Obituary - Miss Rita Anderson L.R.A.M.

It is with great sadness I have to report the passing of Rita Anderson of the Carnagh affix on Thursday, 15th January at the age of 97 years, she would have celebrated her 98th birthday in June.

Rita was born in 1911 in the Broadheath area, her family then moved to Stamford Road in Altrincham for a short while then onto their home, Carnagh, in Altrincham, Cheshire when Rita was just eight years old - the home she was to love dearly and live in for nearly 90 years. She had a very interesting life having been educated in London at The Royal Academy of Music where she obtained her degree, she was a most accomplished pianist. Also being a very athletic person and loving most forms of sport. Tennis being her real love where she competed in many Tournaments along with her beloved elder sister Norma in the summer months enjoying many successes; then in the winter months she would turn to the ice rink, skating proficiently to championship level in the Manchester area. Latterly her skills continued on to the golf course where she had a handicap that many men would have wished for, even holding the post of Lady’s Captain at The Hale Gold Club for some time. Then, sadly, her parents’ failing health put a stop to her sporting activities. In 1942 Rita very tragically lost her fiancé Pat to lung cancer. Rita’s garden was her pride and joy and in World War Two she turned her garden into a large vegetable plot saving precious petrol on mowing the lawn. Rita also did her bit by driving ambulances in the Altrincham area. Then after the war Rita became a full time carer to both her parents during their failing health. It was after their death that Rita became interested in the Dobermann breed.

She owned her first Dobermann in 1956 and started her showing career in 1957. She had since shown and bred five generations of Dobermanns. Had served in the early years on the committee of The Dobermann Club then the Midland Branch of that Club and became founder member of The Midland and Trans-Pennine branch of The North of England Club (Holding both the post of Secretary and Cup Steward) which, of course, evolved into the present North of England Dobermann Club where Rita also served as the Chairman later becoming President, then was made a life honorary member. She started judging Open shows in 1964 and moved up to Championship level in 1971. She was delighted to have judged her beloved breed at Crufts in the 1980s. Her last bitch was to be Champion Ecstacy of Tramerfield (Sheena), sadly due to her own failing health.

Rita was a staunch supporter and Patron of Dobermann Rescue for many years.

I was proud to have had her as a very dear friend for nearly forty years. She will be very sadly missed by Dave and myself and all her friends in the Dobermann world.
Ann Winterbourn

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