WORLD RENOWNED SURGEON PASSES AWAY
Dr. Richard Lee Anderson fought the good fight; but lost to a very aggressive cancer. Richard changed the lives he touched, and made everyone feel they were the most important person in the room. Rick gave each of his patients the time they needed, never missed a family event, if anyone had something important to ask him, he stopped and listened. He put life in the best perspective and knew what was essential and what was not.
Rick was the foundation and force for his large family. Everyone looked to him for guidance, inspiration, and safety. He loved nature, the outdoors, and sports. From mountain biking to snow skiing, he led his family to adventure and discovery. Rick was generous and loving; he left everyone he crossed paths with wealthier and inspired. He, indeed, was truly one of a kind.
Rick was the Jazz basketball team’s most famous fan and supporter. He benefited Utah artists, musicians and small business owners. Rick loved Utah and donated land to the Utah Open Lands.
Dr. Richard Anderson was an award winning internationally renown eyelid and facial plastic surgeon. Dr. Anderson was honored by the Multi-Specialty Foundation for Aesthetic Surgical Excellence with a Lifetime Achievement Award for greatest contributions to facial cosmetic surgery. He received another Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011 by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He has been named "Best of the Beehive" by Salt Lake Magazine. He was honored by the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) Outstanding Contributions Award.
Dr. Anderson, a world renowned author and speaker, has published over 300 scientific journal articles, over 100 book chapters, and 3 books on eyelid, orbital and facial plastic and cosmetic surgery. He has delivered over 1,000 papers at scientific meetings and has given many honored lectureships throughout the world. He was the founder of many modern day techniques in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the eyelids and face. He has performed surgery on many dignitaries including Kings and Princes around the world.
He has been an Editorial Board member of 11 journals in the field, including Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, Archives of Ophthalmology and Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He was one of the original Botox investigators with over 30 years of experience and a Board member for the Benign Essential Blepharospasm Foundation and Orbital Society.
Professor and Chief - Division of Ophthalmic Plastic and Facial Cosmetic Surgery, University of Iowa 1976-1984 and University of Utah 1984-1999. He has trained over 100 of today's experts and Professors in Oculoplastic and Facial Surgery in this country and throughout the world.
Richard Anderson is survived by his wife of over 30 years Susan Anderson, son Mark Anderson, daughters Erin Anderson-Turney (Mike Anderer) and Sadie Hawkes (Dave), sister Marcie Fritz (Chuck), David Fritz (Kim), Anne Berns (Brent); grandchildren, Alexander and Olivia Turney, Bauer and Lily Anderson, Nadia, Tommy and Vivienne Hawkes.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in honor of Dr. Richard L. Anderson to the U of U Health Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital, https://ugive.app.utah.edu/designation/3404
Viewing - Mar 31, 2023- 6PM - 8PM - Larkin Mortuary 260 E S Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 Phone: (801) 363-5781
Funeral services - April 1, 2023 -2PM - at Larkin Mortuary 260 E S Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 Phone: (801) 363-5781
Burial - Larkin Sunset Lawn -2350 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84108 Phone: (801) 582-1582
Hi Susan. Didi here. I just heard of Ricks passing and I’m so sorry. Please take care of yourself and my prayers are with you.
Love,
Didi
Dear Susan and Family,
My sincere condolences. Rick was an amazing person, teacher, and friend. Sending you much love, support, and strength during this difficult time.
Kind regards,
Ilya Leyngold
Beautiful tribute to a man so loved and admired by so many. My deepest condolences to the family and prayers for you all to find solace in all the wonderful memories 💔.
Although I did not know him personally, his profound wisdom and far-reaching visions for our specialty filtered through generations of fellows to surgeons like me. We will always hold him in our memory and be grateful for his legacy.
Jazz games and Red Butte concerts will never be the same! Rick was generous, caring , had endless enthusiasm, was a wonderful teacher, and a good friend. You will be missed my friend!!
As one of the most important people in my life, I can't thank Rick enough for what he taught me, allowed me to do as a fellow, and for making me part of his family. He was one of a kind, and always imparted love, wisdom and entertainment. All of my love to his family and friends and he will not be forgotten.
