Anderson,
Thomas Phillip
North Muskegon, Michigan
Thomas "Tom" Phillip Anderson, 83, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, following a year and a half battle with lung cancer.
Tom was born in Muskegon on July 29, 1940 to Roland and Helen (Wierda) Anderson, moving to North Muskegon in 1957. He graduated from Muskegon High School in June 1958. Tom met his wife Kay (Moran) Anderson in the summer of 1960, marrying on January 25, 1963. He furthered his education at the Milwaukee School of Engineering, earned an associate degree from Muskegon Community College, and attended Grand Valley State University.
In the mid 60's early 70's, he was employed at Westran and E.H. Sheldon. Tom took ownership of Moran's Bike Shop on May 1, 1976, changing the name to The Bicycle Rack - "one inconvenient location". He hired over 150 employees (mostly high school students), including his two daughters. On April 30, 2022, 46 years to the day, Tom retired at the age of 81 closing the bike shop. He enjoyed going to work every day to serve his many customers in a friendly family atmosphere.
Tom joined the Greater Muskegon Jaycees in 1963 - beginning his 60-year volunteer legacy of "He makes things happen!". Over the years Tom supported West Michigan by participating in various City of Muskegon committees, as a member of Muskegon Northside Lions Club, educating youth through Junior Achievement and Boy Scouts of America Merit Badge program, hosting the "What's Happening West Michigan" television show, and volunteering at many festivals. More recently, Tom was elected to the North Muskegon City Council where he served for 15 years, past Mayor pro tem, and the current chair of the Planning Commission.
He was most proud of his roles as past-executive director for the Northside Summer Spectacular (NSS) festival, past-executive director of the Muskegon Sports Council now known as the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, and charter board member of the West Michigan Trails and Greenways Coalition (WMTGC).
Tom was honored with various recognitions; JCI Senator (1978), Volunteer of the Year by Michigan Festival and Events Association (1994), Agent of Change by Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce (2013), Mayoral Proclamation on behalf of the citizens of North Muskegon (2022,) and a Special Tribute from the State of Michigan (2022) to name a few.
Tom fostered his love of model trains and railroading as past president of the Muskegon Railroad Historical Society and train conductor/board member/mechanical department supervisor of the Coopersville & Marne Railway Company.
In his "spare time", Tom enjoyed bicycling, sailing, seeing America by rail, performing magic, spending time with his grandchildren, an occasional MGD Lite, and Doritos Locos Tacos lunches at the Apple Avenue Taco Bell.
Tom always said, "Friends are the best medicine," especially in the last year of his life. Thanks to those of you who called, sent cards, and visited up to the end. The family extends a very heartfelt thank you to the staff of Harbor Hospice and his sister, Mary Ellen, for the care and comfort they gave him, and their support for Kay, during Tom's last months and days.
SURVIVORS
He is survived by his wife, Kay; two daughters, Sharon (Mark) Woodard of NC and Shelley (Sean) Branagan of NC; three grandchildren, Joshua Woodard, Kaytlyn Branagan, and Cora Branagan, sister Mary Ellen "Mairzy" Krupp of Montague, and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Donna Dove and Wanda Anderson, and beloved companion Kickstand.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
A celebration of Tom's life will be held on Saturday, January 6th at 11:00 am at the Community United Methodist Church where he attended. Address: 1614 Ruddiman Avenue, North Muskegon, MI 49445.
VISITATION
One hour prior to the service at the church, with a luncheon following in the fellowship hall.
MEMORIALS
Tom requested memorial contributions be made to the West Michigan Trails (formerly WMTGC), 1354 Monroe Avenue, Suite 244, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 or online at https://www.wmtrails.org/donate.
Memorial contributions may also be made to the Harbor Hospice Foundation, 1050 W. Western Avenue, Suite 400, Muskegon, MI 49441 or online at https://harborhospicemi.org/ways-to-give/harbor_hospice_foundation/.
To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of Thomas Phillip Anderson hosted by Clock Funeral Home.
