Anderson Andy N. Rawlinson

Anderson, affectionately known as “Andy” by his many friends and family, passed over into the Promised Land to be with his Lord on Sunday, March 18, 2012. Andy was a singer, entertainer, retired square dance caller and the beloved husband of wife Shirley.

Andy was born in York, South Carolina on December 4, 1926 to Ernest and Fanny Rawlinson as one of nine siblings in a family filled with love, laughter and family traditions. He shared many stories of his family’s deep affection for one another and the abiding love that kept them close in times both good and bad while living in the South in that era. Welcoming him into Heaven are his parents and all of his siblings.

He was a proud Veteran of World War II, serving in the European theatre. After the war, he moved to Washington, DC, working in the Pentagon for a time, and then moving west to California where he lived for many years and began his 35-year profession as a square dance caller, calling in many clubs across the US and making friends wherever he went. He was also hired as the Caller for an organization called the Young Ambassadors during which time this group sponsored 16 teenagers for a square dance exhibition tour of various countries in Europe. Around 1995, he and his then wife Margie decided to move to Salem, Oregon where he continued to call for square dance clubs across Oregon. Here, he became interested in karaoke as an additional medium of entertainment and thus became a KJ at Salem Elks and other fraternal clubs and special events. During this time, he entertained many with his rich velvet voice which various individuals, including his wife Shirley, described as rivaling that of Frank Sinatra, Nat “King” Cole, Bobby Darin and other greats of the entertainment industry. His talent was versatile, ranging from standards, ballads, pop and country, all of which he carried off with a wonderful stage presence and happy enthusiasm. He was happiest when he was entertaining others.

Andy and wife Shirley met in 2004 and were inseparable, marrying in July of 2007 and together they spent many happy hours singing together and practicing for musical events they performed at various engagements. They travelled to San Antonio, TX in 2006 where he was one of the callers at his last of many previous Square Dance National Conventions. He also earned his Certificate of Achievement from the American Callers Association for 35 years of teaching, calling and promoting square dancing.

Andy is survived by his loving wife, Shirley, stepdaughters Linda Abel, Salem, OR, and Melody Low (Darwin) Bend, OR, step granddaughters Jacque Largent, Salem, and Stacy Coonrod, Medford and step grandson Lonny Rosa of Bend , all of which he considered his own. He was also a pet parent to the couple’s Lhasa Apsos, Sassy and Chrissy. He was a member of the Salem Elks, Salem Eagles and former member of Capitol Callers & Cuers of Salem, OR. A memorial service will be held Friday, March 23, 2 pm at Howell-Edwards-Doerksen Funeral Home. Condolences at www.HED-FH.com.