This is such sad news. I remember being in the hospital after the birth of my third child and Rick came by unexpectedly to check on me, and to see my new baby. Knowing how busy he always was, I was really touched that he made the effort. He was such a good man who had the ability to make everyone feel special. He always brought smiles and laughter every time any of us were lucky enough to interact with him. I love how happy he made Susan, and how good he was to his family and friends. Rick, you’ll be missed. There will never be another like you.
Heard the news of Rick Anderson’s passing and want to express my condolences. He was a bigger than life guy and I know he had a special place in the lives of many people, professionally and personally. My thoughts and prayers go out to all his friends and family. Peace & Grace be with you all.
Sincerely,
Dale Meyer
Erin -
I’m so sorry for your loss. As I know, Losing a father is a very profound loss. Your dad was always so fun to be around. He made me laugh.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Hugs to you and your family.
XO
Melissa Ladakis
Dr Anderson has had an immeasurable influence on the modern Oculoplastic world. From Brazil I feel sorry for his passing, and I wish comfort and peace to all his family, friends, colleagues and students.
Sorry to hear of the passing of Rick. He was a giant in the Oculoplastic field and I appreciate all the help he gave to me. My sympathies to the family. Gil Epstein
My heart is so broken. This man was essential in my healing and surgery from battery acid burns to my cornea’s in 1996 after involvement in a near fatal car accident. I loved him so much and looked forward to seeing him for my appointment’s. He performed eye lid surgeries and cosmetic surgery, over the years following my car accident.
I will never forget his cowboy boots … he even wore them in the ER. Lol.
He always greeted me with a kiss on the cheek.
He will always be in my heart for the tender and loving care he gave me, during a very difficult time. The Heavens gained the most beautiful Angel. Hugs to you all.. 💔
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Our deepest condolences on your unimaginable loss.
Sue and Sadie, I am so very sorry for your loss. I am sending all my love at this unbearable time. I pray for comfort for you both.
We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your beloved Rick. He was not only a good friend to us, but also a wonderful person who touched the lives of so many people.
I know that no words can take away the pain and sorrow that you are feeling right now. I can only imagine losing a spouse is one of the most difficult things anyone can go through, and my heart goes out to you during this challenging time.
Please know that you are not alone. Doc was loved and respected by so many people, and his memory will live on forever. I hope that you can find comfort in the happy memories you shared with him, and in the knowledge that he will always be with you in spirit.
If there is anything that we can do to support you during this time, please do not hesitate to let us know. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you navigate this difficult journey of grief.
With heartfelt condolences,
Steve and Chanin Peterson
Rick lived life like we all should. With energy. Positive vibes and severe laughter! This one hurts! We love you and will miss the very funny times we got to spend with you and Sue! Take a lesson from Ricks book! Live life with the pedal to the metal and enjoy every moment! Love to your entire family!
The Krystkowiak’s!
So sorry for your loss. We will be thinking of you at this difficult time. Rick was a great guy and I know he'll be missed.
Rick was a giant in our field of oculoplastic surgery. Well known for his academic rigor and great sense of humor. He was instrumental in creating or popularizing so many surgical techniques that later generations just use as standard and take for granted. Always the life of the party at our society meetings. He will be greatly missed.
I was saddened to learn of Dr. Anderson's passing. As a blepharospasm patient and former President of the Blepharospasm Foundation, I was grateful for the many years he gave to the Foundation as a member of the Medical Advisory Board. I saw his dedication to patients who would line up at our annual conferences to speak to him and get his advice about their condition. He made a difference in the lives of many through his myectomy surgeries. He also had a wonderful sense of humor. My condolences to his family and friends.
It has been a great pleasure meeting Rick and we will keep fond memories of him, his zest for and in life. We are in thoughts with you Susan and all of Ricks family
There will never another
Brilliant yet humble
Generous to all giving his services to the underserved and victims of disfigurement as well keeping the community at large naturally and skillfully un aged
He lived large thought large but never overshadowed
So loved by Susan (the perfect mate ) for someone so robust
And his adoring children whom his prized about all
To say you will be missed is clear understatement
God speed great one !!
