Robert Eric "Bob" Anderson

Anderson, Robert "Bob" Eric: Robert "Bob" Eric Anderson was born September 24, 1937 and passed away peacefully on April 9, 2024 after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. Robert was predeceased by his wife Doris Jean (Little) Anderson, his twin brothers Ronald and Donald Anderson; sister, Joan Caroline (Anderson) Corson;, parents Lilja Linnea (Groenberg); and Eric Edwin Anderson (Skytte). He is survived by his two children, Richard Anderson, and Catherine Anderson. His two grandchildren, Bennett and Maxwell Anderson, and nieces, nephews, and cousins. Robert's beginnings were humble. His father emigrated from Finland at age 19 whereupon he worked as one of the many Finnish lumberjacks in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Robert's father then worked as a meat packer for Canada Packers, working his way up to management as a foreman at the Toronto plant. His mother emigrated with her parents from Helsinki, Finland. Robert was born in Toronto. He participated in many sports, hockey, football, swimming, and was also involved with music. He had his own band as a teenager where he played clarinet, saxophone, and accordion. He excelled in academics, skipping two grades in public school. After graduating from Danforth Tech in Toronto, he went on to graduate in 1959 from the University of Toronto near the top of his class in Mechanical Engineering. Robert returned to U of T mid-career where he graduated from a two-year Master of Civil Engineering program in one year. Robert had an exciting career, which took him all over the world. He eventually became a vice president of an international engineering firm, and ended his career working as a consulting engineer from his home. He enjoyed his retirement in Kelowna, BC where he and his late wife fostered many special friendships from his schooldays, career and as a new-comer in Kelowna. He engaged in a variety of social groups and activities. Favorites were wine tasting, the Round Table luncheons and meeting with friends one on one for good conversation. He also revisited his musical talents where he took up piano and played beautifully. Robert exemplified the true character of a Finn which encompasses diligence, integrity and Sisu, which is the Finnish construct of resilience, determination, mettle, and stubbornness. Robert will be missed by his family and many friends. He will be laid to rest with his wife at Kelowna Municipal Cemetery.