Owen Andrew Andersen

1924 - 2016

May 1, 1924 - February 15, 2016 Owen Andrew "Andy" Andersen passed away peacefully in his home on February 15, 2016. Son of Ivan Reed Andersen and Edna Susan Mead, Andy was born in Des Moines, Iowa on May 1, 1924. He studied industrial engineering and architecture at the University of California, Santa Barbara and University of Southern California. He served in the U.S. Navy on USS Saugus during World War II (1943-1946) and was honored with the Victory Medal WW2. Andy spent most of his career at Ralph Parsons (1956-87) as a Materials Engineer. He served as a full time volunteer at the American Red Cross for the next 17 years. He worked so diligently and unselfishly, that the American Red Cross attempted to reclassify him as a paid employee. When he refused, they named him Volunteer of the Year. Andy loved life: he was an avid traveler, accomplished photographer, and excellent cook. He was an enthusiastic storyteller and brought joy and wisdom to every conversation he joined. He had a wonderful, teasing-oriented sense of humor. He was a loving and devoted husband to and is survived by Margaret Andersen. He was also a caring uncle to and is survived by Mary Bray, Catherine Stepan, Judy Stepan-Norris, Theresa Couvrey, Meg Wilson, Sandy Haugen, Rick Andersen, and Keith Andersen. Andy was loved by many; his memory will remain in our hearts forever. Funeral services will be held at Riverside National Cemetery on Thursday, February 25th at 10:30. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Red Cross.