Obituary of William G. Andersen Jr.

William G. Andersen, Jr. January 25, 1935-October 20, 2006 William G. Andersen Jr. exemplified excellence in organizational leadership and lay ministry in a time of unprecedented change in religious life. As Executive Director of the Episcopal Church Foundation from 1992 to 2005, he encouraged innovation in leadership formation and resource development as ways of building new capacities among Episcopalians. Initiatives launched under his guidance are reshaping mission and ministry in spheres of influence that extend into the whole Anglican Communion. With creative emphasis on congregations and on the ministry of all baptized persons, his work has produced clarity of identity, vocation, and mission at all levels of the church’s life. The rich texture of his experience revealed the sources of his insights. From his childhood on City Island, the Bronx, he learned how the bonds of local community form the basis of faith and life. From his education in outdoor management at Cornell University (1957) and public management at New York University (1965), and through service as a Marine Corps officer (1957-1961), he learned that human life must be organized and managed, but that organizations are systems which must adapt in order to fulfill their promise. His love of the sea alerted him to life’s dynamism, and his instinct for fair housing and civil rights activism sharpened his commitment to justice. His passions fueled a career of public service, with stops at the Regional Plan Association in 1962 and the Urban Studies Center at Rutgers University in 1968. From 1970 to 1987 he rose from Research Associate to Assistant Director of the National Civic League where he promoted citizen involvement in community development and governmental decision making before joining the Episcopal Church Foundation in 1988. In recognition for his significant contributions as Executive Director of the Episcopal Church Foundation, he was conferred Doctor of Humane Letters, Berkley Divinity School, Yale University (2005). Grounding work in faith, he was a member of St. George’s Church in Maplewood, New Jersey, serving in leadership roles for the parish and the Diocese of Newark. Family and community framed his commitment and in turn his spiritual journey has been a beacon for many. Understanding the frailties of organizations, yet dedicated to their promise, Bill devised redemptive possibilities for them, and especially for the church. Above all he applied his talents to clarifying the Episcopal Church’s task and strengthening its capacities amid profound challenges and opportunities. In these endeavors he led through personal example and compassion. William Andersen is survived by his loving wife Lydia E. Andersen, his son John Eric Andersen of Califon, NJ, and his two daughters, Kristin Chamorro of Maplewood, NJ, and Susan Andersen-Earley of Barrington, RI, and his seven grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at St. George’s Church, 550 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood, NJ in celebration of his life on Saturday, October 28th at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. George’s Church, or to The Society for the Increase of the Ministry, 924 Farmington Avenue, #100, West Hartford, CT 06107.