David L. Anderson ’67

David L. Anderson, 71, of Portland, passed away suddenly on June 29, 2016.

He was born in Schenectady, NY, the son of Carl and Blanche (Lepper) Anderson. He graduated from Scotia-Glenville High School, where he met his wife, Karen. He earned a B.A. from Hope College in Holland, MI and was awarded a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.

David was a chemist at the Portland Water District for 22 years and previously taught chemistry at Westbrook College (now UNE). Throughout his career and retirement, David was passionate about improving and protecting the waters and related environments in Maine. He was past president of the Maine Water Environment Association (MEWEA) and continued to serve as an active advocate on the MEWEA’s government affairs committee through 2015. In 2006, David received the Laboratory Analyst Excellence Award from the New England Water Environment Association. And in 2013, he was honored to have MEWEA establish the Maine Laboratory Excellence Award in his name. Previously, David served on various boards and committees at Woodfords Congregational Church, UCC and later at State Street Congregational Church, UCC.

David was a lifelong Red Sox and New York Giants fan. In retirement, David loved to travel with his wife Karen, especially on road trips across the United States. David cared very deeply for his family and nothing pleased him more than being with them.

He was a devoted husband, father, father in-law, brother and grandfather. David is survived by his wife Karen of Portland; his daughters Sarah Anderson Cluggish (Jason) and Katherine Anderson-Wirz (Holger) both of Medford, MA; his sister Nancy Anderson of Schenectady, NY; and his grandchildren Samuel, James and Grace Cluggish and Benjamin and Jonas Wirz. He was predeceased by his parents and his grandson Jacob Cluggish.