Scott A. Anderson
September 19, 1961 - August 26, 2007

When you try to define the sort of person Scott Anderson was to his friends and family, you imagine someone who is an all around good person, who loves his life and his family, who always makes himself available when he is needed. This is how Scott will be remembered, as a man whose heart was undoubtedly his strongest muscle, and because of his heart of gold, he was affectionately called Big Shooter.

The year was 1961, John F. Kennedy was inaugurated the 35th President of the United States, and Sandy Koufax was baseballs legendary strike out king. On September 19, 1961, at Hackley Hospital in Muskegon, Michigan, George and Linda (Hodges) Anderson were making history of their own. It was on this day their son, Scott, made his debut into the world and their family, bringing them great joy for years to come.

Along with his older sister, Amy, and younger brother, Andy, Scott's early years were in Fruitland Township, a small town located on the south side of White Lake. His father supported their family working at Coles Bakery, while his mother stayed home to care for their family. The Andersons eventually moved to a home on Mill Iron Road, where Scott began school at Gustafson Elementary. In 1969, Scotts mother, Linda, unexpectedly became a single parent and was left to raise her three children alone. The four of them moved to a home on North Wood Road, where Scott would complete his schooling in the Reeths Puffer Public Schools.

Despite the early tragedy in his life, Scott enjoyed a happy childhood, participating in Boy Scouts and learning karate with his brother Andy. As a child, Scott had a terrible case of stuttering, which his mother helped him overcome by having him read to her every night. Then in 1975, he was diagnosed with Scoliosis of the Spine and had to wear a brace for several years, which prohibited from playing any sports. Once in high school, Scott was a lot more outgoing and had many friends, not to mention several girlfriends. He sang in the school choir, enjoyed going to school dances and liked to roller skate at Gidleys. His Grandma and Grandpa Hodges had horses at their home in Baldwin, and Scott loved to go horseback riding while up there visiting. In deer season, he also enjoyed hunting with his Uncle Bob and cousin, Tony.

In 1979, Scott and his family moved to Dalson Road in Twin Lake, Michigan. A year later, he graduated from Reeths Puffer High School, and thereafter went to work with his friend Mike Olson in construction. He also spent time working with Bruce Betzall putting up sea walls along the Michigan shoreline. In 1982, Scott moved on to a new job working in the store room at Hackley Hospital. It was here he met Sue Arntz, who worked in the Pharmacy, and they hung out with many of the same friends. In 1985, one of Scotts very good friends, Dan Rose, a local police officer, was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident, which left Scott truly distraught.

By 1987, Scott had found some sunshine in his life when he met and married his first wife, Micki Pierce. That same year, on one of the hottest days ever, the newlyweds delighted in the birth of their first child, daughter Danielle, who was named after Scotts dear friend, Dan Rose. Danielle also had a sister named Emily Pierce. A true family man, Scott was completely content and happy with his life and family. He worked hard to support them at a job he held at Bil Mar Foods in Zeeland. Unfortunately, Scotts marriage to Micki ended in divorce in 1993, and she tragically died some time later in a car accident. Only a year later, Scott suffered an even greater loss when his mother died in his arms, leaving him truly heartbroken and angry too. While mourning his loss, Scott came to realize how fragile and short life is, and he came away with a different outlook, one less serious and with a renewed sense of humor. He loved to make people laugh, and it wasnt unusual for him to be the life of the party.

Its with this new attitude that Scott found love again with Sue Arntz. They began dating in November of 1995, and enjoyed lots of fun things together, like NASCAR races, camping and spending time with his family and friends. As part of a contest, Scott wrote a letter to the radio station, WMUS, telling them why he wanted to marry Sue, which must have been pretty romantic because he won. The two were married live on the air on Valentines Day 1997, after which they were treated to a limo ride, dinner, catered reception and a romantic get away. And for their first dance, they requested their two favorite songs Looking for Suzanne and "Promised Her a Rose both by Waylon Jennings.

After saying I do, the newlyweds settled into a home at 1317 Moulton Road in North Muskegon. Shortly after his first wifes tragic accident, Scotts daughter Danielle also came to live with them. By this time, Scott was working for Triangle Associates, Inc. in Grand Rapids. As a couple, Scott and Sue looked forward to their annual trip to the Fin and Feather Lodge, where Scott first befriended Jim Johnson (JJ) and they became lifelong friends. During 2004, Scotts sister, Amy, was battling cancer and while she underwent eight different surgeries, Scott vigilantly stayed by her side, supporting and caring for her through good and bad. But that was Scott his heart always remained full of love when it came to his family and friends. They were the people he shared his life with, and the people he loved.

Sadly, Scott Anderson died on Sunday, August 26, 2007, and will be greatly missed by many.

Scott is survived by his wife, Suzanne (Sue); 1 daughter, Danielle, 1 step-daughter, Emily Pierce, 1 sister, Amy (Dave) Anderson, 1 brother, Andy (Teresa) Anderson, a brother-in-law, John (Michelle) Arntz, 2 nieces, Lacey and Megan, 2 nephews, Tyler and Ben, a host of cousins, aunts, uncles, relatives, friends and a beloved best friend, Jimmy "JJ' Johnson.

Services are scheduled for Friday, August 31, 2007, 1:00 PM at Clock Chapel with Rev. Ken Shady officiating. Visitation is Thursday, 5-8 PM at Clock Lifestory Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to the Scott A. Anderson Memorial Fund.

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