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EDWARD ANDERSON Obituary

ANDERSON--Edward L. Jr. 83, of La Jolla, CA, formerly of Princeton, NJ on Thursday, February 9, 2012. The cause was stomach cancer. A partner with Tweedy Browne from 1968 until 1983, Ed was an original member of "The Graham Group" with Warren Buffett and took pleasure in the group's annual gatherings and learning from each of the individuals. Ed was active in the field of behavior analysis, human sexuality and childhood education and wants to be remembered for disseminating the research based therapies of Dr. O. Ivar Lovaas for autistic children and as a co-founder of Headsprout, Inc. an education technology company that has taught hundreds of thousands of children to read and was acquired by Newell/Rubbermaid in 2011. A graduate of the University of Chicago, Ed served as President of the Alumni Association and received the University's Alumni Citation Award in 1992. Ed received his doctorate in chemistry from Washington State University in 1952 and worked for the Atomic Energy Commission prior to his investment career. Ed is survived by his partner of 34 years, Joan Elizabeth Parsons. He was predeceased by his wife, Shirley Smith Anderson and is survived by their two beloved sons, David Warren Anderson and his wife Deirdre (Cavanaugh) Anderson of Hingham, MA, Steven Bradley Anderson and his wife, Jennifer (Bork) Anderson of Davis, CA and five grandchildren. A Celebration of Ed's life will take place the weekend of July 20, 2012 at the Chautauqua Institution. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to the Chautauqua Foundation at P.O Box 28, Chautauqua, NY 14722.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Feb. 12, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
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Carl Binder

February 7, 2022

Ed was a good man who shared his good fortune with causes he valued. Since his passing, I often think about how he contributed to important things in my own field, of applied behavior science, when he consistently funded the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies, or helped to launch Headsprout Early Reading. He was generous, wise, and compassionate. And, of course, he had that unforgettably resonant voice!

Peter Fontanes

October 16, 2012

My heart is sad but it is because I did not take the time to search for him earlier. I wanted to thank him for changing my life in ways he could not have imagined. His family should know that if you need to measure the value of his existence, you should start with his help in pointing me in the right direction toward a life full of wonder and magic. He inspired me to seek a higher level of life awareness while promoting a quiet wisdom through knowedge.

William Florida

July 2, 2012

Ed Anderson was deeply interested in other people and full of spirit for his own very good arguments and ideas. He was an independent thinker who cared greatly about others. And he was a lot of fun to be with. I miss Ed.

Rob Friedman

February 20, 2012

Ed was one of the first people I consulted when switching into the investment world, and it was his suggestion I check out Mutual Shares. I'm grateful he did. Twenty years later we caught up at the Stage Deli, and he was as spry and direct as always. Thanks, Ed, and rest in peace.

Charlie Catania

February 15, 2012

Behavior analysis has lost a wonderful friend and a marvelous colleague. Some students who come to behavior analysis find it easy; others struggle with it. It was our great good fortune that Ed was one of the former. He impressed me even in my earliest encounters with him at CCBS and ABAI. In a description that these days seems out of vogue, he was truly a gentleman and a scholar. We will all miss him.

Carl Binder

February 14, 2012

A truly generous and caring man, Ed's contributions were astounding, not only his formal contributions but also the many, many connections that he facilitated between people whom he thought could do one another and the world some good. I will always remember him for his resonant deep voice, his friendly smile, and well-considered comments and questions concerning whatever was being discussed at the moment.

Judy Stowe

February 14, 2012

His enormous contributions to behavior analysis, the Cambridge Center, and the preservation of our behavioral heritage will be sorely missed. I hope we can all carry on his commitment. He will be sorely missed.

Eric Larsson

February 14, 2012

One man who accomplished so much. Our own research and treatment program was greatly enhanced by his work.

Jack Marr

February 14, 2012

This is a stunning and terrible loss to behavior analysis. His enormous energy, creativity, and dedication seemed timeless; it is difficult to imagine his absence. My condolences to his family.
Jack Marr

Steven Erickson

February 14, 2012

As a mentor, Ed passed to me is financial wisdom; as a friend, he taught me what is truly important in life and how to make the best of the time we have on earth; in his death, he showed me the beauty of leaving this world with "no regrets." He will be with me forever. Thank you for everything Ed. I loved you dearly--as did many.

Peter Killeen

February 13, 2012

Only known him from his good works; wish i had in person. Salute!

Sigrid Glenn

February 13, 2012

Ed's contagious enthusiasm will be remembered with delight and his many contributions with gratitude. I will miss him.

Rebekah Pavlik

February 13, 2012

A lovely smile of your face as you always had worn. A tear sheds thinking of your kindness.

Jane Parsons

February 13, 2012

Celebrating a life well lived. In fond memory of a wonderful person.

Jane Parsons (Bill's Mom)

Julian Anderson

February 12, 2012

Having gone to college with both David and Steve, I had the pleasure of knowing Ed personally for the past 25 years. Over many long nights, no topic was considered too esoteric, from conservation biology to close-up magic, and everything in between. Ed was a magnificent man, and a formative influence on my life - a true example of how intellectual curiosity shapes our life, no matter what profession we choose. A true renaissance man. He will be greatly missed.

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