Obituary of Arthur Alexander Anderson, Jr.

Arthur Alexander Anderson loved life—his joyous optimism was contagious. The earthly life of this wise, sensitive, articulate man ended on November 7^th but his spirit of love, peace and social justice lives on in all those who were blessed to know him.

He was a proud immigrant son, born in Tacoma, Washington on May, 17, 1926 to a talented musician father from Finland, Arthur, Sr. and a nurturing mother, Evelyn, whose parents emigrated from Norway.  He learned to dance before he walked, going to lively dances at Grange Halls and logging camps in the Pacific Northwest where his father’s accordion music brought much joy and laughter. That is until the Great Depression hit and the music went out of everyone’s life. His father’s hands never made music again but instead skillfully operated cranes on the docks. How the music died was always a sad mystery to Arthur and factored into his later career choice. Though his family was poor he used his innate abilities to excel as an athlete/scholar in middle and high school.

He joined the navy during World War II and served onboard the light cruiser USS Vicksburg in the Pacific. The GI bill allowed him to go on to college—first at Washington State University in Pullman and then the University of Washington in Seattle where he earned his medical degree. He interned in Indianapolis and served his residency in New York City. He established his neuropsychiatry practice in affiliation with the New York Cornell Payne Whitney Clinic in NYC—working with youth and adults. One of his early patients was a renowned music man--when he was able to help him return to making music his childhood sad wonderment lifted and he continued to reestablished “the music” in countless lives throughout his long career.

He was a trendsetter and put his moral and social justice convictions into action--always fighting against a two tier medical system. He worked with the rich and famous in NYC but also had a clinic for the working poor—giving both access to the best care possible. Some of his many creative initiatives included a first time offender program for youth at Rikers Island and working with Norman Vincent Peale to establish pastoral counseling centers in NYC.

He met his dear, first wife, Betty Brown while at Washington State University. They enjoyed a long, loving, rich life together and raised four children, Candance (Candy), Michael, John and Randolph (Randy) while living in Larchmont, NY.  Their home was an epicenter of love and the gathering place for friends from all walks of life. Arthur was an active member in civic activities in the community and also helped coach little league baseball. He loved to cheer on his beloved Mets and Jets and attended games often. He and Betty moved to Stamford, CT in 1977. She was tragically killed in a car accident in 1981 leaving Arthur bereft for four years. During this time he began to re-embark on his spiritual journey. While bringing his mother to church in 1985 he was introduced--by one of his working poor clinic patients--to Janice (who sat next to her in choir for years). What was to be a professional friendship (he needed someone to help him with biofeedback) soon blossomed into their joyful 33-year marriage.

They moved to Chapel Hill, NC in 1993 when Arthur retired. He became active with Physicians for Social Responsibility and presented health and character education programs with medical students from UNC and Duke in the local schools for several years. He was also a member of the Torch Club and attended Peer Learning. He enjoyed the Men’s Bible study at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and he and Janice also provided pre-marital counseling at the church for several years. They have been involved for the past 18 years in their local monthly Marriage Encounter Spiral Group. This past year he joined other seniors at the Charles House in Chapel Hill during the day and enjoyed the socializing and stimulation their program provides.

His parents, wife, Betty and son, John awaited him in heaven. His remaining children, Candy, Michael and Randy proudly carry on their father’s legacy as does his wife, Janice. His grandchildren, Ryland, Clayton (and wife, Liz), Nate, Chelsea (and husband, Ian), Luke, Isabel and Liam along with his daughter-in-laws (Beverly, Jeannie and Shan) will also carry his message of peace and social justice forward--as will his 5 great-grandchildren some day. He has powerfully touched the lives of his extended family throughout the years as well—his 6 living nephews, 13 living nieces and 3 brother-in-laws and 5 sister-in-laws all morn his passing but rejoice in the promise of reuniting once again in heaven.