Philip R. Andersen

POLAND – Philip R. Andersen, 75, passed away peacefully on the evening of Oct. 8, 2022, at home surrounded by his loving family after a brief battle with cancer.

Philip was born to LeRoy “Andy” and Evelyn Andersen on Nov. 21, 1946, in Kenosha Wis. He was the eldest of six siblings. He

graduated from Kohler High School in 1965. He attended the University

of Wisconsin in Madison where he earned a degree in Molecular

Biology and later a doctorate from the University of Delaware. Philip was a Postdoctoral Fellow and Senior Staff Fellow at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology (LCMB) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Md.

Philip joined Abbott Laboratories in North Chicago, Ill. in 1982 where he worked as a Molecular Biologist and eventually became head of their Viral Genetics Lab. His work at Abbott contributed to the first HIV test kit on the market.

In 1987 Philip moved his family to Portland to join IDEXX Laboratories as a scientist in the Research and Development group. At IDEXX, he co-authored several studies and patents involving Feline Immunodeficiency Virus that would be utilized for veterinary diagnostic products. His background in virology and molecular biology, including PCR, was pivotal in developing numerous IDEXX poultry, bovine and feline diagnostic products that improve animal health.

In his retirement years, Phil enjoyed gardening, beekeeping, reading, music, astronomy, and teaching his grandchildren about science. His true love was spending time on the farm with family and friends.

Philip is survived by his wife Cynthia Seymour-Andersen; his sons Christopher (Nelly) and John; first wife, Nance Andersen; grandchildren Cassandra and Adice; and great-grandchildren Carter and Isabella. He is survived by his sister, Kathryn Pond of Virginia, brothers David and Kurt (Marge) of Wisconsin; nieces Evelyn, Susan and Natalie, as well as nephews Lawrence, Cody and Stephen.

In addition to his parents, Philip was preceded in death by two brothers, Mark and Eric.

A private family gathering in celebration of Phil’s life will be held at a future date. Arrangements are under the care of the Oxford Hills Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1037 Main St., Oxford. To make an online condolence please visit oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com.

Those who wish

may contribute to Phil’s memory to:

Caring Resources for Living https://crlmaine.org,

Good Shepherd Food Bank (Lewiston), or a

charity of your choosing.