Owen T. Anderson

Owen T. Anderson Age 92, of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania died peacefully on Thursday, August 5, 2023 in Pittsburgh. He was born May 11, 1931 at home in Adams, Minnesota to (Alice) Helen (Bohn) and Oscar (O. T.) Anderson. Owen was a parent, husband, educator, and friend, leaving a legacy of curiosity and persistence for those who knew him. He was a gentle man of few words with a thoughtful demeanor. His striking, deep-set, light gray eyes gave the impression that a lot was going on in his mind. He had an extensive understanding of the way things work and was a keen observer of the natural world, especially atmospheric phenomena. He was the beloved husband of the late Judith Yehle Anderson with whom he raised five children, supported their community and traveled extensively. Born and raised in Adams Minnesota, Owen spent much of his time when not in school helping out and eventually working at Anderson Hardware, co-owned by his father and uncle who often sent him to deliver and install the latest plumbing and electrical fixtures of the day. It was this experience which helped develop his curiosity and understanding about how things are put together and function. He pursued this interest and talent into the theoretical realm by studying physics, earning a bachelor's degree with the class of 1953 from St. Olaf College and later obtaining a doctorate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison conducting experimental research in low temperature physics. It was while in Madison that he met Judith Yehle, who was pursuing her undergraduate degree, courted her, married her and started their young family while completing their degrees and beginning their careers. By the end of 1958 he accepted an opportunity to explore corporate research with IBM in Poughkeepsie, New York, where the family continued to grow. Before long, however, Owen decided that his temperament was better suited to an academic environment to pursue his scientific interests. By that point he and Judy had three children under five and were looking for where they wanted to settle down and raise their family. That place turned out to be Lewisburg, Pennsylvania and Bucknell University where he accepted a position as a Professor of Physics in 1961. Over thirty-two years of teaching and research his expertise and dedication inspired countless students. His contributions to the field will be remembered and cherished by his colleagues and the academic community. Owen held strong convictions about nurturing, stewardship and natural preservation as the basis of healthy families and communities, and it was perhaps outside his professional life that Owen left his most important legacy. In 1966 he and Judy bought a run down old farmstead on Beaver Run Road west of Lewisburg where they lovingly and intentionally cultivated a home for their family that had grown to five children. As busy as it must have been in those years, the first order of business after they moved in was to plant hundreds of white pine and alder trees in those exhausted potato fields. After more than fifty years, the Tree Farm remains a gift of nature and open spaces for many and a continuing legacy of his vision and stewardship for the community. Life at the Anderson farm blended the routines of work and school with a productive farm and garden that went a long way toward feeding a family of seven. It was a lot of work, and they made sure the children did their part. It wasn't enough, however, to nourish just their bodies and minds. Owen and Judy found a way to engage hearts and souls as they joined other families to found and sustain the Joseph Priestley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, keeping curiosity and wonderment alive for generations of children and adults. His family remains grateful for the fellowship's support and love as we return to remember him. Outside of his academic pursuits and the Anderson farm, Owen had many pastimes that reflected his diverse interests and love for intricacies. He loved clocks, optical illusions, atmospheric phenomena, photography, and solving brain teaser puzzles. His Norwegian heritage and genealogy occupied a special place in his heart. In his retirement he devoted his time to his work with the Linn Conservancy Buffalo Creek Watershed Alliance, volunteered with the League of Women Voters, the Mifflinburg Buggy Museum and the Union County Library and always made time to travel all over the world with his beloved Judy. Owen is survived by his children: Owen (Ted) and Andrea Anderson, Margaret (Peggy) and Doug Temple, Douglas and Marla Anderson, Ellen Anderson and Edwin Andrews, and Steven and Laura Anderson; and his grandchildren: Julee Wheeler, Jeff Giacomini, Christina Temple, Dan Temple, Noah Anderson, Alison Anderson, Adele Andrews, Audrey Anderson, and Edward Anderson as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Judith Yehle Anderson, and sisters Joyce Halver and Jnana Anderson. Services: Celebration of Life Saturday, November 4th, 1 PM Bucknell Hall, 570 Loomis Street, Lewisburg, PA Contributions: In remembrance of Owen, the family suggests donations to the Priestly Chapel Associates, PO Box 333, Northumberland, PA 17857; the Merrill W. Linn Land and Water Conservancy, PO Box 501, Lewisburg, PA 17837 or another charity that you associate with Owen's memory. Professional services trusted to D'ALESSANDRO FUNERAL HOME & CREMATOY LTD., Pittsburgh. www.dalessandroltd.com.

Owen T. Anderson

May 11, 1931 - August 5, 2023