Michael Ray Anderson was a born leader. He possessed traditional “old school” morals but was also kind, patient, and loving. Everyone acquainted with Michael knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his family and at work.
Michael was born on October 13, 1956 at St. Joseph Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana. His parents were Robert and Margaret Anderson. Michael was raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Even as a youngster, Michael was dependable and patient. His possessed all of the qualities of a natural leader and he carried that with him throughout his life.
Michael was raised with four siblings. He had three older brothers, Dave, Robert, and Mark, and one older sister, Patricia. Mike was the baby of the family. As a young boy, as a young boy, Michael enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations. He liked to spend time with other kids who shared similar interests. Michael took part in hunting and fishing. He was a Boy Scout and in his spare time he liked to read comic books. While growing up, his best friend was Pawnee Rowe.
In school, Michael was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Michael was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules. His favorite class in high school was Math. He graduated from Snider High School in 1975.
An objective and conscientious individual, Michael reveled in the security of his family. On October 19, 1974 Michael exchanged wedding vows with Kadelia Ann Whipple at the local church of Fort Wayne, Indiana. They respected one another and she was the love of his life. One of Michael’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.
Michael was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Michael would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to be kind, loving, and patient. Michael was blessed with three children, one daughter, Kadelia "Katie", and two sons, Aaron, and Kyle. He was also blessed with five grandchildren, Leah, Chase, Paige, Abbigail, and Michael.
Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Michael was always striving to make improvements. An excellent project supervisor, Michael was a person who could quickly make decisions. In both his personal and professional environments, Michael upheld his standards and he became friends with everyone he worked with. They were more like best friends than co-workers. His primary occupation was an Underground Utility Superintendent. He was employed for thirty years with Western States Construction.
Michael approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were BMX track management and hunting. Michael was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.
Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Michael to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. Michael was not into the traditional sports but he loved BMX and he enjoyed watching Car Collection Competitions.
A civic-minded person, Michael was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Michael was a member of several community groups, including served on committees for the Cheyenne BMX Track organization. During these years, Michael applied his analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.
When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Michael used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. Favorite vacations included Disneyland and going home to Indiana.
Michael was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Michael’s favorites was Nina, a Yorkshire Terroir. They were best friends for 11 years.
Michael passed away on July 14, 2018 at Summerlin Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. Michael fought a hard and brave battle against Krohn's Disease. He is survived by his wife, Kadelia, children, Aaron, Kyle, and Kadelia, grandchildren, Chase, Paige, Abbigail, and Michael, brothers, Robert, and Mark, and sister Patricia. Michael’s memory will also be cherished by extended family and many close and dear friends. Services were held at Palm Northwest Mortuary in Las Vegas, Nevada. Michael was laid to rest in Palm Northwest Cemetery in Las Vegas, Nevada.
All who knew him would agree that Michael lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Michael Ray Anderson did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched were given the chance to become a better person.
