There are very few journalists who have held their jobs in this market for a quarter-century; Brian Anderson is one. We writers, photographers and designers who have cycled through Mpls.St.Paul's pages over that time found a thoroughly decent, thoroughly reserved, thoroughly civic-minded person — the precise opposite of the narcissistic, screaming, sensationalist editor.
And now Brian writes, with the same grace he's shown professionally, that his acute, double-barreled leukemia will not allow a marrow transplant.
"So I’m down to one option," he noted on his CaringBridge journal Wednesday night, "Go home, live life to the fullest that my disease and body will allow, knowing full well that the healthy moments may not last for more than four weeks."
With typical pluck, he adds, "I’m also anticipating a helluva good February," and I'm sure he'd appreciate hearing from all of those whose lives he's touched.
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Comments (9)
So sorry to hear about this, we get MSPMAG at home and Brian has long been one of our favorites.
Brian, our prayers are with you.
I met Brian Anderson when I was a young reporter just out of J-school. A couple of decades later I worked for him. In many ways we are polar opposites: He's reserved and cautious; I'm neither. Somehow this led to a mutual respect spanning many years. I don't think I ever met a nicer, more decent guy. Here's wishing you well, Brian.
When my wife and I were figuring out where to land among the half-dozen metro areas that interested us back in the mid-80s, we came to the Twin Cities in large part because Brian had responded so positively to the clips I had sent him and cautiously promised an ongoing relationship with MSP if I could duplicate what I had written elsewhere at the local level here. Eventually I became MSP's first-ever staff writer and spent four very enjoyable years working for Brian.
Kindness and decency are such underrated, unsung virtues. They don't make a splash, a Pollack-like impression that dazzles in the moment. Instead, they're pointillistic; dedicated and painstaking to creating an overall image one tiny good, thoughtful and fair deed at a time. Brian's image has the clarity and detail of a life well-spent enabling and quietly inspiring others to follow his professionalism and personal goodwill. I owe him not only my gratitude, but the paying forward of his example.
I'm so sorry to hear how ill Brian is. I'd like to leave a message on his CaringBridge site, but I did an unsuccessful search of his name; could you please post the site name so we can send him our messages? I so agree with Souder and Robson; Brian is as decent a human being as I've ever met.
Oh, I didn't notice you had a link. Thanks.
Jodie
I recall Brian with fondness from our young days at the Minneapolis Morning Tribune. As others have said, Brian is a gentle, steady soul. He also was a solid reporter well-served in his work by his unflappable demeanor, and it was a pleasure to work with him.
I am very sorry that his health is giving out at what, despite the calendar, feels like such a young age.
Perhaps he will be blessed with a period of remission. If not, I hope Brian will find some comfort in knowing he'll leave us with feelings of affection and both professional and personal respect.
Britt's words magnificently and eloquently capture Brian's professional and personal essence. Would that the same things be said of our journalistic lives.
This is the "CaringBridge" site for Brian:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/brianeanderson
Wise. Witty. Laid-back. Jocular. Considerate. Analytical. Insightful. Brian Anderson, you are beyond compare.