Roger Dean Anderson

A Life Well Lived

Roger Anderson was a hardworking man, a generous friend, a devoted family man, and a natural storyteller. He had a big personality, a love for life, and a way of making people feel welcome. If you spent any time with Roger, chances are you heard a story—usually concluded with his familiar words, “True story.”

Roger's work ethic began long before his first official job. Growing up in Lamont, he started helping his mother pick cotton at just seven years old. By ten, he was finding ways to earn his own money, gathering potatoes left behind in harvested fields to sell, and even hunting wasp nests in the desert to sell to neighborhood fishermen. He was up at four in the morning moving sprinkler pipes in the alfalfa fields before heading off to school. Hard work wasn't something Roger learned later in life; it was simply who he was.

After attending Lamont Elementary, Mt. View Junior High, and while attending Arvin High School, Roger began working at Tops Cafe at fourteen as a dishwasher and busboy. It was there that Kenny Vibe, owner of County Fair Market, recognized his potential and encouraged him to join the grocery business. At fifteen, Roger began what would become a lifelong career at County Fair Market in Lamont. Under Kenny's mentorship, he developed the skills and work ethic that would eventually lead him and his brother, Mike Anderson, to take over the market.

Roger loved the grocery business, but more than anything, he loved the people. His customers became friends, and his employees became part of an extended family. He believed in giving back to the community that had supported him, generously contributing to local churches, schools, and youth sports programs. He also gave young people something just as valuable: an opportunity. Many who worked for Roger returned years later to thank him for teaching them the value of hard work and responsibility. His impact on the community went far beyond the walls of his market.

Roger eventually went on to own Foodland Market on Morning Drive with his brother Mike, where he continued doing what he loved until retirement. Retirement brought a new chapter filled with two of his favorite things: golf and travel.

An athlete throughout his life, Roger played varsity baseball at Arvin High School and was one of Bakersfield's best fast-pitch softball shortstops. He spent seven years playing in the A Open Division with the Papa John's softball team, sometimes playing as many as 130 games in a year. He made lifelong friendships along the way and carried his love of sports throughout his life.

Golf became another great passion. Roger loved spending time on the course with his brothers and friends, and after joining Seven Oaks Country Club nearly twenty years ago, he found

another community that became like family. The family is especially grateful to the members and staff of Seven Oaks for the friendship, camaraderie, and happiness they brought him over the years.

Above all, Roger loved his family. He was a loving husband, father, brother, and uncle whose generosity, stories, laughter, and larger-than-life personality will be deeply missed. He leaves behind a legacy not measured simply by the businesses he built or the work he accomplished, but by the people he helped, the opportunities he gave, the friendships he made, and the happiness he left behind.

Roger is survived by his beloved wife, Gayla Anderson; daughter, Nicole Anderson; son, Scott Anderson; brothers, Michael Anderson and Tim Anderson; sister, Myrna Anderson; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Landford and Tola Anderson, and his brothers, Zane, Stan, Alan, and Wayne Anderson.

Memorial Services

Monday, November 16, 2026

Hillcrest Memorial Park 9101 Kern Canyon Road Bakersfield, CA

● Viewing: 1:00–1:30 p.m. in the Chapel

● Funeral Service: 2:00–3:00 p.m. at the Pavilion

Celebration of Life 3:30 p.m. Seven Oaks Country Club – Ballroom 2000 Grand Lakes Ave Bakersfield, CA 93311

Family and friends are invited to join in celebrating Roger's life and sharing the stories and memories that made him so special.