Roger Melin Anderson

1931 - 2025

Roger Melin Anderson of Fresno, CA, died peacefully in his home while on hospice after a long battle with Parkinson's. He was 94. Roger will be remembered as a loving husband and father, a man of integrity and intelligence, and an eminently likable friend. Roger grew up in Lake Minnetonka and St. Cloud, MN. He served in the US Navy during the Korean War, graduated from St. Cloud State University, and in 1957 earned a master's degree from New York University.

Roger came to Fresno from New York to begin his professional career at J.C. Penny. In CA, he reconnected with Phyllis Olson, and they married in 1958. Roger left retail and became a stockbroker for Dean Witter. He changed career course to commercial real estate in 1980, joining Pearson Realty and becoming Pearson's president in 1995.

Roger was a true outdoorsmen. He was an avid fisherman, duck hunter, and skier, and he enjoyed camping with family and friends. His love of skiing led to nearly 20 years as a volunteer ski patroller at China Peak Ski Resort. Roger was also very skilled with his hands. He and a friend built a family mountain cabin at Shaver Lake. Their project involved long weekends over the course of two years to complete their shared vision.

Roger was generous with his time and a man of honesty and integrity. He and Phyllis were members for many years at First Presbyterian Church, where they met lifelong friends. He was active in Rotary International and the Salvation Army. Roger was Midwestern modest and Scandinavian stoic.

Roger loved socializing, entertaining, and manning the grill for family and friend get-togethers. He was charming, quick witted and had a knack for storytelling. He was loved by friends and a respected and cherished member of his many communities.

Roger is survived by his beloved wife Phyllis, and their three children and six grandchildren: Jeff, wife Leiauna and son Rex; Kristine, husband Art and children Sam and Grace; Tom, wife Summer and daughters Ella, Lily, and Ava. Roger was preceded in death by sister Marcia and is survived by sister Gail of MN. Roger touched many lives, and his legacy will remain alive through his deep ties to family, friends, and the community.