Roger M Anderson died peacefully on August 25 at Intermountain Health Cedar City Hospital. He was 80.
Roger was born November 28, 1944 in Cedar City at the “old hospital” on 200 West to Joseph Bryant and Belva Murie Anderson, the second of five children. He grew up in Bountiful, delivering newspapers on horseback and playing clarinet at Bountiful High School. He received a BA in English from the University of Utah in 1970 then moved to Cedar City where he received a BS in accounting in 1973. He met his wife, Sandy Gillies, at the SUU student union where he dazzled her (he said) with his wit and intelligence. They purchased a home near Coal
Creek on 300 East in 1977, never leaving the best neighborhood ever.
Roger worked many years as a Certified Public Accountant where he met many lifelong friends. While planting trees, refinishing woodwork, vocal music, stamp collecting, gardening and
composting occupied much of his spare time, river running was Roger’s passion. As luck had it, a Colorado River trip often preceded tax season. He and his fellow river runners spent long hours applying for permits and readying their rafts and all the essential gear for private river trips. Roger rowed his Avon down the Colorado, San Juan, Green and Salmon rivers.
Passengers over the years included old and new friends and family, one trip remembered fondly as the Kids’ Trip, another as the Trip with Three Rogers.
Roger is survived by his wife Sandy, younger sister Ruth, younger brother Scott and his wife Lenita, all of whom were with him at his passing. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and sister-in-law Karen Anderson. He was proceeded in death by his mother and father, older brother Bry and his wife Alta, and younger brother Gary (Karen).
As per Rogers request, there will be no services. Instead, remember the good times, hug someone you love and be kind to others. Cremation undertaken by HeartLight Funeral Services.
Special thanks go to the ambulance personnel and everyone who cared for Roger at Cedar City Hospital, from the ER and patient rooms to ICU and Hospice. Your expert care and professionalism is so much appreciated. Your compassion as caregivers will remain in our hearts forever.