snapshot of his life

Mike 

People gravitated to him...

During his lifetime, people from all walks of life seemed to gravitate to Mike.

Was it that sparkle in his eye?

Was it his smile?

Was it the eye contact he made with others that made them feel special?

Whatever it was about Mike that attracted so many friends in his life, it is all these things that made him different. Made him special. Made him likable. Made him memorable. To the thousands he touched during his lifetime.

We friends and relatives all walked in and out of his life at different times. But we never walked away from our connection to him.

Some knew Mike during his Washougal years when he took a very special boys high school basketball team all the way to 4th in State, a first for Washougal High School.

Some knew the blond-haired 21-year-old at Sunnyside, a town where blond-haired boys stood out. Mike used to smile as he told the story how he could see girls peaking through his classroom window to get a glimpse of the new cute teacher.

Others from Mike’s childhood church, grade school, high school and college held such a strong bond, they stayed connected to him throughout and after his life- even if just by thought.

For those who got to be a sibling or daughter of Mike’s, you already know how unconditional his love was for you. Actually, he was so loyal to his blood relatives, he made it conditional that his love would always be unconditional.

Mike connected to so many, whether it was through kind words, a smile, a listening ear, honest compliment, or heartfelt advice.

Mike's life: to be continued

Mike,teacher, father, good person

"Mr. Anderson - Thanks for being such a great guy/teacher! I really enjoyed Student Leadership. ...it was cool because we got to know you as a person...I loved that you always cared about what I'm doing."
Student
Bainbridge High School
Before 9/2014
"Mr. A - Thank you so much for your help this past year. You are such a dedicated person. Your girls are LUCKY to have you. Good luck with ASB in the future. Stay strong. Thanks also for being such a great person."
Senior
Bainbridge High School
Before 9/2014
"Mr. Anderson...I really only respect people who respect me and you have given me so much to take with me for next year. I owe you one if you ever need anything. I wish I would have known you for more than just this year."
Senior
Bainbridge High School
Before 9/2014
"Well, Mr. A, it's been fun. Thank you so much for trusting us and going along with some of our more ridiculous ideas. I think the way you run the class is great and I enjoyed coming to it. I don't think there are many teachers who would stay until 12:00 putting toilet paper on the ceiling."
Senior
Bainbridge High School
Before 9/2014
"He was one of the best teachers I had in HS. I truly felt he cared. Anytime I tell stories about HS he comes to mind. Thank you for keeping his memory alive!"
Danika Cierpiszewski
Bainbridge High School
After 9/2014
"I know that if your dad was still here today he would be just as proud of you as he was when you both were growing up."
Emily Jensen
Bainbridge High School
After 9/2014
"Mike was also our Department Chair and CTE Head. A good friend of mine, those of us who knew him personally have lost someone that cannot be replaced. Thanks for being my friend Mike!"
Lad Schmitt
After 9/2014
"I am very proud of you, Hanna. Have a GREAT birthday and welcome to adulthood. I love you and will see you soon."
Michael J. Anderson
Dad
October 28, 2013

Our dad changed and influenced everyone's life he entered. Over the years he was dedicated to being the best father to the two of us. Whether that meant taking a surprise trip to Leavenworth or getting up at 4 am on Black Friday to start shopping for the holidays. He was not only this way to us, but to everyone he cared about. He would always help out anyone in need because that's the kind of person he is. These memories will live on through the people he influenced. We love you Dad.

Coach of the Year