Richard Anderson

MADISON--Dr. Richard B. Anderson, Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at U of W Medical School died on January 6th at the age of 89. A long-time Madison resident, he received a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin, his medical degree from the UW Medical School and in 1953, began his practice in general pediatrics at Wisconsin General Hospital. In 1968 he left Madison to take a fellowship in adolescent medicine at Harvard University. It was during this period that he developed an interest in child psychiatry, finally returning to Madison in 1970 to continue his training. He soon joined the faculty of the UW Medical School with a joint appointment in pediatrics and child psychiatry.

Believing that all pediatricians could benefit from a familiarity with child and adolescent psychiatry, Dick went on to organize the child and adolescent consultation program, a service that served as a link between the pediatrics and psychiatry departments. He also started Wisconsin's first eating disorder clinic, specializing in anorexia nervosa, which at the time was a largely unrecognized and undertreated medical condition.

Dick took great pride in an extensive collection of Audubons, begun decades ago when he inherited a group of pristine prints from an aunt. Committed to sharing with the larger university community, he donated dozens of prints, now hung in various locations throughout the campus. He also established the "Audubon Room" within the Overture Center so the public could enjoy some of his most prized prints.

Even in his later years, Dick found ways to "give back" to the community that meant so much to him. In commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of "On Wisconsin," he placed an original copy of the score of the University song in the mentor room of the Health Sciences Learning Center. Its rousing lyrics are a fitting commemoration of Dick's own enthusiasm for the university and the great city of Madison.

Retiring from the Medical School in 1990, he continued to stay in touch with many of his former students, forming an "extended family" which spanned the US. He also represented the Alumni group of the Medical Class of '47 for several years, and became an avid supporter of both the Madison Symphony Orchestra and the Madison Chamber Orchestra.

Notification of a service in commemoration of Dick's life will be announced in this paper and elsewhere in early Spring. Commemorative donations may be directed to either of Madison's fine orchestras:

Madison Chamber Orchestra, wcoconcerts.org

Madison Symphony Orchestra, madisonsymphony.org

Dick was pre-deceased by his mother, Louise Boethin Anderson, his father, Frederick P. Anderson, and his brother, John F. Anderson. He is survived by his sister-in-law June Anderson, his nephew David Anderson, and his niece Martha Haslanger.

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