Roy Arthur Anderson

Roy Arthur ANDERSON September 15, 1921 ~ October 31, 2008 Roy Arthur Anderson died at the age of eighty-seven, Friday, October 31, 2008, at his home in Kent, Washington. Roy was born in Seattle, Washington, the son of Oluf N. and Anna B. Anderson and spent his youth in West Seattle, where he formed many lifelong friendships. He attended West Seattle High School where he was a standout on both the basketball team and the track team. Roy was proud of his West Seattle High ties, and remained active in the high school's alumni association as well as the Monogram Club, among others. While at West Seattle High, he met his first wife, Mary Baxley. Roy and Mary were married in Seattle, Washington on October 16, 1943 and were married for 54 years until her death in 1997. Their long and happy marriage produced three children, Kay, and twins Grant and Roger. Roy and Mary raised their family in West Seattle where they enjoyed time at their family home on Beach Drive before moving to Kent, Washington to be closer to the golf they loved and where they could spend their retirement years. After graduating from West Seattle High School in 1939, Roy attended the University of Washington where he studied Engineering. He also continued to run track as a member of Husky Varsity Track Team, earning Varsity Letters as a premier distance runner. He was a member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, Purple Shield, Oval Club, and the Big W. Club. WWII briefly interrupted Roy's education at the UofW, when he joined the U. S. Army spending time overseas in Belgium, Germany, and Czechoslovakia as a lieutenant in the reconnaissance division of the infantry. He received the combat infantryman's badge and was promoted to the rank of Captain. Roy was forever grateful to have returned home to his family to enjoy a long and prosperous life. On his return from WWII, Roy completed his education at the UofW, graduating with a degree in Engineering. Roy then joined the Boeing Airplane Co., where he worked his entire career, until his retirement in 1986. Roy was rewarded for his loyalty and service to Boeing, with promotions to management positions within the company. Roy also developed more lifelong friendships with his co-workers at Boeing and participated on their bowling and basketball teams. Roy was an avid golfer. He was a past member of the Bayview Men's Club at the West Seattle Golf Course and the Rainier Golf & Country Club. Roy was a longtime member of the Meridian Golf & and Country Club, where he lived and played golf with his family and friends. Roy was two-time past President of MVCC. He was a devoted family man with a wonderful sense of humor and a capacity for fun. With a gift for friendship, he enjoyed the companionship of a large and diverse group of interesting friends dating back to his youth in West Seattle. He had a special and enduring fondness for the many friends and couples from his West Seattle days. His was a life well lived and he will be remembered endearingly by everyone who had the good fortune to know him. Roy enjoyed his grandchildren. He attended their school events, watched their sports and taught them to golf. He was proud of his Norwegian heritage and still maintained contact with his cousins in Norway, taking his granddaughter Taryn to visit in 2003 and meet the family, thereby ensuring an ongoing family connection with Norway. He was especially fond of his cousins Annbjorg Augerud, Wenche Kvidahl, and Agnes Knudsen. He was the official supervisor "sampler" of the family's annual krumkaka baking day. In his later years, Roy was fortunate to meet Margaret (Peggy) Mary Bevan. They were married on September 15, 2002 and enjoyed several years together, traveling and golfing between the desert and the Northwest. Roy's love, support, and companionship will be missed. Roy is survived by his wife, Peggy and two children: Dr. Roger A. Anderson (Lisa) of Seattle, WA and Grant B. Anderson (Tamara) of Tacoma, WA, six grandchildren: Lindsey Douglas (Jon), Andrew Douglas (Marcie), Taryn Nikolic (Djordje), Lauren Anderson, Tia Anderson and Max Anderson, one great-grandchild: Blake Catlow, his son-in-law: Edward L. Douglas, Jr., two step children: Chris Bevan (Susan), Nancy Leetch (Ron), four step-grandchildren, Tommy, Debbie, Brian and Kristen, one sibling, Richard James "Jimmy" Anderson (Delores) and numerous nieces and nephews. Roy was preceded in death by his parents Oluf N. and Anna B. Anderson, his first wife Mary Baxley Anderson, his daughter, Kay Marie Douglas, and three siblings: Olga J. Jangord, Kenneth H. Anderson, and Dennis L. Anderson. Roy was extremely proud of his Norwegian heritage and each member of his immediate and extended family. A celebration of Roy's Life will be held at Meridian Valley Golf & Country Club on Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Medic One Foundation, The West Seattle High School Alumnae Assoc., the West Seattle High Monogram Club or the Fred Hutchison Cancer Center.