We are sending all our love and prayers to family and extended family at this time. We will always be so grateful for the kindness and care he had with our mother.
My condolences to each and everyone of the Anderson clan. The obituary really said it all and I feel so privileged to have trained with Rick in Salt Lake back in 1986/87. He had a profound influence on my personal and professional life. A mentor, then a colleague, then a friend. Always there to help you through a tough case or a family crisis even though you were 2,000 mikes away!
His energy and zest for life was amazing!
Thank-you so much for everything you did for me. I am so very grateful and always will be.
All my love - Dave Jordan
Erin, Susan, I am so very sorry. Rick was as tough as an old buzzard, and he will be missed greatly! He went out on his terms, and that doesn't surprise me at all. I still remember the first workouts with him and Erin and all of us in the late 90's, and could he throw a party! Just thinking about him as I look down at my 8" X 6" calendar that just has a picture of a bird and 2023 on it. Maybe that is appropriate!
With love and affection,
Leonard
So sorry Sue. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love to all.
I live in Mississippi. I’m forever grateful to Rick. The first thing he taught me was loyalty.
Rick was known for taking foreign fellows. (I think he was compensated by their respective countries!) However, as fate would have it, some how, some way there was a gap of sorts. I literally called Paul Zimmerman on probably the only day it would work and bingo, I got a chance to work with Rick for a year. He got a call sorta protesting my opportunity. Even barely knowing me he put up a wall only the way he could!
He called it like he saw it and he was rarely wrong. This was a quality many don’t have or appreciate. He was so courageous in that. Another lesson learned.
Even though I was the “foreign “ fellow he treated me with respect and let me operate abundantly. (I’m not sure any of the true foreign fellows were so fortunate!)
He was so much fun to work with! He was so witty and savvy that you just enjoyed the days in clinic and surgery.
He simply led with his strong work ethic and personality. At the same time he was uniquely patient, at least, with me! He was an amazing teacher because of all of these qualities.
In the end he was just a really great guy and I am honoured to have been one of Rick’s guys.
We all will all miss him!
There are so many funny memories of Doc .I was fortunate enough to spend time with him and Susan in Austria ,and it was an incredible trip with them ,but the best times I hand with Doc was at the Jazz Games , I was there when Charles Barkley told him to Shut The F___. ____ k up .He was always pushing the envelope and he kept you on you toes, he is going to be sorely missed !
We luv you doc ! Our prayers are with Susan and the family during this difficult time .
Dear Susan,
I have many fond memories of you and Rick at all the football games. He always brought the fun and made me laugh. Just this past fall I was able to connect with him and he had me laughing again. I will certainly miss seeing him. I’m so sorry for your loss Susan. Hard times ahead. You have lots of support, so be sure to lean on everyone. I will be out of town and unable to participate in the viewing or funeral. I will definitely be thinking of you standing there, keeping everything together and missing him.
Susan and family so sorry to hear about Rick he was a great guy and well respected by all of us at Ruth's Diner will miss him singing on the patio on Thursday nights
Generous, funny, kind, powerful, influential (no one could effect the outcome of a Jazz game with greater finesse) and revered: this icon will be sorely missed as there are few who lived with as much joy and passion! Love to the family and friends who stood by, frankly agape at the fervor and appreciative of the genuineness.
I am so sorry for your loss .
I can't even tell you how much I appreciated Rick and his humor, he was such a fun guy to be around and always made everyone laugh and smile . They broke the mold with him , everyone will surely miss him and our world is less of a place without him .
Please let me know if there is anything I can do
He will be remembered always.
