Robert Anderson: a celebration of his life
Dad was an incredible man, energetic, exasperating, our wonderful ‘budda’ Bob.
Longing for adventure, Mum and Dad emigrated from England in 1968, eventually settling in the Bay of Plenty in 1989. By then three daughters completed our family, three young minds for Dad to pour his zest for life into, and so he did.
One reason for moving to Tauranga was Dad’s passion for sailing. He purchased a 36-foot Brickveld beauty, Santanea, and it became the vehicle for many family adventures. Packing what seemed a mountain of food on board, we waited to make our way past Tangaroa, the Mount, and into the open sea.
What a gift. Island adventures, roaming free on our wave-skis, or setting off across Great Mercury Island to snorkel and explore the world Dad had valiantly sailed us to. Sailing through a cyclone firmly led us to believe that Dad was an invincible super-hero, even if his costume entailed wearing the infamous socks with his sandals. Friends joined us, sighting dolphins and a whale, and even making repairs on our boats far from port. Dad possessed that Kiwi sense of ingenuity.
Small things in life amazed him. He would stop to admire a flower, butterfly or bee. He literally ran, physically and mentally, through life. We lapped up his knowledge, his explanations of things great and small, setting off into the world to explore, learn and love. He was a strong supporter of women and children, their capabilities and roles.
Dad instilled a strong individuality in each of us, which has meant we clash at times, but this family has always had the love to cover the differences, while celebrating our similarities. Dad knew how to be child-like, with a sense of fun that was imparted to his grandchildren, a ready-made grandson of five and then three grand-daughters, who brought silent wonder from Dad at their births. He bestowed his knowledge and zest for life upon them, too, with swimming and rock pool examinations at the Mount Beach. These were the mark of their amazing Poppa; they adored him.
We are immeasurably sad his time was shortened, so terribly incomplete in this family’s journey.
During his life, Dad searched for knowledge and became a Quaker, living by its tenets of peace, equality, simplicity and integrity. He searched, with his irrepressible drive, to make the world a better place and his life was a service to humankind. That is not to say he was grand or lofty in his estimation. He never failed to make time to teach someone who wanted to learn.
My parents did so much not only to think, but to do, so our world would be different for our children’s children. Dad cannot be honoured without mentioning mum and her unfailing support and accomplishments, which were behind the scenes in Dad’s work. He loved her for it.
Dad’s thirst for knowledge was insatiable. He held a B Sc (Hons) in Physics and Chemistry, a Diploma in Education, and a PhD in Science Education. Despite this, Dad was never afraid to say “I don’t know,” and if he did not know, he would learn, boundless energy carrying him toward the goal.
Dad passionately believed in the public’s right to be independently informed and after ‘retirement’ he began giving lectures and wrote on various subjects crucial to our time. As a Trustee of Physicians and Scientists for Global Responsibility, Dad lectured nationwide on genetic engineering. As a member of the Theosophical Society, he spoke on a range of spiritual and scientific subjects. For other groups in the Bay, he covered scientific, social justice and peace issues, and these also took him throughout New Zealand.
A lifelong pacifist, he was a member of Amnesty International and the peace movement. He wrote The Ultimate War Crime (2005), which raised over $6000 towards medicines for Iraqi children who were innocent victims of the war, and explained the indiscriminate effects of using depleted uranium weapons. Dad wrote eleven books, ten at the request of the public. Furthering this, with Dr Ron Lopert, he started a Film Group to show films that do not make it to regular cinemas.
This year, in recognition of his work, Amnesty International will be setting up an annual award in his name, for a local young person who has contributed significantly to an issue or issues of social justice.
In grieving for my father, I thought of how many times in history people have felt this terrible sense of loss. Those dying perhaps leave only memories behind, which sadly fade or pass on when those who loved them leave this earth. Being conscious of the changes he helped implement and the passion he ignited in people’s hearts, I realise he has left more than memories. He has left a legacy; one of change for the better, living on through his books and the lives of those he touched.
If Dad wanted me to say anything it would be to not forget the issues he presented. To make choices that save not destroy; love not harm. Choose to educate ourselves, rather than be ignorant because it may be more comfortable. The cost in the long run is too great. To hold to Dad’s effort, his small drop in the ocean of our time, a drop that was so big to those who knew him that it has left a chasm, I pray our generation will not be the ones to do nothing. As Edmund Burke (1729-1797) said: “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”
Robert Anderson died on 5 December 2008 after an unexpected development in a heart condition.
