Ramblin' Rod Anders

Ramblin' Rod Anders (November 26, 1932 – May 11, 2002), born Rodney Carl Andersen, was an American television personality and the host of The Ramblin' Rod Show, a children's television program broadcast on KPTV channel 12 in Portland, Oregon, from August 26, 1964 until his retirement on August 8, 1997. Anders was well known locally for his iconic, button-covered sweater which he wore on air.

Biography Anders was born at St. Vincent's Hospital near Beaverton, Oregon and grew up in Multnomah County. He began his broadcasting career in the 1950s, singing and playing records on Saturday mornings for radio station KTIL in Tillamook. Anders worked at KTIL until he was drafted into the armed forces, where he served as a radio repairman. After his discharge, he returned to radio, filling on-air positions beginning in 1958 at KFLW in Klamath Falls, Oregon and continuing to Portland radio stations KXL and KPOJ.

Each year, Anders hosted local KPTV coverage of the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon and the Easter Seals Telethon. He also served as an in-house KPTV announcer and as a moderator on a Saturday morning public affairs show, 12 in the Morning. Anders also appeared in many commercials for various local businesses including two Portland area automobile dealerships, Beaverton Toyota and Mike Salta Pontiac. Anders retired in August, 1997 after 33 years with KPTV.

In 1994, Anders constructed the Apple Valley Airport on land near his log cabin home in Buxton, Oregon, west of Portland. During his retirement, he enjoyed flying and spending time with family.

On May 11, 2002, Anders died suddenly while making a personal appearance at a Volunteers of America Thrift Store located at SE 181st and Division streets in Gresham. He was 69 years old. Anders was entombed in the mausoleum of the IOOF Cemetery in Tillamook, Oregon.

The Show According to an article that appeared in the Eugene Register-Guard, the premise of The Ramblin' Rod Show was that children "love slapstick comedy... and kids love to see themselves on television, which is why Anders insisted on the individual shots of each child." The show was very popular, with a 20-25% share in its time slot and an audience that was often booked a month in advance.

Trivia In autumn of 2011, the Fizz Soda and Candy Shop, located in Portland, created a shrine to Ramblin' Rod. KPTV donated his microphone and an original Ramblin' Rod button to the shrine.

Fizz Soda and Candy Shop was later renamed Cosmic, and closed in 2014., with no mention of what became of the Ramblin' Rod shrine.