and Margaret (Huston) Anderson. Dick grew up in Wellesley Hills and attended Nobles and Greenough School in Dedham. In 1956, he graduated from Yale University with a degree in Economics. At both schools, he made life long friends.
Dick enlisted in the Army in 1957 and was stationed in Germany. Upon discharge in 1959, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. He spoke fondly of the friendships he formed with the men in his unit.
He worked for the La-Z-Boy chair company for 24 years, first as a salesman and then as a shoppe owner. He thrived on the challenges of owning his own business.
When he retired in 1989, he volunteered his time in the community working diligently for a number of organizations including the Community Resources Network, Sippican Historical Society and Sippican Tennis Club. He also began exploring his artistic talents. Along with many watercolor and acrylic paintings, his work includes paintings on two valances at the Sippican Café in Marion of historic local scenes.
He was an active member of St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church where he served in many capacities including the vestry, as treasurer and as an usher.
A natural athlete, Dick enjoyed tennis, golf, skiing and sailing. He was a member of the Kittansett Club, Sippican Tennis Club and Beverley Yacht Club.
Dick loved to travel. He and his wife, Dana, traveled extensively within the United States and Canada, and they took many trips to Europe. Favorite destinations were Paris, France and Santa Barbara, California.
He enjoyed spending time with his family, whether around the backyard pool or a holiday table and adored his grandchildren. He was known to state, “I have been incredibly fortunate in my life. I’ve enjoyed good health, a wonderful family, fine friends and countless enriching experiences.” He was a gentle man, loved by many and will be remembered for his integrity, responsibility, humility and delightful sense of humor.
Dick’s first wife, Nancy (Angell) Anderson, and the mother of his four children died in 1979. He married Dana (Derick) Anderson in 1982.
Along with his wife, Dana, he is survived by four children, Virginia Guinard of Auburn, CA, Margaret Elizabeth Anderson of Boston, MA, Timothy Alden Anderson of Shelburne, VT, Sarah Angell Anderson of Narberth, PA, eight grandchildren, and two brothers, Robert Huston Anderson and his wife Deborah of Marion, MA and Alexander Alan Anderson, Jr. of Monterey, CA.
His memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 27 at 2:00 PM at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, remembrances in his memory may be made to the Sippican Historical Society, 139 Front Street, Marion, MA 02738 or Community Nurse and Hospice Care, P.O. Box 751, Fairhaven, MA 02719. For on-line guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.