Born in 1936, Robert Ormond Brooke Anderson – Bob or Bobby to all who knew him – died on January 2, 2025 at the age of 88.

Born in Spokane, on March 24, 1936 to Dr. Charles and Helen Anderson, Bob grew up on the Spokane's South Hill alongside his siblings Joanne, Jim and John. He attended Wilson Elementary and Lewis Clark High School before earning his Business Administration degree from the University of Washington. He remained a lifelong Husky fan, celebrating Apple Cup victories "nearly" every year.

After graduating from UW, Bob worked as a traveling salesman for PET Milk. It was during this time Bob met his future wife of 58 years, Marianne Bussanich, from Tacoma. Together, they settled in Spokane, raising three children, starting a business and exploring the world, with a particular love for Puerto Vallarta and Austria.

Bob had a deep appreciation for the Northwest's rugged landscapes and wild history. He and Marianne built a beautiful house for their young family overlooking the sweeping wheatfields of the Moran Prairie. From their back porch, Bob and Marianne enjoyed stunning sunsets. Bob enjoyed tending to his Orchids in a small backyard greenhouse. Summer weekends were spent at their 1940s family cabin in Luby Bay, Priest Lake, ID, where Bob would connect with childhood friends and his brother Jimmy. Over time, this cabin was lovingly rebuilt for future generations. A highlight each year, was a rafting expedition with his friends navigating Northwest rapids, including his favorite, the Middle fork of the Salmon River. These outings, filled with laughter and camaraderie among his boisterous crew – including Ned Barnes, Ron Clark, Joe Cameron, Bob Mecham, Bob Lee and others – were the stuff of family lore. Bob once made a curious purchase of a horse and over 200 acres with a small farmhouse, barn and serene creek near Ford, WA. His only explanation was simply to preserve the natural beauty, and to this day, the land retains its original charm.

Bob's ambition and sense of adventure guided his life. After High School, he took college classes in both Mexico City and Innsbruck Austria, rushing back to Spokane only when required to attend his draft appointment, eventually settling with the Air National Guard. In 1967, he and Marianne took a risk opening the first of many Hickory Farms Stores at the Parkade Plaza. They eventually expanded their business across Eastern Washington, Idaho and Montana.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marianne, in July, 2021. He is survived by his children Holly (married to Chris Knapp), Robert (married to Katie Anderson), Charlie (married to Rose Anderson), along with seven grandchildren: Calahan, Spencer, Lily, Jack, Deuce, Alex and Leo.

Friends are invited to a Funeral Mass at the Immaculate Heart Retreat Center, 6910 S. Ben Burr Road, Spokane on Friday, June 20 at 1:00 pm, followed by refreshments and fellowship. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Priest Lake Memory Gardens, P.O. Box 32, Coolin, ID 83821-0032. Online tributes may be made at www.holycrossofspokane.org.