Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Roland Anderson Obituary
Dr. Roland C. Anderson of Seattle, aged 67, died in his sleep mid-February at the Whidbey Island vacation home he loved. The son of a sea captain, Dr. Anderson grew up on the Kitsap Peninsula, where he became an avid naturalist and scuba diver.
Dr. Anderson received his undergraduate degree in biology from University of Washington; it was a natural transition to the Seattle Aquarium, and his PhD in Marine Biology from Greenwich University. Long fascinated by malacology (the study of mollusks), he served as president for the Western Society of Malacologists, president of the American Malacological Society, a guest-editor for the journal, "Diseases of Aquatic Organisms," and was an avid member of the Pacific Northwest Shell Club. Dr. Anderson was author or co-author of more than 200 articles in scientific journals, and co-author of the book, "Octopus: The Ocean's Intelligent Invertebrate."
As an internationally recognized authority on cephalopods, Dr. Anderson was interviewed on two occasions by the New York Times; was a featured scientist on the nature special, "Tentacles;" and was quoted in many other major news sources. He pioneered the idea of enrichment for captive octopuses and their release as adults, and began Octopus Week at the Seattle Aquarium, including the wildly popular February 14th event, the "Octopus Blind Date."
Dr. Anderson retired from the Seattle Aquarium in 2009, after 31 years of service. Throughout his career, he was always open to new ideas and new ways of conducting and presenting research - he was a mentor to numerous graduate students.
In addition to his expansive knowledge of cephalopods and marine life, Dr. Anderson had an acerbic wit and was a colorful practical joker. People enjoyed his kindness, enthusiasm and sense of humor. A long-time friend and colleague remembered Dr. Anderson as, "a researcher, author, diver, connoisseur of desserts, curmudgeon ......... and friend."
Dr. Anderson is pre-deceased by his father Warren, mother Marjorie and brother Rod. He is survived by a number of relatives including an uncle, Mel Sierman, and cousins David Molzan, John Palmer, Janice Runner, John Anderson, Joseph Geierman, Lawrence Anderson, Shelly Hutson, and Thomas Molzan.
A memorial for Dr. Roland C. Anderson will be held at the Seattle Aquarium Classroom on April 9th at 6:00pm. His ashes will be scattered at the point where he used to release captured octopuses back to the sea. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the Seattle Aquarium. Please sign Roland's online Guestbook at www.Legacy.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Roland Anderson
Sponsored by The Family.
Diane Wike
February 16, 2016
I worked with Roly many years ago, in the 70's, when he was head lifeguard and volunteered at the Aquarium and I was assistant to the Athletic Director at the Washington Athletic Club. We shared recipes and gossip. He had a devilish sense of humor and a brilliant mind. I've thought of him throughout the years many times and only now tried to find him. Alas. But I will still smile when I think of him.
Cheryl Hughes
September 3, 2015
Roland was gentle, kind, and ever helpful to me while I was a volunteer diver at the Aquarium, especially in the Underwater Dome. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of octopuses and was always ready to share it. He reassured me one time that octopuses can't hear, when I was concerned about the very noisy environment in which their tank was. I had an occasion to see the title of one of his books today, and looked him up again. It's nice to remember him again.
Jeffrey Krause
February 20, 2015
While years may pass without correspondence, the influence of certain individuals does not fade. Unfortunately, I just learned that Roland, my first research mentor, passed over a year ago.
Roland gave me the opportunity to start my research career in the summer of 2001. As an undergraduate, he taught me the value of hard work, diligent and focused observation, and the need to put in odd hours for research. His tutelage fostered my desire to continually pursue questions about the marine realm. Roland was the first to guide me toward graduate work, and was one of my references for graduate school. In the years after that internship, we communicated regularly and even went on collection trips for the aquarium; however, as time passed, we went different ways.
While my research and academic career moved away from cephalopods; thanks to Roland, I will always have a strong connection to these magnificent animals. Roland played a positive role in my career and life. May he rest in peace.
Kurt Wieland
June 3, 2014
Just heard that Roland is no longer with us. Although I had not seen him for some twenty years, I and many other volunteers from the Seattle Aquarium will always remember Roland's kindness, wit, and extensive knowledge of the invertebrates of the Sound. I have great memories of arriving at the Aquarium at 4:00 AM for the long drive to Sekiu for an exciting collecting trip with Roland, or accomanying him to the Fox Island Bridge and awaiting the rare sea life he would bring up from a dive for us all to see. Rest in peace, Dr. Octopus.
