JONATHAN ROBERT ANDERSON

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JONATHAN ROBERT ANDERSON November 17, 1943 - October 18, 2009 Jon passed away Sunday afternoon at the Health Sciences Centre, with his family at his side. He leaves to mourn his devoted son David and loving wife Gina of 41 years. Jon is survived by his mother Hjordis; his sister Jane (Darryl Sjoberg); nephews, Ken Sjoberg, Kirk Sjoberg (Sara) and their sons, Karl and Calvin. Jon was predeceased by his father Gordon in 2005. Also left to mourn are sister-in-law Iris Moorhouse and brother-in-law Jack Phillips and their families. Jon will also be remembered by his many cousins and their families. Jonny was born in Boise Idaho, grew up in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan. He moved to Winnipeg with his parents and sister in 1959 where he entered high school at Viscount Alexander and Vincent Massey Collegiate. It was through Scouts and high school that he made lifelong friendships and a strong affinity for nature. Jon graduated from the University of Manitoba with a B.Sc. in Agriculture in 1967 and a Master of Science in Agriculture in 1968. He received his Ph.D. in 1971 from the University of Guelph and returned to Winnipeg to start his career as a plant science researcher with Elanco. He was formally recognized by Eli Lilly and Company as a Research Scientist in 1976. Jon was able to hold a number of key research positions within the company while continuing to be based in Winnipeg. Jon retired as a Field Research Specialist with DowElanco in 1998. Jonny enjoyed retirement to the fullest. He always had the ability to balance family, work and recreation. Retirement allowed him to spend more time with family and to pursue his many passions. Outdoor activities were extremely important to Jon. He was an avid fisherman. He loved to camp and canoe and his favourite place in the world was the timber-frame cottage that he built on Harbour Island, Sand Lake, Minaki, Ontario. Another of Jon's passions was woodworking. His carpentry skills included building two cottages, outbuildings, docks, etc. His woodworking skills included most of the furniture in our house and two cottages, many gifts of furniture and furnishings for family and friends, and a cedar strip canoe. Jon was an avid do-it-yourselfer. He renovated the house and cottages many times and was happiest with a hammer or a fishing rod in his hand. One of Jon's newest passions after he retired was preparing gourmet dinners for family and friends. Jonathan fought bravely since his diagnosis two years ago of mesothelioma. His always positive attitude helped him and those around him to get through his many setbacks. The family wishes to thank all of the caregivers involved over the past two years, at CancerCare Manitoba, the Victoria Hospital and the Health Sciences Centre. Special thanks to Dr. Fewer and his team on GA5. Jon felt a special bond with several of the nurses who cared for him the past few weeks, especially Murray who saw him through his last few hours with the family. Goodnight my sweet prince. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Jon's life will be held at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave on Monday, October 26, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. Chapel Lawn 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 21, 2009