Robert A. Anderson

On November 11, 2016, Robert A. Anderson, loving husband and father, died at his home in Santa Barbara, CA. His death was unexpected. He is survived by his wife Linda, his daughter Tracey, and his two stepdaughters and four stepsons. A great loss is also felt by the many friends who knew and admired him.

Born on July 13, 1937 in Springfield, MA, the only child of Ethel and Ernest Anderson, Robert pursued his interest in technology and science in high school in Springfield. He graduated from MIT, earning a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering in 1961. After graduating he was accepted at UC Berkeley into PHD. Program in computer design.

By 1963, he worked for General Motors in computer research and development, first in Los Angeles and later in Santa Barbara. While in Los Angeles he was part of a team who worked on the Apollo Guidance and Navigation Computer. Beginning in 1970, he worked in Product Assurance Management for Burroughs Corporation and then for Santa Barbara Research Center for 17 years until retiring in 1998.

After moving to Santa Barbara in 1968, he married Glynda Jo Doggett. Together they raised their daughter Tracey Leigh-Ann. The happy marriage and family life lasted until Glynda’s death in 1992. In 2000, he met and married his wife Linda. They enjoyed retirement at home in Santa Barbara and in the many parts of our country visiting friends and relatives, and traveling abroad. The highlight of their travel for Bob was a trip to Thailand with 14 classmates and their wives, MIT, class of 59. Hosted by a Thai classmate they toured the country for three weeks.

Although a scientist by training, Bob loved reading literature, especially Shakespeare and other poetry, often reciting it. His knowledge and enthusiasm extended to many other interests, including a love of music, particularly Bach, gourmet cooking, entertaining, stamp collecting, furniture making, and collecting a variety of wood objects of art. In conversation, he was thoughtful with a kind affectionate disposition, an attentive observer and listener. As a thirty year member of Noventa Toastmasters, he was a humorous and insightful speaker who was much admired by his fellow members. He wrote the “Noventa News,” a biweekly summary of their meetings, cartoons, jokes and aphorisms. He was a member of The American Philatelic Society, Mensa, Santa Barbara League of Women Voters, and friend of the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara.

The burial service at Santa Barbara Cemetery will be attended by family. A celebration of his life for friends and family will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Amyloidosis Foundation www.amyloidosis.org to create more awareness of this disease.