Hi Sue, we wanted you to know we have been reflecting upon our experiences with Rick over the years and feel so sad for his passing. We hope your family will find peace and no doubt will cherish all of your wonderful memories. Just know we are thinking of you and wish you all the best going forward. With love, Scott & Nancy
My families deepest sympathies to the family of Richard L. Anderson, MD. Dr. Anderson was a "Giant of a Man" who I had the honor of being my mentor in Oculoplastic Surgery and as a friend. Despite having a world renowned reputation, Dr. Anderson was so down to earth that he wanted everybody to call him Rick. Rick taught me the surgical skills that I would use successfully over the next twenty five years to help patients with ocular and eyelid problems. I also spent alot of free time with Rick mountain bike riding, on century bicycle rides, and 10K runs. Needless to say, I enjoyed the time I spent with Rick Anderson tremendously and will miss him very much. Rick L. Anderson, MD, is immortalized through all the lives he's touched as a doctor, as a mentor, and as a family man.
Sad to hear of Rick’s passing. He always touched the lives of others in a positive, friendly way with that big smile of his. Class of ‘63 Newton High School classmate and teammate. Doug
Rick was truly a great ophthalmologist and had such a wonderful influence on my ophthalmology career. He will truly be missed as a friend to both of us.
RIP Rick. I am heart broken. May his memory be eternal and give you comfort at this difficult time. One of a kind hard to find someone like Doc. Will be surely missed by so many loving friends.
So sorry to hear of his passing. What a legend. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
I can’t imagine that Rick will go for the rest in peace model! He will be excited to see what action is available for him in the next diminsion! We will miss you buddy,
My dearest Susan & Sadie my heart is broken for you. Rick was such an amazing man, brilliant loving, sweet, devoted, adorable and funny. Every time I think of our time together I smile and feel his joy in my heart. He truly gave a lasting wonderful gift to everyone who has ever met him or had the privilege of calling him their friend. My life has truly been blessed by knowing each of you . Even though I haven’t seen u in such a long time I feel such a huge loss of his presence in this world. You are forever and always in my heart♥️I love u so very much💋
I am very sorry about Rick, he was a wonderful person, full of life and definitely one of a kind, every time I saw him, he would make me laugh, of course at my expense but I enjoyed it, he is going to be missed by every one that knew him.
I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Anderson when my sister, Drue Didier told me recently. He and his wife have been a blessing to our family. He has been a wonderful and supportive friend to my dear, late mother Pam Bowen and my sister. Dr. Anderson was there to help my mother with her cancer through his gifted surgical abilities. He has also done much for some of my clients who have suffered severe facial injuries.. He truly helped heal them in so many ways. Yet, even with all of his special surgical abilities, he is even a better man than a gifted surgeon. We send our love to his dear wife and family and pray that our Heavenly Father will assuage the bereavement they must feel at his loss and fill their hearts with the love and knowledge of having such a good brother, husband, and father, until they are reunited with him again someday. ❤️
Rick had a special role in shaping my career in oculoplastic surgery - I remember fondly the time I spent with him in SLC in the 90s . My deepest condolences to all his beautiful family. His positive energy and scientific creativity will be sorely missed. His
outsize legacy will endure for generations to come
I’m so sorry this is such a sad day but Sue you’ll make it and soul Zadie do you got a lot of friends I’m sorry I can’t make it to the funeral. I got called out of town but I will be sending you some flowers. I love you guys.
Rick and I have been friends since 1973 when he was a fellow with Crowell beard and I was a resident at UCSF. One of the more amazing things that Rick did was to attend and give lectures at every single blepharospasm foundation meeting– even the international ones. Rick was also a lot of fun to party with to say the least. I don’t think there was anything in a humans life that he did not experience. He had a life greatly lived.
I am truly sorry to hear about the loss of a legend , larger than life, Dr. Rick Anderson ! Although I was not directly trained by him, all three of my mentors along the way were Rick’s fellows . I am one of numerous oculoplastic surgeons that he has trained and for that, I am eternally grateful. With much love and gratitude, H. Jane Kim
To Susan, Mark, and Erin: We shared some of the most challenging times in Rick's life together. Your devotion to him held him together when he needed it most. You were the center of his universe and the loves of his life.
