Search by Name

Search by Name

BRIAN ANDERSON Obituary

ANDERSON COL BRIAN D. ANDERSON Brian D. Anderson, 51, passed away peacefully over the weekend of July 4, 2020, at his home in Sacramento, CA. At the time of his death, Brian was serving as the Personnel Director (J1) and the XO of the California State Guard. He provided a key leadership role in the restructuring of the California National Guard, the COVID-19 pandemic response, and civil unrest response for the California National Guard. Prior to his appointment with the State, he served several combat tours, including tours in Iraq and Kosovo where he worked on nation building and supporting democractic institutions around the globe. He was awarded numerous service medals and citations including the Bronze Star and California Legion of Merit (posthumous) for his faithful service. His leadership and service were not limited to his professional endeavors. He was a loving and loyal friend, instigator, and accomplice. He embraced life and work with passion, dedication, and pride. He always made time for others. He put those in need before himself, whether it was elderly neighbors who needed trash taken out or a stranger who needed help moving. He epitomized a life of service - to his country, his state, his neighbors, and the friends he called family. Brian had an unique ability to find the best in every person he met, resulting in lifelong friendships everywhere he went. He lived life fully, never saying no to a good adventure. It was not uncommon for Brian to show up for any invitation - no matter the miles, distance, or time. He never wanted to miss an opportunity. Brian spent his free time enjoying live music, cycling (in the gym and on the road), touring on his motorcycle, eating and serving good food, BEER, and his adopted hometown of San Diego. Whatever he was doing he was fully committed, with a smile on his face. Although he was preceded in death by his mom and dad, Brian's spirit lives on in his extended family, a "family' of friends he selected personally, all those he mentored, and everyone he touched. ON-ON, my friend... until we meet again. Brian will be interred with Full Military Honors. A celebration of Brian's life will be held in the future (TBD) when it is possible to gather and celebrate in a way that Brian would consider proper. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Brian's memory to the New Mexico Military Institute Foundation or a veteran's charity of your choice.Brian will be interred with Full Military Honors. A celebration of Brian's life will be held in the future (TBD) when it is possible to gather and celebrate in a way that Brian would consider proper. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Brian's memory to the New Mexico Military Institute Foundation or a veteran's charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Aug. 2, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for BRIAN ANDERSON

Not sure what to say?





2 Entries

Marnie Koch

August 2, 2020

Thanks for taking care of my motorcycle. And welcoming me back every time I was up in Sacramento for a visit. Will miss your smile.

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Make a Donation
in BRIAN ANDERSON's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for BRIAN ANDERSON

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support BRIAN's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor BRIAN ANDERSON's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more