Roger E. Anderson of Gold River, CA, passed away on October 7th in Carmichael, CA surrounded by his loving family. Roger was born in Rigby, Idaho in 1933 to Otto and Ivane Anderson with his older siblings Blanche, Warren and Cleo. In his younger years, he worked on the family’s dairy farm and later graduated from the University of Idaho, majoring in Chemical Engineering. When he wasn’t busy studying, he was an active member in the Slide Rule Boys club. After graduation, he worked at Shell Chemical in Martinez, CA for several years. He was later hired by the Aerojet Corporation in Sacramento, in which he spent 39 distinguished years as a recognized expert in propellants and rocketry. During his later years at Aerojet, Roger joined with six colleagues to transfer their aerospace knowledge to clean energy applications. They founded Clean Energy Systems (CES), to make power without pollution to address climate change. For more than 20 years, he served as the technical principal for all major CES projects, leading to the completion of the world’s cleanest natural gas plant, while also serving on the Board of Directors.
While working at Shell Chemical in Martinez, Roger befriended Henry Borghesani who ultimately introduced him to his sister, Joanne. They quickly fell in love and married in October of 1959. After 37 wonderful years of marriage, Joanne passed away in 1996. Roger and Joanne are survived by their three children: Desiree, Julie and Patrick, along with their five grandchildren: Kelly, Alex, Jessica, Spencer and Paige, and son-in-law, Bruce Birch and daughter-in-law, Nancy Anderson.
He found utmost joy in his technical work and quest for further knowledge, never quite retiring and working well into his mid-80’s. Roger continuously followed the newest scientific advancements while also contributing to the scientific community, demonstrated by his numerous patents and publications throughout his lifetime. For leisure, Roger was an avid world traveller, visiting more than 25+ countries over his lifetime. Nothing would bring him more pleasure than sharing stories, pictures and travelling with his children. Roger also loved gardening, painting, photography, reading, but most importantly, spending time with his family. Lastly, he embraced technology, passing time with his iPad and a good game of Solitaire.
Roger will be forever missed by all who knew him.
A visitation for Roger will be held Monday, October 14, 2019 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Mount Vernon Memorial Park, 8201 Greenback Ln, Fair Oaks, CA 95628. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at 10:00 AM at Mount Vernon Memorial Park.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MountVernonMemorial.com for the Anderson family.
In lieu of flowers please donate to The American Cancer Society
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