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Richard Anderson Obituary
Anderson
WORLD RENOWNED
SURGEON PASSES AWAY
Dr. Richard Lee Anderson fought the good fight; but lost to a very aggressive cancer. Richard changed the lives he touched, and made everyone feel they were the most important person in the room. Rick gave each of his patients the time they needed, never missed a family event, if anyone had something important to ask him, he stopped and listened. He put life in the best perspective and knew what was essential and what was not.
Rick was the foundation and force for his large family. Everyone looked to him for guidance, inspiration, and safety. He loved nature, the outdoors, and sports. From mountain biking to snow skiing, he led his family to adventure and discovery. Rick was generous and loving; he left everyone he crossed paths with wealthier and inspired. He, indeed, was truly one of a kind.
Rick was the Jazz basketball team's most famous fan and supporter. He benefited Utah artists, musicians and small business owners. Rick loved Utah and donated land to the Utah Open Lands.
Dr. Richard Anderson was an award winning internationally renown eyelid and facial plastic surgeon. Dr. Anderson was honored by the Multi-Specialty Foundation for Aesthetic Surgical Excellence with a Lifetime Achievement Award for greatest contributions to facial cosmetic surgery. He received another Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011 by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He has been named "Best of the Beehive" by Salt Lake Magazine. He was honored by the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) Outstanding Contributions Award.
Dr. Anderson, a world renowned author and speaker, has published over 300 scientific journal articles, over 100 book chapters, and 3 books on eyelid, orbital and facial plastic and cosmetic surgery. He has delivered over 1,000 papers at scientific meetings and has given many honored lectureships throughout the world. He was the founder of many modern day techniques in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the eyelids and face. He has performed surgery on many dignitaries including Kings and Princes around the world.
He has been an Editorial Board member of 11 journals in the field, including Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, Archives of Ophthalmology and Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He was one of the original Botox investigators with over 30 years of experience and a Board member for the Benign Essential Blepharospasm Foundation and Orbital Society.
Professor and Chief - Division of Ophthalmic Plastic and Facial Cosmetic Surgery, University of Iowa 1976-1984 and University of Utah 1984-1999. He has trained over 100 of today's experts and Professors in Oculoplastic and Facial Surgery in this country and throughout the world.
Richard Anderson is survived by his wife of over 30 years Susan Anderson, son Mark Anderson, daughters Erin Anderson-Turney (Mike Anderer) and Sadie Hawkes (Dave), sister Marcie Fritz (Chuck), David Fritz (Kim), Anne Berns (Brent); grandchildren, Alexander and Olivia Turney, Bauer and Lily Anderson, Nadia, Tommy and Vivienne Hawkes.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in honor of Dr. Richard L. Anderson to the U of U Health Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital, https://ugive.app.utah.edu/designation/3404
Viewing - Mar 31, 2023- 6PM - 8PM - Larkin Mortuary 260 E S Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 Phone: (801) 363-5781
Funeral services - April 1, 2023 -2PM - at Larkin Mortuary 260 E S Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 Phone: (801) 363-5781
Burial - Larkin Sunset Lawn -2350 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84108 Phone: (801) 582-1582
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Anderson
Sponsored by Larkin Mortuary - Salt Lake City.
Suzanne (Tate) Ray
December 21, 2023
He was a good friend and a great surgeon. My life was brighter because I knew him.
Suzanne Tate, now Ray
December 20, 2023
He was a great surgeon and one of my favorite people.
Debbi Krum
August 13, 2023
Dr. A was exceptional in every way. A genius, I understand from everything I read and heard, but he was so down to earth with me. Yes, he "fixed" my eyes and face many years ago, but that was the beginning of a friendship with him and his family that I will always cherish. My sincere heartfelt condolences to Susan and Erin, who I was also privileged to get to know on a more personal basis, as well as to the entire family and friends who mourn his loss.
John Ramsey
June 4, 2023
I was a year behind Rick at the Univ. of Iowa medical school. He was an exceptional mentor when I was a resident in ophthalmology in Iowa city. He had a knack for teaching. I believe that I came out of my residency very well trained in Rick´s specialty. That was because Rick generously gave the residents more opportunities to assist and perform surgical procedures than I would´ve had at many another program. Because of Rick´s teachings I scored in the 98th percentile in eye plastic surgery (my best specialty score) on my written boards. What has not been said about Rick was what a great athlete he was. He played both football and baseball for Grinnell College in Iowa. By the way, when he was in college he helped his father farm near his hometown of Kellogg, IA. Rick and I often played tennis together in Iowa City. After one session of games, he did a handstand against a nearby wall and did a few push-ups in that position. If you think that´s easy try it.
John F Ramsey, M. D.
