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BORN
1947
DIED
2020
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Peter Anderson Obituary
October 24, 1947 - December 30, 2020
Peter Rafael Anderson, of Sacramento, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2020.
Born on October 24, 1947, Peter was the son of the late Elmer Harold and Joan Katherine (Treacy) Anderson of Greenbrae.
In addition to his parents, Peter was predeceased by his sister Patty Weber and niece Valerie Calegari. Peter is survived by his former wife and close friend, Kathleen Campbell of Novato, their sons, Ryan "Gabe" (Jennifer) Anderson of Saratoga Springs, NY and Peter Jr. (Sierra) Anderson of Sacramento; and three beloved grandchildren, Grace, Finn, and Eichler Anderson. He is also survived by siblings Michael (Suellen Miller) Anderson of San Anselmo, Tracy (Andy) Armanino of Capitola, Joseph Anderson of S. Lake Tahoe, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Peter graduated from St. Joseph's High School in Mountain View in 1965 and earned a B.A. in Philosophy from St. Patrick's College in Menlo Park in 1969. Peter then entered California politics, organizing two U.S. Senate races.
From 1976 through 1980, he wrote a column for the Pacific Sun. In 1978, he became a daily columnist for The Sacramento Union, covering an array of controversial issues, humorous musings and celebrity interviews. In 1985, he returned to Marin to write a similar daily column for the Marin Independent Journal. In 1990, he wrote 100 Faces of Marin, a book profiling Marin luminaries, then followed it with a 2004 edition.
Peter spent his remaining years writing dozens of articles and books on topics ranging from celebrities to unsung heroes, mentoring, alcoholism and drug addiction. A gifted writer who excelled at bringing out the best in everyone he interviewed, he brought wit, insight, and empathy to his colorful human interest stories. His words affected many lives. He dedicated his life to social justice and telling stories with profound insight, compassion, and a sense of humor. He never missed a deadline.
Peter lived for his family. He was an extraordinarily loving and supportive father and grandfather, an avid SF Giants and 49ers fan, and an unbeatable Scrabble player.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to 916ink.org. Memories of Peter may be shared via HarryANauman.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Peter Anderson
Sponsored by Harry A. Nauman & Son.
5 Entries
John Mounier
December 31, 2023
Great writers are few. We all miss Peter's fine prose and the style in his words.
John Mounier
San Francisco & Los Angele
Michael
January 20, 2022
I didn't know Peter, but I had to look him up online since I came across a video of Sammy Davis Jr singing Jerry Jeff Walker song Mr. Bojangles. Apparently, Peter got to know Sammy while he lived in Northern CA so I can only imagine the stories he must of had. Peter must have been a damn good man if Sammy rang him when he came through town. I knew Peter Anderson must of had some damn good stories.
Anne Da Vigo
January 20, 2021
Peter was a fun, outgoing man who wrote readable, witty columns about Sacramento.
Tom O’Connell
January 7, 2021
Pete drafted me onto the Bears Athletic teams at St. Joe’s College Seminary. I always considered him the coolest, classiest guy I knew.
He was a Champion Guy. My condolences to the Anderson Clan
John Mounier
January 7, 2021
Peter's writing was witty and pointed. It was a pleasure to read his columns. John Mounier
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