David Gabrielsen
April 22, 2014
I will never forget sitting next to you in Ruth's class while she was reading a 'love' poem. Ruth asked the class to think of words that rhymed with Love...Filthy-minded me whispered a 4-letter word to you and it caused you to laugh out loud.
You were always a positive, upbeat friend to me, regardless of the fact that I was not in your intellectual league by a long shot. You accepted me just as me and you will remain forever in my heart as a spirit who demonstrated unconditional love.
Marla Coppolino
April 6, 2014
Remembering Roland, friend, malacology colleague, and frequent client of my illustration work. I will miss our conversations and learning about invertebrate behavior. You left far too soon!
March 24, 2014
You will be missed, old friend! My strongest memories of you are in Ruthie's class for our last 2 years of high school. I was able to get you in trouble when I passed you a not with a terrible pun and you couldn't stifle a long laugh. You in return, gave me my nickname, which I use to this day. I'll see you again some day...
Larry Weaver
DAVID MOLZAN
March 22, 2014
Rollie: Many happy thoughts and wonderful times we shared growing up. All the great times we had at your folks Longbranch beach house with at the relatives . I will miss you Roland. God bless you. Your Cousin David Molzan
Janet Botnen
March 16, 2014
Ah, Roly, you left us too soon. Sorry you didn't make it to our last Pen Hi class party on Bainbridge - you said the ferry traffic would have been too heavy, so we said you could walk on next time and we'd pick you up. I've posted some pictures of you from the two previous reunions, though. You were always the first classmate to register! I have old fashioned hard copy pictures from older reunions, so if any of your relatives would like them, they are welcome to contact me. And just for the record, you will always be NUMERO UNO in my book, even though Gayle Waterland swooped in the last semester of our senior year and snatched the Valedictorian honor from your grasp. Rest in peace and I hope there is lots of scuba diving in Heaven.
Roly with classmates Scott Tomlinson and Willy Mullin at 40th class reunion, Aug. 2005
Janet Botnen
March 16, 2014
Roly pointing our his elementary school picture at the Pen Hi 40th Reunion, Aug. 2005
Janet Botnen
March 16, 2014
Roly with Bob Whitman at Pen Hi Class of '65 45th Reunion, August 2010
Janet Botnen
March 16, 2014
March 13, 2014
Roland and I first met at a meeting of the Western Society of Naturalists. Roland did most of his research in the Seattle Aquarium and I did all mine in the ocean. Our mutual interest in the giant Pacific Octopus led us to correspond and collaborate for a number of years. We co-authored a couple of papers together that blended our different experiences. I will miss Roland and his inquiring mind. Malacology has lost a valuable researcher and I have lost a friend and colleague.
Thomas Juvik
March 13, 2014
Roly was such a great guy in so many ways. It was my good fortune to get to know him at Pen Hi and to start at UW with him, and to renew our friendship whenever we bumped into one another over the years. He loved to write, by the way, and was very good at it. We both shared deep gratitude that our old English teacher, Ruthie Crook, taught us how to properly put pen to paper. Roly is loved and missed by all us of who went to school with him. I love taking my granddaughter to the aquarium; it is good to know his spirit and talent are reflected there so well. - Tom Juvik
Laura Slater Coonan
March 13, 2014
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
March 12, 2014
Roland was a good friend and colleague for nearly 30 years at the Seattle Aquarium. I could always count on him for help and cherished his wry sense of humor. Gone too soon, he is missed by many.
kathy sider
March 11, 2014
We went to school together from 1st grade through 12th. Even at age 6 the rest of us knew "Rollie" was the smartest kid in the class. I was so happy that he was able to use his intelligence in a field he loved and excelled in. I wish you could have stayed a little longer Roland - we will miss you. Anne Pinder Reuther
Alan Reames
March 11, 2014
We never got a chance to talk about the super smart octopus I ran into while diving at the old Fox Island Ferry Landing... I also wanted to share my experiences doing current runs under the Narrows Bridge years ago. I guess I'll have to save that for next time we meet. Rest in Peace
March 11, 2014
Roly grew up on the Key Peninsula @ Lake Bay. My mother taught him to swim. We went to Jr. & Sr. High School together. He was always a good friend. We intended to meet up at Whidby Is. This is unexpected and sad news to lose Roly's humor, friendship and professional qualities. Happy Trails old buddy! We will miss you and see you later! You truly made the world a better place.
