Robert James Anderson Jr. passed away on 10/16/21 at Maine Medical Center.

Bob began his life journey in Waterville, Maine, being born to Francis Ellen and Robert James Anderson.  He was educated in Portland schools and earned a BA in Zoology at the University of Maine in Orono.  His military duty took him to Korea for two years serving in the Army Medical Corp as an assistant Battalion Surgeon.  Following his discharge, he began a career teaching high school biology.

After twenty years of teaching Bob made a career change to apply his biology background to become a physician's assistant in his partner's dermatology practice in Laconia, NH.  After retiring, Bob and his partner, Richard, moved to Scarborough, Maine and finally settled in Cape Elizabeth.

Bob cherished his independence and was determined to maintain it to the end of life's journey.  He was committed to philanthropy and supported several area charities and his community church.  After retirement he and Richard traveled extensively and he continued to keep up his daily runs, later walking when that was no longer possible.  He loved gardening, building stone walls, music, movies, animals, good food and gin rummy. His life message was one of acceptance, to be and let others be, each being true to oneself.

Bob once said that the devastation he felt after the loss of his soul mate, Richard, in 2008 was made bearable only by the many acts of kindness and compassion from friends who reminded him how fortunate he was to have had Richard in his life.  In his own words:

My gratitude to Roki Horr, my computer genius, multi-talented and gracious.  I was honored to have him in my life.  Also, to his wife Terry, a spirited, dynamic lady committed to her career and family and always so kind to Richard.  And I thank Deb Bragdon for always being the good Samaritan whenever I needed personal assistance over the years.  Thanks to Kate Jarvis with whom I enjoyed many of her delicious home cooked meals.  Roger Sargent, Bill Eames, Vicky and Fred Fish hold a special place in my heart for being such loyal and generous friends.  I'm grateful for a very special niece, Debra Burton, whose love, caring and sense of humor gave me the courage to believe I could go on forever.  To my dear old friend, Virgil, and to my brother, Babe, who kept me grounded with words of wisdom such as "don't forget to take all your deductions" at tax time.  Gratitude to Joel, Christa, and Shelley for their generous support of their brother, Dana, who provided love and unselfish care of their dad during Babe's many years of living with Parkinson's disease.  I love you all.

Bob was predeceased by his partner of 42 years, Richard Ames, and his brother Francis "Babe" Anderson.  Bob leaves behind several nieces and nephews as well as many cherished friends in addition to those previously mentioned whose love and support meant everything to him.  A very special thanks goes out to Belinda Kyles, Bob's 24/7 in-home caregiver without whom it would not have been possible for Bob to spend his last days at his beloved home.  We were all humbled by her selflessness and generosity…there are no words to thank her for what she gave to Bob.

There will be a graveside service held at the Middle Neck Cemetery in Moultonborough NH at a later date.