Chris John Anderson
February 16, 1972 - July 11, 2009

Christopher Anderson was a delightful man with a spirit of generosity who always wore a vibrant smile. He lived his life with great zest and was passionate about the game of hockey. In a rather magnetic way, Chris had numerous friends with whom he loved having a good time. He was truly fun-loving and was always willing to help anyone in need. Although his life was not without struggles, Chris was a man of strength who strived to overcome adversity.

The 1970s were a time of great significance in our nations history as we finally saw an end to the Vietnam War, Watergate rocked our nation to its core, and the first space station was launched. Within the NHL, affiliation was growing as the number of teams grew from 12 to 18 in 1974, and the great Bobby Hull ruled the ice. It was also during this same time that Kenneth and Sue (Schaeffer) Anderson, of Muskegon, Michigan, were blessed with the birth of their first and only child, Christopher John, on February 16, 1972. Their family of three was a close-knit group, and their family owned Harbor View Market in North Muskegon. Chris helped out with the business at times, often delivering groceries with his father. Chris was raised in the family home in North Muskegon where he dreamed young boy dreams and he even talked of one day becoming a garbage man or a sprinkler man. Like so many other young boys, Chris was involved in sports, playing baseball, football, and of course, hockey!

Their family enjoyed doing many things together and they made numerous memories that will be forever cherished. They took several vacations to Florida and they also rented a cottage on the lake up north where they enjoyed the warm summer sun. The Anderson family additionally had a mutual love for hockey, even holding season tickets to the Muskegon Lumberjacks where they spent countless hours having family time together. The Chicago Blackhawks were Chriss favorite NHL team and so one year, his parents took Chris to one of their games for his birthday.

As a student, Chris attended local schools where he made many friends and great memories too. In addition to sports, Chris also gave music a try by playing the saxophone. His music career was a bit short-lived, however, as they soon sent the sax back to the store! Chris went on the graduate from North Muskegon High School in 1990. He was also married to his wife Ginger for 12 years, but their marriage would ultimately end in divorce.

There were many traits and interests that were unique to Chris and that made him the special man that his family and friends knew and loved. His passion for hockey included more than just being a spectator as he was also a participant. Chris played on several leagues beginning with youth leagues and continuing all the way through to mens leagues. His dad had a good friend that could hook Chris up with professional equipment, a great perk for Chris. He also loved baseball and his favorite team was the Detroit Tigers, and at times he attended a few of their games as well. Chris also loved fishing, especially with his friends. In fact, wherever they could drop a boat, they did, especially to fish for salmon. Chris loved animals, and he currently had a Jack Russell Terrier named Ozzie whose companionship brought Chris much happiness. He also enjoyed playing cards, most notably euchre, and he followed the NASCAR circuit too.

Life was not without challenges for Chris, however. He struggled with type one diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic disease in which the liver does not produce the correct amount of insulin and with type one diabetes, the individual is dependant on daily insulin injections. The disease generally attacks younger people, often during childhood, much like Chriss experience with the disease. Chris did not want his diabetes to limit him in any way, however, and he always did his best to live a normal life.

Chris Anderson was a remarkable man who brought light and life to all those within his reach. He was an avid hockey fan who loved watching the Blackhawks play and even regularly got on the ice himself. Chris was a compassionate person who would help anyone in need, and he also had a special place in his heart for animals, especially his beloved Ozzie. Chris was a beloved son, uncle, and friend who could light up a room with his ever-present smile. Although his days numbered far less than many are given, his impact on the world around him was no less significant. He will be dearly missed and warmly remembered.

Chris J. Anderson died on Saturday, July 11, 2009. Chriss family includes his parents, Kenneth and Sue Ann Anderson; special friends, Marc and Jamie; special nephew, Mikie; his beloved Jack Russell Terrier, Ozzie. Chris was preceded in death by his grandparents, Chuck and Harriett Anderson, and Don and Dolly Schaeffer. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2009, 1:00 p.m. at the Clock Chapel with Rev. Tim VanderHaar officiating. Visit with Chriss family and friends on Thursday for one hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home Muskegon location Muskegon, MI. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the Diabetes Association or do something nice in Chriss name.

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