Howard Irvine Anderson

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Howard Anderson Obituary

Howard Irvine Anderson, 72, of Afton, died at the Augusta Medical Center on December 16, 2005. Born October 27, 1933 in Afton, Va., he was the son of the late Harry R. Anderson and Maggie Plunkett Anderson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Cecilia Matthews Anderson; three brothers, James David "J.D", Harry Philmore "Phil" and Willard O. "Bill"; and one sister, Alma Virginia Barrett. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He is survived by three sons, Mark Anderson and his wife, Karin of Great Falls, Va., Michael Anderson and his wife, Lisa of Chesterfield, Va., and Philmore Anderson and his wife, Jennifer of Arlington, Va.; one sister, Ruth Barrett of Crozet, Va.; one brother, Samuel Anderson of Waynesboro, Va.; nine grandchildren, Alexandra, Sarah, Heath, Cecilia, Nathaniel, P.J., Parker, Samantha and Bobby; and a host of nieces and nephews. He graduated from Rockfish Valley High School, served in the U.S. Air Force for four years, and graduated from the School of Engineering at the University of Virginia in 1963. He was employed at Dupont as an electrical engineer in Richmond, Virginia, and at Fluor Daniel as a principle electrical engineer. He retired to his family's homeplace in Afton in 1992. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, December 19, 2005 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Crozet, Va. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 at Hebron Baptist Church in Afton. Interment will follow in the church cemetery, with Rev. John Campbell officiating. Anderson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Dec. 18, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Howard Anderson

13 Entries

Nancy Anderson

January 17, 2006

He was more than my uncle, he was my friend and pal. I'll never forget our trips to Virginia Beach for Blue Angel air shows, however the trip was not complete unless he went to the dinner buffet at Captain George's seafood restaurant! I will miss his laughter and love, and his entertaining stories, but they will remain with me always, as he will, in my heart.

Phyllis Parsons

January 17, 2006

I could not always make it to the Anderson family renunions but I always got a full report of the tales Howard would spin of the family members and the happenings in the area. Certainly he was the family raconteur. One of my favorite stories I did hear him tell was of the time Grandma Andy (otherwise known as Ma to the Indiana crowd) and Aunt Bess got a little "toasty" on the apple cider. He could tell tales that had you crying with laughter. We will all miss that at future gatherings. No one can take his place but we do need to continue the sharing of stories.

John Kendall Barrett

January 17, 2006

In my 47 years on this earth, I have compiled a short list of men that I truly admire and respect. My uncle Howard Anderson holds a place high on that list. His ability to engage those around him, no matter their status or place, is uncommon- the grace to allow others to be themselves is a rare and precious trait. Howard's ability to face adversity (the loss of his dear wife, and later his health and wealth, to a degree!) and still maintain his family with wit, sense of humor, and joy of life was amazing. He will be sorely missed by our entire family, and I count it a privelege to have known this man.

Philmore Anderson

January 17, 2006

My Dad was a special man. More special than I even totally realized growing up and more so even now in his death.

He was a unique blend of heart, strength, caring and tough love. He was about family and right and wrong as he saw it.

He loved people and shared himself with many.

As his son, I learned to respect and care for others and myself; To love my family; To have and enjoy friendships; To be who I am, not what others want me to be; To take a stand and be willing to be judged by what you believe in; To forgive AND forget; To respect your history and be faithful to it..and to enjoy a good laugh and story. Last, I learned to love that patch of dirt called the "homeplace" and will hold it special and pass that gift on to my kids.

Some of the above I did not fully learn until his death, although I was well on the journey to learn it while he was alive. For me, his death was the final lesson to cement these things in my life going forward.

I also appreciate the value and love of the Anderson Clan. You are all very special people.

I look forward to years of picking up where Dad left off..

I love you Dad. Say hi to Mom for me.

Martha Flippo Hamlet

January 15, 2006

My dear Howard: I have so often thought of you and wondered how and where you were - we had some good times when growing up - and Mom (who died July 2005) told the story of you bringing her the pet baby skunks many times - we so enjoyed Hebron and summers with all of you. Loved your guitar playing and thanks for allowing me to learn to ride your bike - boy, was I sore after practicing off the hill all afternoon. We love you - may you rest in peace with Cecilia. Your second cousin Martha "Jack"

Lloyd Ewing

January 13, 2006

As one who has married into the family I truly felt welcomed at any time of our visits to his home. I really came to know him better during the last few years when he moved to the "old" place; the area where the family reunions were held.

I enjoyed the opportunity to be able to help with the needed chores or assist with any of the projects requiring more than one hand. When 2 engineer types were working out the solution to a problem .... let's just say there's more than one way to skin the cat. We always got a laugh at our ideas. He'll truly be missed in the years to come.

Alex Nagy

January 12, 2006

When I heard the sad news that day, I said the following prayer...

"Dear Lord, please welcome Howard Anderson into your fold. Fair warning Lord, prepare to be charmed...".

My thoughts and prayers go out to his Family.

Bink Ewing

January 12, 2006

He will be missed by many. How can you describe someone who has always been there for the Anderson Clan? He was strong, funny, kind, caring, and a gentle giant. I loved him immensely. Over the years he grew dearer and dearer to me. He was always glad to see and hear from me. He could debate with the best of them. We've had many good laughs together. I will miss his "bear hugs". Even though I was his niece, he treated me like a daughter. I am glad my son had the pleasure of knowing him for 28 years. Although he was about 15 years older than I, he could relate to me and my sisters' on an equal level. He enjoyed being with us and going on trips with us. We have indeed lost one of the rocks of our family.

K Spires

January 4, 2006

I heard about Howard's antics for years before I had the pleasure of meeting him in person last spring. Two of his nieces and I took a quick trip to Virginia to show me the beautiful country and to meet the characters of their family. Howard made you feel at home instantly, you felt like you'd known him all your life. He was funny, pleasant, sincere, gentle and caring (and could make a great chicken dish). He was by no means a push over. He could stand his ground. But he loved life, his family and their history. He touched my heart and will never be forgotten. He was a joy of a man.

Patt Sheahan

December 27, 2005

We called him "Uncle Babycakes" -- we had such wonderful times with Uncle Howard. He was always up for fun and enjoyed spending time with his extended family. Our trips to Sanibel that included "bad movie night" and a crab-eating challenge with his grand-niece will be greatly missed. We lost a star in our galaxy.

Jude Wood

December 23, 2005

He was my uncle and my friend, a joy to be with. He was a remaining part of my mother (his sister), and I will miss him greatly--his laughter, his sense of humour, and his kindness.

ron lefrancois

December 19, 2005

My condolences to the Anderson family. Sincerely,

Michael Dennis

December 18, 2005

Wishing everyone peace at this time. I also wish I could have met Howard. He sounded like a great guy to be around.

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