Robert Thomson Anderson

Robert Thomson Anderson, 72, of Malvern, PA passed away unexpectedly on September 23rd, 2023, from a brain injury resulting from an accidental fall while coaching ice hockey. He was born on February 29th, 1952…a Leap Year baby. Bob's life was filled with personal and professional achievements, a passion for coaching youth sports, dedication to family and friends and a deep commitment to his community.

Bob was the oldest child of Donald Anderson and Audrey Baer Anderson. His childhood years up until high school were spent in Montclair, NJ. His family moved to the Main Line, where he attended Conestoga High School. During his high school years, he was not only a bass drummer in the marching band but also a trailblazing goaltender for the school's first ice hockey team from 1969-70.

His goal-tending career continued at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, where he excelled as a varsity ice hockey goaltender and graduated as a co-captain. His college roommates, friends and teammates called him “BA” and “Bullet Bob” because of his quick talents on the ice. He studied English at St. Olaf. Afterward, he began his career as an insurance adjuster with GAB Insurance in the greater Boston area. While living in Acton, Massachusetts, he coached travel hockey for 5 years.

Bob later returned to the Main Line, where he pursued a graduate degree in social work from Bryn Mawr College. He became the Director of Clinical Services at The Sleighton School near Media, PA for approximately seven years. He then transitioned into working in a private practice setting as a psychotherapist in West Chester, PA and Exton, PA, where he continued to make a positive impact on his patients until his passing.

On March 3rd, 1985, Bob married Dr. Halette Lasker Anderson. Their love story began in a hospital after a car accident, which left Bob with two black eyes but a clear heart and mind to see that Hally was the one. Together, they raised two children, Helen A. Snyder (née Anderson) and Malcolm D. Anderson at their home in Malvern, PA. Bob is survived by his wife, two children, his son-in-law, Sean Snyder, his younger brother James Anderson, who currently resides in Scotland, as well as numerous cousins.

Bob's dedication to ice hockey was unwavering and passionate. He not only played ice hockey during his high school and college years, but he also coached ice hockey for Conestoga High School for nearly five decades, leading both the boys' and girls' teams at both the junior varsity and varsity levels. He loved training new goaltenders every year and working with young people. He was also deeply involved in the Mighty Moose girls' travel hockey team for almost 15 years.

Bob's coaching extended beyond the ice; he spent 25 years coaching baseball at all levels for Chester Valley Little League. In recognition of his contributions, one of the tee-ball fields was named the Robert Anderson Field from 2021-2022.

In September 2022, Bob was inducted into the Conestoga High School Athletic Hall of Fame, receiving the prestigious Gasser Award for nearly 50 years of coaching ice hockey.

Bob was an avid reader, writer and a fan of live music and films. His writings were often lengthy but sage and personal. He enjoyed family vacations to Long Beach Island, NJ and Cape Cod as well as live concerts, Minor League baseball games and driving in his convertible.

Bob's legacy lives on in the hearts of his family, friends, and the countless individuals he mentored and coached throughout his remarkable life. Over 300 people attended his funeral service on September 26th, 2023, a testament to the profound impact he had on the lives of so many.

Bob is interred in an Anderson family burial plot at the cemetery at Defenders’ Gate in Valley Forge National Park. In lieu of flowers, those who would like to donate in Robert Anderson’s name may donate to two local organizations by sending a check with a reference to Bob Anderson: Chester Valley Little League, P.O.Box 246, Malvern, PA 19355 and/or Conestoga Girls’ Ice Hockey, ℅ Kathy Borzell, 212 Warren Avenue, Berwyn, PA 19312.