Celebrating 10 Years of Boulder Heart and the Anderson Medical Center

Bob Anderson, hailing from Brainerd, Minnesota, and Sydney Anderson, a proud native of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, forged their life together in Boulder, Colorado, where they exchanged vows in 1976. Their journey has not only been marked by Bob’s remarkable success as a serial entrepreneur in the medical device industry but also by their commitment to philanthropy, benefiting Boulder Community Health (BCH) and numerous other local organizations. Recently, I had the privilege, along with BCH Foundation Trustee and Vice Chair Janet Martin, to sit down with the Andersons in their beautiful home, delving into their deep connection with Boulder and the driving forces behind their steadfast support for their community health system.

Bob graduated from high school in 1953 and, at the young age of 17, enlisted in the Air Force. His military service was marked by achievements in advanced electronics, radar technology, and bombing systems. Even as a child, Bob had a reputation for his strong work ethic. He fondly recalled spending time in the forests of Minnesota, picking gooseberries and working at a local canning company.

While attending college, Bob held various jobs in small companies, but his true breakthrough came when he joined Honeywell’s Apollo Moon Program. In 1966, Bob’s career took a significant turn when he joined Medtronic as its 62nd employee. During his time at Medtronic, he rose to the position of Manager of Heart Pacemaker Development, contributing to the advancement of life-saving medical technologies.

In March 1969, Bob made a bold move by leaving Medtronic to join Valleylab, a manufacturer’s representative company located in Lakewood, Colorado. Under Bob’s leadership, Valleylab relocated to Boulder and became renowned for its innovative medical devices and equipment. Valleylab’s success was marked by its first public offering in 1972, eventually culminating in its acquisition by Pfizer in 1983. Bob’s involvement in various notable medical device companies, both as a leader and investor, earned him the affectionate moniker “Lucky Bob.”

Bob and Sydney’s commitment to philanthropy has been unwavering. Their long-standing support for BCH began in 1988 with a gift in support of the BCH Family Birth Center. Over the years, their dedication to BCH led to a significant leadership gift in 2011, which played a crucial role in the establishment of the Anderson Medical Center in 2013 and the expansion of cardiology services in the community.

Sydney noted that it was Ron Secrist’s (BCH Foundation President, 2002-2015) persuasive conviction that convinced Bob to contribute to cardiology care in the community. Bob, who has been a long-time patient of Boulder Heart, expressed his gratitude for the excellent care he has received from medical professionals like Dr. Chuck Rogers, Dr. Srinivas Iyengar, and Dr. Scott Blois. The Andersons are proud of BCH’s commitment to offering cutting-edge technology, such as the da Vinci® robotic surgery system and the WATCHMAN™ device, among other advancements.

Sydney Anderson shares her husband’s commitment to the community and appreciates BCH’s focus on valuing patients as individuals while fostering a culture of care. She believes in the importance of giving back to the community, stating, “We are all part of this community, we should strive for it to be better in so many ways. If our tax dollars don’t cover it, we need to support it.”

The Andersons’ philanthropic journey is a testament to their belief that their community should continually strive for improvement. Their dedication to BCH’s independence and their support for the hospital’s staff have left an indelible mark on the institution and the lives it touches. Their contributions have fueled BCH’s commitment to innovation and excellence, encompassing initiatives in cardiology, behavioral health, and expanded community access.

In closing, Sydney expressed her hope that BCH continues to provide exceptional care and kindness to its patients, values that are not always easy to find elsewhere. Bob expressed that Anderson Medical Center should expand – “add a third floor and expand your services!” and asked that I check into the engineering specs to determine if that is possible. We shall see what the future holds on that front, yet I know the Anderson’s journey serves as an enduring source of inspiration for BCH and the broader community.

Donor Profile written by Grant Besser, President, BCH Foundation