Richard Lee Anderson, son of Albert Gustav and Elsie Catherine (Lager) Anderson, passed peacefully on July 21, 2018 at the age of 85. Born in Astoria, Oregon, Richard graduated from Port Orford High School in Port Orford, Oregon in 1950 and completed his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Washington in 1954. After completing his Ph.D. in microbiology at the U.W., he accepted a faculty position in Michigan State University’s Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, where he researched and taught for his entire career and was granted the honor of Professor Emeritus after his retirement.
Richard is survived by his sister Eloise St. George and her husband Philip St. George. He was preceded in death by his nephew Doran Conklin and is survived by nephews Dane Conklin and Sean Raymond St. George, niece Darlene Rompogren and her husband Michael, great-nephews James Conklin and Brandon Conklin, great-nieces Heather Ackaert, Joscelyn Rompogren, and Justina Rompogren, as well as several great-great nephews and nieces.
A huge MSU fan, Richard enjoyed watching Spartan sports, rejoicing over every win and discussing game statistics with other proud fans. He also derived great joy from playing the clarinet in the Meridian Community Band. He took pride in his yard and garden as well, and devoted much time to their care.
Richard was a true renaissance man, an accomplished scientist who loved music; in fact, Michigan State University offers not only a biochemistry and molecular biology research prize but also a clarinet scholarship in his honor. A researcher who derived great satisfaction from teaching, Richard said in an article in the MSU Format in 1968 that “our job is to educate students as well as to do research,” and with numerous articles published in scholarly journals as well as accolades from former students, Professor Richard Anderson succeeded in both of these in an exemplary way.
A graveside service will take place on August 4 at 1:00 PM at Ocean View Cemetery in Astoria, Oregon. Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary in Astoria, Oregon is in charge of arrangements. Please sign our online guest book at www.caldwellsmortuary.com. Memorial contributions can be made to the Professor Richard L. Anderson Endowed Undergraduate Research Prize at Michigan State University or the Prof. Richard L. Anderson Endowed Scholarship in Clarinet at Michigan State University.
Local arrangements by Gorsline Runciman East Lansing.
