Harry W. "Hunk" Anderson
Oct. 5, 1922-Feb. 7, 2018
San Francisco Peninsula, California
Harry W. "Hunk" Anderson was born on October 5, 1922 in Corning, NY. His father and mother immigrated to the United States from Sweden and Norway, respectively. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Hunk enrolled at Hobart College in Geneva, NY, where he played varsity tennis, fell in love with his wife Mary Margaret “Moo,” and co-founded Saga Corporation in 1948 with lifelong friends.
During his 30 years as co-CEO of the company, Hunk lived by “The Saga Way” – to treat others as you would like to be treated. This mentality was shared by the thousands of employees, students, and customers that Saga served in universities, hospitals, retirement homes, and restaurants across the country.
After a transformative trip to the Louvre, Moo and Hunk began learning about art and collecting “the best of the best” of post-war American works. In between visits to galleries and artists’ studios, the couple raised their only daughter, Mary Patricia “Putter,” in the San Francisco Peninsula.
Hunk approached life with a can-do attitude and a big smile, especially when it was time for dessert or a Hendrick’s gin martini. He often imparted wisdom like “I didn’t know it couldn’t be done so I just went ahead and did it” and “keep your powder dry!” These Hunk-isms were especially meaningful for his granddaughter Devin, who shared many treasured moments with her “Poppi.”
The Andersons always collected art with the intention to share, and significant gifts were made to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. In 2014, Moo and Hunk celebrated the opening of the Anderson Collection at Stanford University—a free-standing museum housing a gift of 121 artworks by 86 artists. Hunk considered it one of his greatest achievements and was immensely grateful to those who helped make his dream a reality.
Hunk died of natural causes in his home – surrounded by his loving wife, daughter, and granddaughter – on February 7, 2018. We will miss him dearly but know that his legacy lives on.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Anderson Collection at Stanford University online at http://giving.stanford.edu/goto/andersoncollectiongift
Checks can also be made out to the Anderson Collection at Stanford University; mail to Aimee Shapiro, Anderson Collection at Stanford University, 314 Lomita Drive, Stanford, CA 94305.
The family plans to have a private burial but looks forward to hosting a celebration of Hunk’s life this spring.
(Accompanying photo by L.A. Cicero)
Tags: veteran, arts/media, business, public service
