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Ronald Anderson Obituary
April 9, 1940 - March 23, 2022
Tacoma, Washington - Dr. Ronald G. Anderson, M.D. April 9, 1940 – March 23, 2022
Dr. Anderson was born in Blackfoot, Idaho and grew up on his family's homestead farm in Shelley, Idaho. He graduated from Utah State University in 1962 and went on to graduate from medical school at Tulane University in 1967. He completed his residency in urology in 1973 at the University of Washington and later settled in Tacoma to start his private urology practice. He was a urologic surgeon in Tacoma for over 30 years.
He met the light of his life, Shaaron, at a wedding in Seattle. They married in 1968 and raised 4 children: Michael, Michele, Trevin and Karene. He was the proud grandfather to 7 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.
Dr. Anderson lived a full and adventurous life.. He was an Eagle Scout. He was an excellent captain of his many boats, guiding them through Puget Sound and into Canada in the summertime. He loved fishing in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, where he and Shaaron spent their winters during his retirement.
He was a pillar in the Tacoma community. His many professional achievements included being chief of the medical staff at St. Joseph Hospital and President of the Western Section of the American Urological Association. He was a proud member of the Pierce County Medical Society, Tacoma Rotary #8, where he was a Paul Harris Fellow, and The Tacoma Yacht Club. In addition, he was a member of the First Light Brigade at the downtown YMCA.
Dr. Anderson's legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone who had the honor to know him, especially his family and the medical and nursing community both in Tacoma and all around the Puget Sound area.
His family is grateful to the medical and nursing staff at Tacoma General Hospital for their expert care in his last days. We would especially like to thank nurses Charissa, Nikki and Celine for their incredible kindness.
Always humble, Dr. Anderson requested no services be held in his honor. The family will disburse his ashes into his favorite leisure place- the waters of Puget Sound. Anyone wishing to make a donation in his remembrance is encouraged to do so to the Pulse Heart Institute or a charity of their own choosing.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Anderson
Sponsored by Gaffney Funeral Home.
Derek Johnson
April 10, 2024
I wish so much that I could have sat and talked to "Doc Ron" (as I called him) before his passing. I was a cancer patient of his in 1980. It was a malignancy and he got me through it both mentally and physically. He was a very warm and caring man and he saved my life 44 yrs. ago when my expectancy was 60% to get 5 more years. I am now 72 and think of him often. The world lost a Great Man.
Elizabeth Mary Pritchard
April 3, 2023
Thinking of the family, it´s never easy to lose a loved one and someone so special, just want all of you to know, Ron was a wonderful guy and will never be forgotten. Sending hugs your way, Liz & Harry Pritchard
Tony Forte, MD
April 2, 2023
An Amazing man. An exceptional surgeon. It was a pleasure working with him.
The Heacox and Lester family
July 6, 2022
So sorry to hear of Ron´s passing. He was a wonderful guy and his obituary and comments from his friends, co-workers and all described him very well. We always loved having him as a friend and as a dental patient. He was very special in every way and he will be missed by all who knew him!
Joan Reynolds
May 4, 2022
Dear Trevin,
This notice just came up on my computer about your Dad.
I'm sorry i didnt respond sooner to offer my prayers and sympathy as you mourn his loss. I just received this notice.
Blessings
,Joan
Dick and Judy Baerg
May 1, 2022
Ron and I came to Tacoma to practice medicine at almost the same time and over the next thirty years built a wonderful and trusting relationship with each other. He was blessed with the ability to do the least that was necessary to fix a problem, to have compassion that never failed and the calming demeaner that made all who came to know him, love him. Our community has truly lost a wonderful man.
Darlene Cooper
April 30, 2022
DR. ANDERSON WAS MY DOCTOR WHEN I HAD KS SURGERY. HE WAS ALWAYS CALM AND VERY LOVING. I AM SURE HIS PATIENTS MUST HAVE FELT THE SAME WAY ABOUT HIM,
.HE HAD THE MOST POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND CARING WAYS . HE NEVER MADE ME ANXIOUS BEFORE SURGERY
AND WOULD COME IN AND SEE ME BEFORE HE BEGAN.
I AM SO SICK THAT HE PASSED. HE HAD A BIG HEART AND SOUL,,,INM SHORT HE WAS THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!
charles hansen
April 17, 2022
Doctor Anderson holds a hero's place in our hearts.
He performed major surgery on me with very little notice. That was 20 years ago!
Godspeed to him and God's comfort to his family.
Penny Jones
April 13, 2022
Dr. Anderson was a wonderful man and physician. I worked with him for 10 years and we never had a disagreement or hard word between us. He and Shaaron were more like friends than bosses. They raised wonderful children together and I grieve for them all in their loss. He will be missed.
Judy Hollinger
April 12, 2022
I am very saddened to read of Dr. Anderson´s passing. Years ago he was a patient at the dental practice where I worked. He was so warm and personable and always greeted me by my name. I always looked forward to seeing him. He was a wonderful, warm and genuinely kind man. Rest In Peace, Dr. Anderson
Patty Cooper-Shiro
April 12, 2022
I am so saddened by this news of Dr. Anderson´s passing. I worked with him at St. Joseph. I worked night shift 11-7, one morning they asked me to stay to do a case with Dr. Anderson. He saw me in the room and said "there she is, they can do girl! I know I´m in good hands Pat, you work nights, you can do it all!" I´ll never forget him, I moved back to Illinois 21 years ago, he´ll go down as one of my favorites to have worked with. He will be missed by all.
Anthony J. Forte
April 12, 2022
What a terrific man! An outstanding surgeon. Always a pleasure to work with him.
Karyl Martin (Mrs. William H. Martin)
April 12, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of Dr Anderson's passing. He was a valued colleague of my late husband and myself and for many years, a true friend. Dr. Anderson was a pleasure to work with over my 26 years at St. Joseph Hospital. He will be truly missed by the medical community. Prayers and condolences to his family.
Jan Stone
April 12, 2022
Always a pleasure to work with Dr.Anderson. Although it´s been many years he was a favorite to work with.
Janice Dawson
April 9, 2022
It was a great nursing experience to work for Dr. Ron Anderson for 15 years. He was a pleasure and a wonderful teacher to work with! My heart is saddened for his family and the great loss they must feel! God bless you all as you navigate your loss!
April Winter
April 8, 2022
Deepest sympathy to his family. He was a wonderful doctor. Did two major surgeries on me and made me feel so cared for. Thank you all for sharing his gift.
Liz & Harry Pritchard
April 8, 2022
We were so sorry to hear about Dr. Anderson, he was a wonderful man and very generous. Cherish all your wonderful memories. Thinking of the family at this difficult time.
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