Edwin G. Anderson

It is with great sadness that we are announcing the passing of Edwin George Anderson, II. He died at the age of 102 after living a long life filled with adventure and many notable accomplishments.

Born in Oakland, CA on December 13, 1921, he moved to Rockford, Illinois as a toddler where he was raised by his mother, grandmother, and aunt.

He studied Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Tech (now Carnegie Mellon) and was recruited into the Army/Air Force and served as a Lieutenant in WWII. He was placed on special assignment to design landing gear modifications needed for B29’s to carry heavier payloads, which turned out to be an atomic bomb. He was a very modest man and kept this assignment a secret until he turned 100 years old.

Ed, or Andy, as he was known by his friends and family met his bride, Lucille Kuhnle when he was stationed at Lowry Air Force Base – they were married after knowing each other 4 months. He completed his education at Carnegie after the war. They had been together for 79 years at the time of his passing. He worked for Coors Brewing Company in Golden for the majority of his career where he helped design the seamless aluminum can.
He inherited a creative gene as his grandfather invented the knitting machine to manufacture stockings, including the iconic sock monkey.

While at Coors, he obtained his MBA from the University of Denver - he retired in 1982 as a Vice President. He had two children, Edwin George Anderson III, and Sandra Anderson Baker. Together the family spent many years traveling around the world on adventures. Andy enjoyed climbing 14ners, off road jeeping, skiing and running. He won his age bracket in the Bolder Boulder when he was 80, played tennis into his 80’s and golf well into his 90’s.

He traveled to Hawaii at the age of 100 and attended a BBQ for Memorial Day just 6 weeks before passing.

Eventually his body wore out although his mind remained sharp. His personal physician said that life is like a fine fabric that becomes threadbare after many years and can no longer remain intact. This metaphor is comforting.

He is survived by his wife, Lucille, son and daughter, Ed and Sandy, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He is remembered by all who knew him as the kindest, most humble man who always looked for the positives in the world and for everyone in it. He will be deeply missed.

Services will be held at Newcomer Mortuary at 901 S. Sheridan Blvd on Saturday, July 20th with the viewing at 9 am, services at 10 am, reception and burial to follow.