Richard Eugene Anderson of Redding, born Jan. 16, 1930 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to the late Delmar and Mildred (Peterson) Anderson died Feb. 21.
Mr. Anderson was predeceased by his wife Janine Onimus “Caroline.” He is survived by his sister Karen (Pat) Farmer, his nephews Tom and Steven, his first wife Jean, his sons Richard (Olga) and Robert and two daughters Susan and Linda (Stan) and 12 grandchildren (Michelle, Andrew, Richard, Shannon, Laurel, Jessica, Erica, Robert, Spencer, Lauren, Remy and Eric) and two great granddaughters (Lilly and Giada) and one great grandson Andrew Eugene.
After graduation of Union High School, Grand Rapids, Mich., he earned his bachelor of science degree in chemistry (1951), a master of science degree in chemistry (1952), a master of science degree in math (1952) (one year at Illinois) a doctorate in physical chemistry all at the University of Michigan (1955) and an master of arts in finance at N.Y.U. (Bernard Baruck) 1960. He briefly worked as a chemist at The University of Illinois with the 1956 Nobel Prize physics team of John Bardeen and William Shockley and Walter Brattain.
Mr. Anderson first worked for American Cyanamid Inc. where he patented artificial paper and clothing fabric (celulon). He then took a job with Exxon Mobil for problem solving applications. He became vice president, Product Development at Chase Manhattan where he developed loan accounts for David Rockefeller with companies in Germany (coal), Saudi Arabia (oil and gas) South American (plastic packaging). In 1970 Richard then became vice president of AMAX (American Metal Climax) developing the Molybdenum market worldwide. He then retired at age 69 from Atalanta. Sosnoff in the pensions market.
In the early 1960s Mr. Anderson became a connoisseur of primarily unknown contemporary artists in and around the New York art scene, South America and Europe, his family said.
In 1982, Mr. Anderson joined the board at the Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art in 1972, first as an advisor on exhibits, then treasurer and then president. He enjoyed reading and learning, always taking a bible study class or a French language class, his family said.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the local branch of the Salvation Army. A Memorial service will be held Saturday, March 15, at 2 p.m. at the First Church of Christ, Redding.
Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah Street, is in charge of the arrangements.