Blake Severin Anderson

Blake Severin Anderson, 41, died June 19, 2003, at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Ariz., of complications from Lupus. Blake was born March 30, 1962, in Cumberland, Wisc., to Dr. Robert and Mae Anderson, who now reside in Sierra Vista, Ariz. Blake attended school in Cumberland until 1978, when the family moved to Sierra Vista, where he graduated from Buena High School in 1980. Blake graduated from Arizona State University in 1986 with a B.S. degree in Political Science. On March 7, 1987, Blake married the love of his life, Debbie Biringer, and they have three beautiful daughters, Lindsey, Emily and Julie. More than anything, Blake enjoyed sharing his love of Arizona State University with his three girls. He brought the girls to numerous ASU athletic events, and they particularly enjoyed Sun Devil Baseball. Blake and Debbie had some of their best times on vacations together and with the girls. They enjoyed camping, skiing, and hiking as a family. Blake also enjoyed sharing time with the girls at their school and sporting events. Since 1994, Blake has been director of State Relations for ASU, working on behalf of the university with the Arizona Legislature and government leaders on issues related to state funding for higher education. Blake was instrumental in getting Proposition 301 passed in 2001 to secure a .05 percent sales tax increase to support K-12 and higher education in Arizona. For the past six months he has worked tirelessly alongside ASU President Michael Crow to gain state investment in research infrastructure. Blake's efforts resulted in the introduction and passage of House Bill 2529 to invest $440 million in research facilities for the state universities. Blake was a devoted husband, father, son, brother and friend. He is survived by his parents, Dr. Robert and Mae Anderson of Sierra Vista, AZ; wife Debbie; daughters, Lindsey, Emily, and Julie; brothers Craig (Bonnie) Anderson, of Elkhorn, WI, and Eric (Lara) Anderson, of Orlando, FL; father-in-law David Biringer; mother-in-law Maryann Lamarre (Don); several nieces and nephews; and numerous friends. Services are 11 a.m. Saturday, June 21, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 6400 W. Del Rio, Chandler, AZ. The family suggests donations either to the Lupus Foundation for Research or to a fund being established at Wells Fargo Bank to support the children's education.