Ron Schillinger & Janet Botnen
Roland with a soft coral, in the Rock Islands of Belau (Palau) 24 April, 1991.
Ronald Shimek
March 11, 2014
Andrew Dawson
March 10, 2014
RIP good friend! I enjoyed our talks over pizza at Romeo's, Northlake Tavern, and Coyote Creek. You are missed. I am sorry I was not able to make it up to Whidbey Is before your passing.
March 10, 2014
I will miss you Roland - you were a great guy. --Rick Keil
Richard Jack
March 9, 2014
Sorry to hear of Roland's passing. After meeting through the aquarium and diving, I always enjoyed his knowledge and humor. May he rest in peace in the sea he enjoyed so much.
Jeff Whitty
March 9, 2014
Roland was my mentor and friend. I was fortunate to work with Roland as a volunteer at the Seattle Aquarium. Although I only worked with him for a summer Roland made sure to always keep in contact with me for the next 15+ years making sure all was well and letting me know he was always there to help. He was a very kind and generous person and will be greatly missed.
Leihla Scharlau
March 9, 2014
I corresponded with Roland via phone and email over the years but never got to meet him in person. He was always helpful and kind to me. He is definitely one of the greats I have always looked up to. Good bye Roland even though we never met I will miss you!
Laura James
March 9, 2014
The world just got a bit smaller...
One of the most knowledgable, kindest, incredible people I have had the honor of diving with. His generosity with information and endless enthusiasm for learning and education were some of the things that shaped who I have become not only as a diver, but as a person. Thank you Roland for putting up with my incessant questions and also for that brilliant day of diving on the Andalusa..
Richard McCabe DDS
March 9, 2014
Rollie and I were friends in high school. He was seriously smart-1st or 2nd in our class, I don't recall. We dove together off the family home in Taylor bay when neither one of us knew what we were doing. We roomed together our first year at the UW - he was drawn to the Oceanography Dept. and did great, as usual. I always thought we'd run into each other later in life, but not so. Smooth sailing old buddy.
March 9, 2014
Memories of our childhood flood my thoughts Roland, the endless summer days we spent on the shores of the Puget Sound searching for treasures, the family reunions, and more recently, our phone conversations. You will be missed by many and never forgotten.
Until we meet again cousin...
Tom
Dr. Tom Molzan
March 9, 2014
He did great work educating people. He will be missed.
Georgia Arrow
March 9, 2014
I never met Roland but benefited greatly from his knowledge. He will be missed. Condolences to all his friends and family.
David Fessler
March 9, 2014
Roland was a specialist in his field. He often came to our dive club meetings to speak and each time we all learned something new. We missed him in life once he retired, and will miss him even more now. An industry loss for sure. My thoughts and prayers to all of his family and friends.
John Black
March 9, 2014
In the 1980's and 1990's, I owned a specialty video store in Seattle. Roland would come in whenever I received a VHS that had some sort of nautical or aquatic theme. Many of my films were of the "Monsters from the Deep" category, and one of Roland's favorites was IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA. That film was about a giant octopus that tried to destroy the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge. Ever the authority, Roland mentioned that the film's monster was actually a quintopus (that was because the filmmakers could only afford to animate five tentacles, rather than eight). Obviously, Roland had a fine sense of humor, and he was one of my favorite customers. I'm very sorry to learn of his untimely passing.
John Rawlings
March 9, 2014
Farewell to an old friend, someone who was always willing to answer my questions and point me in the right direction....we've all lost someone very special.
Randy Williams
March 9, 2014
I will miss his wit and wisdom when it comes to working with our beloved Giant Pacific Octopus in Puget Sound. I will miss his talks.
Bobby Berenson
March 9, 2014
He was a mentor to many people. He will be missed.
Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results
Make a Donation
in Roland Anderson's name
Memorial Events
for Roland Anderson
How to support Roland's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Roland Anderson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