Anita Menarde
April 25, 2023
In 1998, my daughter had a rollerblade accident that broke her top orbital bone. I was with her, scared, alone, at Grand Junction Trauma Hospital. The gracious eye Dr. there, a colleague of Dr. Richardson, made a call that got me the appt. to have this fixed without having to expose the brain. I will never forget his kindness, his positivity, and his snakeskin boots as he plopped down beside me and said,"I did it", meaning he went through the eyelid, not the brain. People like him are never forgotten. Susan, you and your family were very blessed to share your life with this incredible man. God Bless
John Ramsey
April 20, 2023
I was a year behind Rick at the Univ. of Iowa medical school. He was an exceptional mentor when I was a resident in ophthalmology in Iowa city. He had a knack for teaching. I believe that I came out of my residency very well trained in Rick´s specialty. That was because Rick generously gave the residents more opportunities to assist and perform surgical procedures than I would´ve had at many another program. Because of Rick´s teachings I scored in the 98th percentile in eye plastic surgery (my best specialty score) on my written boards. What has not been said about Rick was what a great athlete he was. He played both football and baseball for Grinnell College in Iowa. By the way, when he was in college he helped his father farm near his hometown of Kellogg, IA. Rick and I often played tennis together in Iowa City. After one session of games, he did a handstand against a nearby wall and did a few push-ups in that position. If you think that´s easy try it.
John F Ramsey, M. D.
Dan Brantley
April 18, 2023
I met Dr Anderson once on the shore of his Missouri lake home. He was on his personal water craft with his dog. He was exceptionally personable and very enjoyable to chat with. He part saying we would chat again. Regrettably, that did not happen. My condolences to Dr Anderson´s family. He was both accomplished as well as personable.
Rachel Benator
April 13, 2023
What does one say about Rick Anderson...
He was larger than life and lived and loved with gusto. He had an enormous impact on the lives of so many people, especially his patients, family and friends.
To Susan and the Anderson family, wishing you comfort and peace while you grieve.
Doug Simon
April 9, 2023
He was always up for any adventure. One for the books. Thinking good thoughts for the family.
Billy Swan
April 6, 2023
I just found out about this today or would have gone to the service. So sorry for your loss. He was a great man! Stay strong!
Keyla Camacho
April 5, 2023
I worked for Dr. Anderson for many years and I always loved his happy personality. He was such an amazing boss as well as a great role model. I am
Happy I got to see him and hug him before I moved out of Salt Lake. You´re a Legend & everyone will always remember you! I am blessed to have worked by you and know you! - Keyla Mae
Jamie Ann Sanders
April 5, 2023
So sad to see, he´ll be up there cheering them on with my dad! Forever Jazz fans.
Charles D McMahon MD
April 4, 2023
RIP- Rickster! We shredded a lot of slopes together including a most memorable Heliski trip in British Columbia. It´s been a great ride! We lived in the present and lived each day like it was our last! You finished well, my friend! Chuckster aka Charles D McMahon MD
Cathy Thomas
April 3, 2023
Dr. Anderson performed a myectomy (an amazing operation which he helped pioneer) on my eyelids seven years ago to help keep my eyes open due to blepharospasm. It changed my life from being functionally blind to nearly normal again. I am so grateful for his interest in this rare condition and working so hard to find solutions to it. I always loved my appointments with him and seeing all the interesting art in his office. He will truly be missed by so many people, but the impact he had on so many lives will not be forgotten.
Mindy Hughes
April 1, 2023
I am so sorry to hear about Dr. Anderson´s passing! I truly enjoyed working with him at the Jazz and the 100 Club. He always brought so much fun around all that he did. I also loved running into him on the trail. Best wishes for your whole family. I am so sorry for your loss! Mindy Hughes
james goodwin jr
April 1, 2023
I knew Rick for many years and always considered him a good friend. He will be missed by many!!
Loretta B.
April 1, 2023
RIP Dr. Anderson. Thank you for your help. You will be missed by many. I'm so grateful to have known you and your staff.
Kimberlee Hiatt
April 1, 2023
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From: Kimberlee Hiatt
Sent: Wednesday, March 29, 2023, 5:13 PM
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Dr. Anderson was my eye surgeon for several years, starting when I was 18. My eyes were deformed from Graves' disease, leading to a lack of self-confidence and depression at a young age. He changed my life, and not a day goes by that I haven't thought about how grateful I am to him. I remember how he always wore his ostrich boots. After one of the more minor surgeries I had, where I was only under twilight anesthesia, I had a vague recollection of country music. The nurses confirmed that I had indeed been singing along to the country music Dr. Anderson listened to - even though I don't know any country music! I'm so sorry for his family's - and the world's - loss. Dr. Anderson was indeed a kind and great man.
Denise brems
April 1, 2023
Condolences to your family. Always enjoyed Doc at Jazz games, he added to the fun.
Jim and Ute Fowler
April 1, 2023
Jim and Ute Fowler
Steve Thiese
March 31, 2023
Very sad to learn of Rick's passing. To me, he will always be 'Dr. A'. I was fortunate enough to work with him at the U, where I edited many of his journal articles, book chapters, and an occasional speech. He was always introducing a new surgical technique for eyelid problems, or exploring the causes of eye diseases like blepharospasm.
He was a hard working, multi-talented, one of a kind individual, but I admired him most for the way he lived his life. I asked him once how he handled all the demands on his time. He looked me in the eye and said, "It's simple: I always try to do the right thing, if only because it's the right thing to do." His antics at Jazz games are legendary. He touched many people's lives in many different ways.
