Robert Norman Anderson

The family of Bob Anderson announce his passing on August 18th, 2017. Bob was born on the family farm on September 11, 1931 in St. Peter’s Bay, Prince Edward Island, the son of the late William W. and Florence (MacSwain) Anderson. He attended a one-room schoolhouse in St. Peter’s Bay and in 1945 Bob entered Prince of Wales College in Charlottetown. After graduation in 1949 he attended Dalhousie Medical School and graduated in 1954 as that year’s youngest Canadian physician. That same year, he married the love of his life, Marion (Seaman) Anderson. Bob and Marion moved to North Sydney N.S. where Bob started his career with three years of family practice, followed by a Residency in Medicine at the Victoria General Hospital (VGH) in Halifax. In 1959 he began one-year of study at the National Heart Hospital & Institute of Cardiology in London, England. This was followed by Fellowships in Cardiology at Toronto General Hospital (1960-61) and in Medicine at the VGH in 1961.

Bob had a long and respected medical career as a cardiologist, teacher, and administrator during which he participated in numerous hospital and university roles, including: Head of the VGH Cardiovascular Service (1967-69); Professor of Medicine at Dalhousie University (appointed in 1968); President of the VGH Medical Staff (1972-73); Member of the VGH Board of Commissioners (1973-74); Head of the VGH Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (1980-82); and Head of the Dalhousie University Department of Medicine (1982-88). Throughout his career Bob was involved in many local and national organizations. He was a Life Member of the Canadian Medical Association and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society; Director of National Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Society; Vice-President of the Canadian Heart Foundation; President of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society; President of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia; Governor of the American College of Physicians (Atlantic Provinces); and Board Member and Vice-President of the Dalhousie Medical Alumni Association. As well, Bob was the Chairman of the Committee for Symposia of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society.

Bob received significant recognition for his contributions to the medical profession including a Laureate Award from the Atlantic Provinces Region of the American College of Physicians (1988), the Dalhousie University Department of Medicine Achievement Award (1989), and the Gordon B. Archibald Dalhousie University Alumnus of the Year (2003). He was a Master of the American College of Physicians, a Fellow of the American Heart Association, and was a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology. He was most proud of his Honorary Degree (Doctor of Laws) from Dalhousie University, where he addressed the medical school graduating class of 2009. In 2014, the Dalhousie Medical School acknowledged Bob for his contribution to the humanities, with the receipt of the Gold-Headed Cane Award. He presented the annual lecture to the Canadian Cardiovascular Society in 1985 and gave the Robert C. Dickson Lecture in Medicine in 1998. Upon retirement, the RNA Lecture in Medicine was established in his honour.

After his retirement in 1997, Bob audited the Foundation Year at the University of Kings College, and followed this with many courses at Dalhousie and NSCAD. He was the initial Curriculum Chair of the Seniors’ College Association of Nova Scotia and as a result of his contributions he was made the first Life Member of the College. Bob played golf, often with Marion, and was a member of the Gaspers at Ashburn Golf Club; he supported the Halifax Symphony and Neptune Theatre. Bob took great interest in his grandchildren, attending important events in their lives, and he watched lots of tennis at the Waegwoltic Club. He volunteered at St. Andrew’s United Church, where he was a 60-year member, assuming many leadership roles including Chair of the Church Council. Bob enjoyed travel, wine and cooking, and especially spending time with his family. Many colleagues, former students, and friends will remember Bob Anderson as a thoughtful, wise, and caring man.

Along with his wife, Marion, Bob is survived by: daughter, Barbara (Norman Surette), Wolfville; son, Dr. David (Michelle Karis), Halifax; sister, The Honourable Doris, St. Peter’s PE; brother, Dr. W. Alan, Quebec City PQ; grandchildren, Jeffrey Surette, Boston MA; Phillip Anderson, Halifax; Deanne Anderson, Stockholm Sweden; and Karis Anderson, Halifax, as well as numerous other loving relatives. Bob was predeceased by his son, Dr. John F. Anderson, Calgary AB, and brothers, Kenneth, Charlottetown PE; David, Toronto ON; and Donald, St. Peters PE. The family wishes to thank long-term caregivers Julianna and Lydia for their support.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 22 from 7 to 9 pm at J.A. Snow’s Funeral Home on 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax, NS. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at St. Andrew’s United Church, 1390 Robie Street, Halifax on Wednesday, August 23rd at 2:00 pm followed immediately by a reception in the Church Hall. Memorial donations may be made to Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation, St. Andrew’s United Church, or a charity of your choice.