In Loving Memory of Thomas Irwin Anderson

Thomas Irwin Anderson, 88, of Colorado Springs, passed away on October 25 in Colorado Springs. Tom will be remembered as a respected civic leader, successful businessman, courageous adventurer and devout family man.

Tom was born in Rochester, NY to William and Thesa Anderson on October 19, 1930 and lived there through his teenage years. After a year at Cornell University, he enlisted in the navy and served on a submarine. He later moved to Houston where he met Barbara Ann Bohn (Bobbie), his wife of 52 years. They married in January 1952 and had four children. The family moved to Broomfield, CO in 1963 where Tom was a district manager for Volkswagen.

In 1965 they relocated to Colorado Springs where he worked for Phil Winslow Volkswagen for 16 years, starting as a salesman then becoming V.P. and General Manager for next 12 years. In 1982 Tom bought Shewmakers Camera Shop in downtown Colorado Springs and rebuilt the business until selling it in 1997 and retiring. He and his wife Bobbie devoted themselves to travel and grandkids until her death in 2004.

In 2007 he met and married Roxie Rheinschmidt, also a long-time Colorado Springs resident. Together they enjoyed travel, golf, fly fishing, gardening, grandkids and merging their two families together. Their travel adventures included China, Greece, Europe and the Caribbean.

Tom’s adventurous spirit never wavered. He had the heart and courage of a true sailor. He bought a 43’ sailboat in 1992 and spent five months a year for the next eight years sailing around the Caribbean, Bahamas, Gulf of Mexico, Central America, and the southeastern U.S coast. He also owned a 28’ Cape Dory sailboat which he later kept in the San Juan Islands and eventually sailed down the Pacific coast to the Sea of Cortez with his children or Roxie joining him along the way. Tom once said, “The real pleasure of those sailing years was being able to share such wonderful experiences and places with my family and friends.”

Tom Anderson was a true philanthropist and civic leader. He maintained a high interest in matters concerning local government and the quality of life in this community. He was elected as El Paso County Assessor and to Colorado Springs City Council. He was active on the boards for the Chamber of Commerce and First United Methodist Church. He served eight years as board member and one as President of the Humane Society as well as three years as a board member and President of Winter Night Club. Tom was a long-term member of the Colorado Springs Executive Association, Toastmasters, Pike Peak Roundtable and Colovest Syndicate.

His dedication to education was expressed through the scholarship funds he established and donated to along with his volunteer work with El Pomar Foundation’s College Readiness and Success Program.

Tom is preceded in death by his wife Bobbie (2004), son Mark (2009), brother Hugh (2003) and sister Isabella (2018).  He is survived by his wife Roxie and her mother Frances, his children and their spouses: Andy and Valerie Anderson, Robin and Bill Cramer, David Anderson and Karen Kovaly and his son Mark’s widow Peggy Anderson. His surviving sibling is Janet Johnson. Tom’s grandchildren are Benjamin Cramer, David Cramer, Joan De la Cruz, Elaine Cramer and Max Anderson. His eight great-grandchildren are Gabrielle & Madison Cramer; Ewan, Corbin & Roman Cramer; Isabel, Amaya and Marcos De la Cruz. His stepchildren are Ali and Brian Grayson and Keta Sewick. His step-grandchildren are Stasio and Atticus Grayson and Jacob and Tayler Sewick.

Tom’s family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to his many friends who have enriched his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 17, 2018 at Chapel of Our Savior, 8 4th St. A reception and Celebration of his Life will follow.