Norman Richard Anderson

Captain Norman ‘Andy’ Anderson, age 91, died on September 20, 2024, from the effects of Parkinson’s and associated infections. He was born to Anthony and Miriam Miles Anderson at Lawrence Park, PA on August 21, 1933. Andy was the youngest of 3 sons, his older brothers were Tony and Harold.

Andy’s father, Anthony Anderson, had retired from the US Army. His service included duty as a drummer in the Army Band and service during WW 1. His post-retirement employment was with General Electric. Andy’s mother Miriam, was an elementary school teacher.

The family abode was in Lawrence Park, PA just east of Erie, PA. No doubt Andy could recall many brutal winters and yet in the summer months he often swam in Lake Erie. As a youngster, each summer Andy could be found on the public ball fields playing baseball with his pals. While in high school Andy distinguished himself as an athlete. He played the position of end on the football team. He most distinguished himself as a star basketball player, earning himself a full basketball scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh.

There was another award, this one lasted a lifetime. As high school students Norman Anderson and Gladys Stockhausen met while serving on a joint planning committee with another high school. Together they organized a “Two High School Joint Dance.” They started dating a month later, fell in love, and so began their wonderful love story that witnessed 5 years of dating launch 67 years of marriage.

His collegiate years at the University of Pittsburgh were good for Andy. He spent 2-1/2 years studying petroleum engineering. He also fulfilled his scholarship by playing center and forward on the university basketball team. His best laid plans to become a petroleum engineer were about to be interrupted, not unusual for future airline pilots of this era.

After being sweet talked into enlisting in the Navy as an Aviation Cadet (NAVCAD), Andy began flight training at NAS Pensacola. This was to become a life changing event for both Andy and Gladys. Andy’s primary flight training was in the USN SNJ-5 (known to many as the North American T-6), followed by multi-engine and advanced training in the SNB-5 (known also as the Beechcraft BE-18 or Secret Navy Bomber). Andy was commissioned an USN Ensign and awarded his Navy Wings of Gold on March 1, 1955. Well done, Mr. Anderson.

Aviation Cadets were not permitted to be married, but almost immediately after graduation, Ensign Norman Anderson and Gladys Stockhausen were bonded in marriage. Now a couple, their first duty assignment was to NAS Whidbey in Washington State. They both fell in love with the Pacific Northwest. Andy flew a variety of aircraft, serving with several squadrons. His first post training aircraft was the Lockheed P2V-2 patrol aircraft. During his Navy service Andy also flew a variety of transport aircraft including the C-121G Super Connie, the C-130, and C-54. His last Navy assignment was to Air Transport Squadron Seven at NAS Moffett Field, CA.

Perhaps Andy’s military air transport experience made him a natural for airline flying. He applied to Northwest Airlines and was hired on Oct. 03, 1958. During their first few years of airline employment Andy and Gladys moved around a bit until their work situation stabilized. When Andy finally could hold a copilot position at the Seattle base, the couple settled in Bellevue, WA. In 1971 they built their dream home in Bellevue, where they lived for the rest of their lives.

Andy began his airline career at NWA as a Douglas DC-4 copilot. In time he moved up the seniority ladder and flew as copilot on the DC-6 and DC-7. As the jet era arrived at NWA, Andy began the seniority ritual on the Boeing 707/320 series, in time upgrading to captain. In the mid-1970s the DC-10 arrived and presented a pleasantly different kind of domestic flying. The remainder of Andy’s NWA career was flown on the ‘Classic’ Boeing 747. He was a natural for this airplane and a favorite captain for many crew members.

Life for Andy was not solely about aviation. He and Gladys were family people, with four lovely children: Laurie, Ken, Brad (deceased), and Lianne. The family worshipped at St. Andrews’s Lutheran Church their base for a strong spiritual life and bountiful friends. In addition to his many volunteer tasks at St. Andrews church, Andy served as President of the Board of Youth Chaplaincy program in the Seattle area.

The family enjoyed outdoor life, and the Pacific Northwest provided ample opportunity for family camping. And least we forget, Andy was an accomplished bridge card player.

On August 21, 1993, Andy felt the heavy hand of the FAA age 60 mandatory retirement and he parked his worn flight bag at home for the last time. This did not deprive Andy of recreational flying. He and Gladys had a shared ownership in a Lake Amphibian along with a couple other retired pilots. That meant acquiring yet one more FAA pilot rating.

Retirement provided ever more opportunities for camping in their 5th wheel RV in the western US mountain states with family and friends. Before and after Andy’s retirement, the couple also traveled extensively around the world. They had a special affection for river cruises. By sharing these adventures, the couple drew ever closer together.

For nine years Andy and Gladys owned a recreation home in Idaho Springs, CO, where they spent time with grandchildren, and great grandchildren. They had many fond memories of holidays spent there, always with lots of snow.

There is little doubt that Norman R. Anderson lived a full and satisfying life. Late in life he suffered the sting of Parkinson’s disease. He was aware of how hard this ailment has hit the NWA pilot ranks. In response to a perceived need, Andy’s last request was to donate his body to science for research on Parkinson’s.

Andy is proceeded in death by his wife Gladys and their son Bradley. He is survived by his daughters Laurie and Lianne, his son Kenneth and eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Memorial to be held at St Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Bellevue, WA, November 9, 2024, at 1 PM. The service will also be livestreamed – link to be provided soon.

This fine aviator was a man with a personality that would gently fill a room. He defined the words kind and thoughtful. His loss touches the hearts of many.

Memorial to be held at St Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Bellevue, WA

November 9, 2024, at 1PM

Service will also be livestreamed – link located below.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in memory of Andy Anderson towards Parkinson’s Research.

Obituary thoughtful written by Bill Day