Richard L. Anderson

Richard (Dick) L. Anderson passed away at his home on July 8, 2023. Born in Havre de Grace, Maryland, he later relocated to Willsboro, NY, and was an alumnus of Willsboro Central School and Clark University, Worcester, MA.

Dick began his career at State Mutual Life Assurance in Worcester, MA. He then joined the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company in Baltimore, MD as an insurance salesman, followed by Peat, Marwick, and Mitchell, where he became a Certified Public Accountant, passing the CPA exam on his first attempt. He was also Comptroller of the Dryden Oil Company.

Dick held numerous leadership roles in different organizations. In 1965 he joined the Rouse Company for the Columbia project, rapidly advancing to Budget and Finance Officer, Assistant General Manager and finally General Manager of the development of the new town of Columbia, MD. He resigned these positions to enter politics where he was elected to the Howard County Council. He was especially proud of having sponsored and passed one of the first human rights bills providing for non-discrimination against gays and others.

In 1977, he moved to Denver, becoming President of the Denver Technological Center. He also held positions including Vice Chairman of the Greater Denver Chamber of Commerce and President of the Denver Rotary Club. He received appointments to several state roles, including the Colorado Economic Development Commission, by Governors Lamm and Romer. With the closing of the Stapleton International Airport, Dick was asked to become President and CEO of the Stapleton Development Corporation with responsibility for implementing the Stapleton Development Plan, which transformed the area into what is now known as Central Park. He retired in 2008.

Dick enjoyed traveling, especially cruises, skiing, racquetball, genealogy, reading, and playing cards. He was an avid Colorado Rockies Fan and season ticket holder from opening day.

Faith was important to him. He served as a Deacon at Hunting Ridge Presbyterian Church, and was an Elder at Mt. Hebron Presbyterian Church. He was Chairman of Howard County YMCA and a member of Ellicott City Kiwanis Club.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, and four sons: Eric (Sharon), Allen (Allison), Keith (Meghan), and Bryce (Margie), and grandchildren Emma, Sarah, Caleb, Ian, Evelyn, and Emily. He was predeceased by his parents C. Allen Anderson and Ruth Barnard Riggs and stepfather Bill Riggs; siblings Emily Beckwith-Renoff, Jean DeRoy, and C. Allen Anderson, Jr.; son Scott Anderson; nephew Michael Beckwith, and niece Linda Anderson.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 30^th at 11:00a.m. at Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church, 1980 Dahlia Street, Denver. Reception to follow in the Grapevine Room at Everleigh Central Park Apartments, 2980 Syracuse Street, Denver.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Denver Kids, the Stapleton Foundation for Sustainable Communities, or the Howard County Community Foundation.