1926
2017
John David Anderson died peacefully on Sunday, May 21st, attended by his wife. Andy was born on Christmas Eve to William E. Anderson, an agricultural chemist, and Norma C. Anderson, a social worker. He grew up in New England. During WWII, he trained as a Navy pilot and attended St. Mary's and Trinity Colleges. After the war, he attended Harvard, graduating in 1949 and obtaining a Masters from the Harvard Graduate School of Design in 1952. But more importantly, he married Florence Van Dyke ("Flodie"). He and Flodie then went west, driving their car "Horrors" to Denver, where the fast-growing city presented both architectural opportunities and a place to raise a family with a fabulous mountain backdrop. In 1960 he struck out on his own, founding Anderson Architects, and began to design buildings around the mountain West. The firm eventually became Anderson Mason Dale in the early 1980s. A strong proponent of energy conservation and sustainable design (even prior to the coining of the phrase), his firm designed Front Range Community College, the largest solar-heated building in the world (at the time) in the early 1970s. He appeared as a lecturer and panelist on sustainable building design throughout the United States and in the United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa, and Finland. He was also a delegate to the World Energy Congress in New Delhi in 1983. Andy was the long-time chair of the Lower Downtown (LoDo) Design Review Board, overseeing the renewal of this historic district in which his office was embedded, a block from Union Station. For over 40 years, he was a leader in the architectural community both locally and nationally. He advocated inclusivity in the profession, supporting women in architecture, and leading by example. He became a fellow of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in 1980, was awarded the AIA Western Mountain Region's Silver Medal in 1984 and was named AIA Colorado Architect of the Year in 1987. In 2001, Andy was elected President of the AIA, and traveled extensively advocating for sustainable design and modernizing the role of architects in society. Andy and Flodie forged a remarkable partnership over 66 years of marriage. Flodie supported the firm as secretary in the early years. Through the League of Women Voters, she became involved in transportation issues in Denver and Colorado. In 2004, Andy and Flodie jointly received the Dana Crawford Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation. They traveled to global destinations but were most proud of climbing all of Colorado's 14ers together. The feat culminated with a climb of Capitol Peak in 1990 in the company of family and friends. Their collaboration and lifetime partnership in all things is a model to all who knew them. Andy is survived by Flodie, their two sons Robert (Suzanne) and David (Nanon), four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. All will miss him dearly for his humility, gentle humor, and his clear-eyed support. He was a gentleman in all ways, a model human being. Andy himself summed it best recently, raising his baseball cap and stating, "it's been a wonderful life". His life will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 31st. A service at Park Hill Congregational Church, 2600 Leyden St., Denver 80207 (one of his first buildings) begins at 1 pm for his family, co-workers, and friends. This will be followed by an informal public reception at the Denver Botanical Gardens from 3:30-6:30 pm, where all are encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be served. In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest contributions to the Architectural Education Foundation AIA Colorado (AEF) (specify the John Anderson Scholarship), or a favorite charity.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by The Denver Post.
What a GREAT MAN. Andy gave me an opportunity to work at his firm, Anderson, Barker, Rinker & Associates.
He instilled in me to ALWAYS see a project through. Andy and Flodie were like family to me.
Irena Anderson-Webster
November 21, 2018
I can just imagine Andy and Warren causing a bit of mischief together up there in Heaven. Our love to you all at this sad time.
Martha Giffin O'Donnell
June 16, 2017
Andy was an early and important role model in the early years of my career in architecture at Anderson Architects and Anderson Mason Dale in the mid 1980's. I will be forever grateful for that opportunity and for the gentle wisdom, humor and grace that Andy so well displayed on a daily basis. My sincere condolences to his family and to everyone who knew this fine man. A wonderful life indeed!
Kevin Jensen
June 9, 2017
Flodie, Rob and Dave, The entire Giffin Family is saddened by your loss.
Lisa Hasko
Friend
June 8, 2017
Dearest Flodie and family,
Our most sincere condolences for your loss. Bob & I had so much respect for John. Bob found him to be an exceptional architect, leader and role model for the profession, and he treasured the time spent in design collaboration, and informally with John over the years.
Due to other commitments we unfortunately were not able to attend the service or reception, but please know that you and he have been in our thoughts during this difficult time.
We hope to see you in the near future and to then give you a big hug, and share our fond remembrances with you.
With love and friendship,
Candace and Bob Schnautz
Candace Schnautz
June 5, 2017
Dear Flodie,
My condolences to you and your family on your loss. Your husband was a Navy and college friend of my father, Charles Stratton. I found your husband's obituary while looking for your address to share with you the news of my own father's death on Tuesday, May 30. It's uncanny to discover that their lives both ended within such a short space. Reading your husband's obituary offers me better understanding of the common interests and experiences they shared that helped shape them both into such accomplished and caring community leaders. I hope that the legacy of a life well-lived offers you and your family a generous measure of comfort and peace along with the sorrow.
I am including a link to the obituary for my own father: http://millerfuneralhomes.com/tribute/details/2533/Charles-Stratton/obituary.html#tribute-start
Amelia Stratton-Smith
June 4, 2017
Dear Flodie & family,
We were so sorry to hear of John's passing. His obituary is lovely & shows what a full,
meaningful life he had. It sounds as though it truly was "A wonderful life!"
Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Fondly,
Brenda & Fred Wanger
(Barbara Kieswetter's sister & brother in law)
May 30, 2017
John was one of my first mentors as I entered the nonprofit world at Denver AIA and such a caring and kind man.
A true gentleman.
Prayers and thoughts to his family. May he rest in peace.
Betsy Boudreau
May 30, 2017
I am sure he will be greatly missed, our condolences to your family.
Barbara and Mark Davies
May 29, 2017
John was an exceptional friend, leader and architect. It is an honor to have known him and he will be missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with Flodie and him family,
Randy Lavigne
May 27, 2017
While only meeting John on rare occasions each one was memorable. An intelligent, sensitive, and dignified human being. I was privileged to know him. Sincere condolences to his many friends and his family.- Lance Jay Brown
May 25, 2017
John was not only a very talented architect
but an outstandingly "gentle man".
His leadership at The American Institute
of Architects attests to this.
May his time as President of the AIA
serve as an example to future leaders.
I feel very fortunate that our paths
crossed for a brief moment.
My sympathies to Flodie and his children.
Susan Maxman
May 25, 2017
Andy was a gentleman, a compassionate leader, an outstanding architect, and a citizen of the first order. What a role model he was to his beloved profession and the AIA.
Randy Vosbeck
May 25, 2017
What a wonderful life John and Flodie shared together. Much to celebrate!
Adrienne & Bruce Glenn
May 25, 2017
Andy was an exceptional man, mentor, and professional. My sincere condolences to the Anderson family.
Seth Rosenman
May 24, 2017
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more