Anderson,
Thomas Phillip
North Muskegon, Michigan
Thomas "Tom" Phillip Anderson, 83, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, following a year and a half battle with lung cancer.
Tom was born in Muskegon on July 29, 1940 to Roland and Helen (Wierda) Anderson, moving to North Muskegon in 1957. He graduated from Muskegon High School in June 1958. Tom met his wife Kay (Moran) Anderson in the summer of 1960, marrying on January 25, 1963. He furthered his education at the Milwaukee School of Engineering, earned an associate degree from Muskegon Community College, and attended Grand Valley State University.
In the mid 60's early 70's, he was employed at Westran and E.H. Sheldon. Tom took ownership of Moran's Bike Shop on May 1, 1976, changing the name to The Bicycle Rack - "one inconvenient location". He hired over 150 employees (mostly high school students), including his two daughters. On April 30, 2022, 46 years to the day, Tom retired at the age of 81 closing the bike shop. He enjoyed going to work every day to serve his many customers in a friendly family atmosphere.
Tom joined the Greater Muskegon Jaycees in 1963 - beginning his 60-year volunteer legacy of "He makes things happen!". Over the years Tom supported West Michigan by participating in various City of Muskegon committees, as a member of Muskegon Northside Lions Club, educating youth through Junior Achievement and Boy Scouts of America Merit Badge program, hosting the "What's Happening West Michigan" television show, and volunteering at many festivals. More recently, Tom was elected to the North Muskegon City Council where he served for 15 years, past Mayor pro tem, and the current chair of the Planning Commission.
He was most proud of his roles as past-executive director for the Northside Summer Spectacular (NSS) festival, past-executive director of the Muskegon Sports Council now known as the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, and charter board member of the West Michigan Trails and Greenways Coalition (WMTGC).
Tom was honored with various recognitions; JCI Senator (1978), Volunteer of the Year by Michigan Festival and Events Association (1994), Agent of Change by Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce (2013), Mayoral Proclamation on behalf of the citizens of North Muskegon (2022,) and a Special Tribute from the State of Michigan (2022) to name a few.
Tom fostered his love of model trains and railroading as past president of the Muskegon Railroad Historical Society and train conductor/board member/mechanical department supervisor of the Coopersville & Marne Railway Company.
In his "spare time", Tom enjoyed bicycling, sailing, seeing America by rail, performing magic, spending time with his grandchildren, an occasional MGD Lite, and Doritos Locos Tacos lunches at the Apple Avenue Taco Bell.
Tom always said, "Friends are the best medicine," especially in the last year of his life. Thanks to those of you who called, sent cards, and visited up to the end. The family extends a very heartfelt thank you to the staff of Harbor Hospice and his sister, Mary Ellen, for the care and comfort they gave him, and their support for Kay, during Tom's last months and days.
SURVIVORS
He is survived by his wife, Kay; two daughters, Sharon (Mark) Woodard of NC and Shelley (Sean) Branagan of NC; three grandchildren, Joshua Woodard, Kaytlyn Branagan, and Cora Branagan, sister Mary Ellen "Mairzy" Krupp of Montague, and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Donna Dove and Wanda Anderson, and beloved companion Kickstand.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
A celebration of Tom's life will be held on Saturday, January 6th at 11:00 am at the Community United Methodist Church where he attended. Address: 1614 Ruddiman Avenue, North Muskegon, MI 49445.
VISITATION
One hour prior to the service at the church, with a luncheon following in the fellowship hall.
MEMORIALS
Tom requested memorial contributions be made to the West Michigan Trails (formerly WMTGC), 1354 Monroe Avenue, Suite 244, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 or online at https://www.wmtrails.org/donate.
Memorial contributions may also be made to the Harbor Hospice Foundation, 1050 W. Western Avenue, Suite 400, Muskegon, MI 49441 or online at https://harborhospicemi.org/ways-to-give/harbor_hospice_foundation/.
To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of Thomas Phillip Anderson hosted by Clock Funeral Home.