To all the fellows: Rick gave to each of us different things, but the one thing he gave to all of us was an opportunity....a chance. I think it safe to say we all took that brass ring and ran with it. I know that gave him pride and satisfaction.
To Rick: See you in Valhalla brother. Bill
Richard was a good friend, invited me to several Jazz games, and let we wave the rubber chickens. He was generous, funny and a friend to all. He will be missed.
Our deepest sympathy to all of Rick’s family.We were friends of Rick for years.Ute knew him when he was an intern just as he was beginning his long and very successful voyage in medicine.
We wish him fair winds and following seas on this his last and most important voyage! Ute and Jim Fowler
I had the blessing of training with Rick following my discharge from the Air Force. I was “prepped” by prior fellows before starting about his personality, interests, and the training. I wanted to do my best to honor those that helped me get there and Rick especially for selecting me for his very competitive fellowship. Many of his trained fellows themselves went onto become giants in our field, and I wanted to be considered worthy. What I didn’t know is just how much fun and hilarity would ensue over the next 2 years. I also did not know how close I would become to Rick both during and even following my training. We shared a passion for outdoor sports and fitness, and I learned so much from him on taking care of your staff and patients. He was a role model for being at the top of your profession and still loving your family and friends as a top priority. I've said it many times, that fellowship with Rick Anderson is as much a way of life as it was surgical training. I am grateful to he and his wife Susie, and I am a better man for having become a part of their family and the positive role-model he was to me in so many ways. There is nothing I am prouder of than having been one of his fellows and join the Anderson lineage in the subspecialty of Oculofacial Plastic Surgery. I will forever miss and never forget him. He went from being my fellowship preceptor to mentor, friend, dad, and brother. Every day, I strive to make the lives of my patients and staff better, just like I saw Rick do working alongside him for those two memorable years.
Susan and family our hearts ache for you. He touched so many lives in such a positive way. He will be missed greatly
First time I met Doc I was with my fiancé. He officially let me me know I was a mini cheeseburger. As well as some other things. And our love grew from there. My Dad “Doug Terry “ and I a few years ago went skiing with Doc on big blizzard powder day. I battled to keep up. I happened to ride on lift with Doc and I asked him if he could give me any tips of how he had so much freak energy and endurance. I asked if there a supplement your taking or testosterone. Please help me know. He simply said “ Oh God if I took anything like that Susan would kick me out of the house “. We got off the lift he glided through the waste deep powder. As I huffed and puffed to keep up. Much love Jared Terry and family.
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Richard Anderson's passing. I wanted to send my condolences to his family, friends, and staff. And, to say "Thank You" to Dr. Anderson for his help. RIP, Dr. Anderson.
Dear Susan and Family
Dr Anderson was truly an exceptional human being and I treasured the special moments I shared with him such as the Italy trip in which we sang on the streets. He will be always remembered. My love to you and the family.
I was fortunate to meet the Doc through some mutual friends ( socially ) and I always felt like a better person for knowing him. From the rubber chicken at the Jazz games to his BYU cheerleading outfit at the U or a 4th of July weekend at the Bar B Ranch in Promise Oregon - he was the center of attention and always made me laugh . My condolences to the entire family and the world became less interesting without Doc Anderson in it.
Susan & Sadie,
So sorry for the loss of your dear Rick. I had the pleasure of getting to know Rick and Susan when we were lucky enough to be invited for a week stay on Kauai with mutual friends (circa 2005/2006). He (and Susan) brought so much humor and fun, making that one of the most memorable life experiences. We were in awe of Rick's seemingly endless energy, athleticism as well as his friendly, kind spirit. Wishing you and your families strength as you grieve this tremendous loss. Much love to all of you.
He was up for any adventure. He was no stranger to a good joke or an action to get a response. Thinking good thoughts for the family
Great person
Teacher and human being
Big hug to his family
I just learned of Rick's passing. Rick's was an inspiration to me by his example. I was fortunate enough to spend time with him at Jazz games and in conversations about business. Always a positive influence, he made an impact on me. To Rick's family, my condolences and may God bless you.