Stan Anderson
June 7, 2016
Peacefully and with family by his side at Victoria Hospital on Tuesday, June 7th, 2016 in his 87th year. Beloved husband of Lorrie Anderson for 57 years. Loving father of Jeff Anderson (Ann), Richard Anderson (Janisse Handsor), Lisa Anderson (Michele Paddon), Brenda Clifton (Herbert) and Sandra Firth (Kevin). Predeceased by two children in infancy. Dear grandfather of Wa-Reen, Kristina (Chris), Tim, Da-Rell, Brett, Jared and Jadyn and great-grandfather of Keijhan and Chase. Survived by sister Lillian and brother Gerry (Leonore). Sadly missed by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Gabby joined the London Majors under the late Frank Colman in 1957. He became a fixture in right field for the next decade, winning the Intercounty batting title in 1960 with a .391 average, was MVP in 1959, twice led the IBL in doubles, once each in home runs and runs batted in and was a six-time first team league all-star. Visitation will be held on Monday from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, where the funeral service will be conducted on Tuesday, June 14th, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Cremation to follow. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Gabby are asked to consider The Kidney Foundation of Canada.
An article written by Stephen Harding
(http://www.attheplate.com/wcbl/profile_anderson_stan.html)
He was born Stanley Robert Anderson in Detroit Michigan, but everybody in baseball calls the hard hitting centre fielder “Gabby”.
His family came to London in 1930 when he was three months old. The Andersons’ lived on Glenwood Ave. in London East where Gabby was the oldest of 6 boys. He attended elementary school at Ealing, and high school at Beal Tech.
Gabby described growing up in the Hamilton Road area:
“We were friends, we all knew who we were. We had to go out and make our own fun. We swam in the river and played football. I belonged to an east end gang. We might find some one from Chelsea Green in our territory, so we would march them back to Egerton St. It was a friendly rivalry, no body got hurt.”
Gabby’s father and uncle played on a Negro League team representing the Hotel London in the 1930’s. “All my family played baseball coming up. As a 4 & 5 year old kid I took batting practice with the Hotel London team.” Stan played organized ball in the PUC playground system at St. Julien Park and junior baseball in the London Majors’ system. A highlight for Stan was being on the bench at Labatt Park when the Majors won the North American Sandlot Baseball Championship in 1948. “We all knew that it was quite a team. You could learn a lot of baseball from those guys, just being there.”
From 1950 Gabby played pro ball in the Pony League with Olean N. Y. and Peoria Illinois for a total of 5 years. His career was interrupted for service in the US Army. Gabby has good memories of playing in the States: “The racial stuff was just about gone by then. I never went through that.”
Gabby joined the London Majors in 1957. Frank Colman, another east ender, owned and managed the team with his brother Jack. “Everybody in London wanted to play for the Majors, it was the highest level of competition.” In 1963, after various changes of ownership, the team was with-out a sponsor, so the players took over. “I got together with 4 or 5 other guys, called the League and said that we were in. I managed the club in ’63, Tommy Burgess managed in ’64 & ’65, then Russ Evon in 1966.” In his ten years with Majors, Gabby was the league batting champ twice and made the all-star roster eight times. Gabby helped to establish Eager Beaver Baseball and served on the EBBA executive in the 1960s’.
Gabby is a regular attendee at London Sports Old Timers events. “When you retire it is the time to get together and share camaraderie. Some of the fellows were just names to me in my playing days. Now I have the chance to really get to know them….. I’ll tell you this: I wouldn’t change a thing. I had a lot of fun.”
“Stan was always very quiet, he never said much.” relates team mate Dan “Uncle Buck” Mendham who played 3rd base for the Majors.
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(Donated to The Kidney Foundation of Canada)
(Donated to The Kidney Foundation of Canada)
(Donated to The Kidney Foundation of Canada)
Lorrie, our sympathy to you & your family on your loss of Stan. The family of Elmer Long
Our Deepest condolences to all the family. We attended the funeral and it was wonderful. Well done family! May you keep your special memories close to your heart. Our Blessing and prayers are with you all.
My Dad, Melford and my Uncles, David and Paul Johnson told us stories about those days. With a doubt, his homecoming will fill his ears with cheers! Bonita G.M.Johnson and siblings.