Rest in peace, Dr. A.
Anonymous
March 30, 2023
Wow....I'm so sorry for the loss of the good Dr.
I enjoyed watching him and his enthusiasm at the Jazz Games.
May he rest in peace.
Tammy Donohoo
March 29, 2023
What great doctor,he took such great care of my husband after a boating accident where his optic nerve was damaged not once but twice and was very informative as to what to expect. Such a great guy and awesome doctor.. rest in peace Doc
Dwight & Cindy Baldwin
March 29, 2023
We have great memories of sitting near Doc & Susan at Jazz games, and being a part of the Jazz 100 Club with you. Doc was always kind and very entertaining, the ultimate Jazz fan for years! We are very sorry for your loss, Susan and family
Bryan Hadley
March 29, 2023
I had the privilege to meet Dr Anderson in Cancun about 15 years ago when my wife and I were lucky enough to travel with the Jazz 100 club for a week long vacation. We went swimming in the ocean together and got banged up pretty good by the waves and the shoreline on a red flag day. An adventure indeed.
I also recall his sense of humor and how when we boarded the bus to leave the resort and head to the airport to return home he was sitting in the front and stood up and asked the group, "Is this the bus to the Chichen Itza Mayan ruins?" That was a hilarious moment and a wonderfully timed joke.
He will be missed.
Jo Ann Ekstrom
March 29, 2023
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. I will miss seeing him at Red Butte concert's.
My sincere condolences,
Lee Molen-Chase
March 29, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
The Wasatch Hills Tennis Academy has donated to Craig Neilson Rehabilitation Hospital in honoring your husband.
We love you,
Akiko H, Amy P, Thanh H, Kelly N, Chalaine W, Christie B, Sharon M, Michele W, Spencer M, Long L, Jill C, Liz C, Christina M, Nancy M, Lisa G, Renee U, Pat H, Susan D, Lee C,
Stacey O.
Craig Worthington
March 28, 2023
Many memories of attending the Jazz games sitting behind the Jazz team in uncle Wendell Ashton's seats and seeing Dr Anderson over under the Jazz Basket having fun heckling the visiting teams with his rubber chicken.....etc. I've missed it immensely! Rip Dr Anderson. Sincerely, Craig Worthington
Spencer D. Plummer
March 28, 2023
It is hard for me to accept Doc Anderson has passed. Rick was a true ironman. Full of life and boundless energy in every way. He excelled at everything. I loved our friendship over the years. The many adventurous trips, dinners, conversations and laughs together with Susan is what I will not soon forget. I can remember being cautious during a red flag posting on the beach, but it didn´t stop Rick from braving the changing current or high tide to test the lifeguards warning. This wasn't the first time either. He came back to tell the tale, but it wasn´t without needing his own services. I am certain that family and friends have dozens of Rick stories that will make us laugh and cry. I´ll sure miss the passion and energy from my friend. My heartfelt condolences to Susan and the entire Anderson family.
Margie Brunn
March 28, 2023
To the entire Anderson family, my heartfelt condolences. I´m so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed seeing him at the Jazz 100 Club.
C. William Hanke, M.D., Indianapolis, IN
March 28, 2023
I was a member of Rick"s medical school class at the University of Iowa. He was a "star" his whole life. I would see Rick periodically at medical meetings where we would both be lecturing. He was always so friendly and kind. Rick's family will have a great legacy to carry on. With deepest sympathy.
John Castellano
March 28, 2023
I have many memories of Dr. Anderson. He was seated right behind me at Jazz and for television I knew if I needed a good fan shot all I had to do was turn around and park the camera on him and he was there with his rubber chicken and other Game distraction tools. Always kind and we shared many great Jazz moments along with his wife, Susan his family and friends. A great fan but an Outstanding individual.
Morris H Kulmer
March 28, 2023
Knowing the time would come makes it no less difficult, RIP doc, my sincere condolences. Former patient Morris
Mary Ann Hughes
March 27, 2023
As much as he is missed by us Jazz fans, I know he is missed more by his family and colleagues. Condolences to all.
Jazz Fan Mary Ann
Brady
March 27, 2023
Incredible Jazz fan, a legend.
George A. Hunt
March 27, 2023
So sorry to hear of Dr. Anderson's passing. He was a legend. My condolences to his family
Emily
March 27, 2023
I´m so sorry for your loss! Sending love from me and my parents!
I´ll never forget, I was roughly 11, waiting for pre-op and he walked in wearing snake skin cowboy boots and his scrubs with wild hair.
I had a blow out orbital fracture, he saved my eyesight in that eye and left no scaring! Got excited from then on out every time we saw him on the tv at Jazz games.
Rachael
March 27, 2023
I didn´t know Rick personally but he was a staple of every jazz game I went to as a child. I remember seeing him with his rubber chicken, sign or whatever distraction he had brewing for the opposing team. I´d always heard about how brilliant he was and what a kind heart he had. This is a monumental loss for our community. Prayers and love to his family and friends. May he forever RIP.
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