Brenda and your family, my deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers for an amazing man. He most certainly had a warm home coming from his family who proceeded him..What a Blessing. Rest in Peace Stan. God Bless you and your family. Love and prayers.
our deepest sympathies to you all from(fred) jackie wilson scott barry (randy)
Jeff, There seems little that one can say or do ease your loss. Please know that my thoughts and friendship are there with you. To you and your family my deepest sympathy and I hope the treasured memories you have of him will remain close to your hearts and bring the smiles back again.
Lisa and Family, Condolences to the Andersons and extended family during this difficult time. Find peace and happiness in the many memories you carry with you. Best wishes,
Rest in peace "Gabby". You were a super athlete, and a great man. The memories are too many to list. You were always my hero growing up. I will miss you "Gab" Rest peacefully my friend. My heartfelt condolences to the Anderson family. Fred Clayton
Lisa and family, So sorry to hear about your loss.....Mr Anderson (as I knew him) coached me hockey many years ago..I still can see him on the bench yelling instructions at us...or hugging us all when we had a big win.....wow many years have passed since he coached me but many memories came rushing back to me when I learned of your loss. May you find strength in your memories, thoughts and prayers with you all.
To all of the Anderson Family I send condolences. I met Mr. Anderson "Gabby" at an Eager Beaver Baseball banquet in !962, he was our guest speaker and a celebrity to all attendees. I still have his autograph. He was an admired person and very kind to all us young ball players. I played for the White Sox and I think Rick played either for the Red Sox or the Athletics. Those were the years , may your family find strength and comfort in one another also knowing that others remember and truly care.
Sending you our love and prayers during this most sad and difficult time . Fondly and with love Booker Family
Jeff & Richard- I don't have your addresses- but want you to know how sorry I am about your Father. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Hugs,Jeanette
Rest in peace,Gab-my idol,my hero ,my teammate,my mentor,my friend.Sincerest condolences to entire extended Anderson family.We lost a great one.Brian Pearen
Mr. Anderson was a mentor to me as a young baseball player in London. He assisted me in getting a baseball scholarship to Indiana University and was in contact with me during those years. I had the opportunity to play with him on the London Majors for a couple years and it was a tremendous experience and he was a wonderful mentor. He not only cared about what you are doing in baseball but he cared about what you're going to be doing in life. Lorne Parker, Stillwater, Oklahoma
Sandy and Kevin and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. God Bless you All.
Condolences from the Moxley families thinking of all of you at this sad & difficult time
Always sad to loose a loved one, especially a parent. My thoughts are with you all. I didn't know him personally but I do know his wonderful legacy, his lovely children. God bless and keep Stan.
Jeff, my deepest condolences to you and your family. I know this is a very difficult time for you and your family but I hope all the beautiful memories of your Dad will bring lots of smiles at this sad time. I will be thinking of all of you.
A consumat ball player... and a nice man....A sad day for London baseball.... He was the best....Rest in peace Gabby.... and thanks for the memories
Stan (Gabby) Anderson, #5, is considered by many local baseball historians to be one of the best baseball players in London's history. Little wonder he was inducted into London's Sports Hall of Fame in 2008 in the "Athlete-Legend" category. Gabby's induction video can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afs22YzIqaA His jersey, #5, has also been retired by the London Majors Baseball Club. Sincere condolences are extended to his family and many friends. Mr. Anderson was respected and cherished by all.
To Brenda Clifton and family, I extend my heartfelt condolences. What a legacy he has left for you all. God Bless you!
Lorrie, We were so sorry to hear about Stan , we send our love to you and the Family Love Denis & Cathy Hannah and Family xx
Our deepest sympathies to the Anderson Family from the Burgess family. We all grew up listening to our dad "Ken" tell us great stories about the sporting exploits of his buddies "the Anderson boys" , including Gabby. He left a great legacy in the London sporting scene, and will be sorely missed.
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Lisa and Rich, so very sorry to hear about your dad passing. He was a wonderful family man, when we were kids I lived at your house , I loved being around your family. Your dad was so cool, when I started at Ford he used to make fun of me all the time because I could never stop calling him Mr. Anderson. Everyday day I waved over at him and yelled out hello Mr. Anderson. He would just shake his head and wave back. He will be missed
~ Nicky Knight