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Henry Anderssohn Obituary
enthusiast, passed away on Saturday, May 21, 2005. Hank served with the Marines in World War II, he was 79. He moved his family to Arizona from Tampa in 1963. Born in Chicago, an avid Cub fan and a graduate of the University of Illinois, Hank followed his first love and became a minor league baseball player. While attending college, Hank discovered what would become his favorite pastime, the game of badminton. It took several seasons of minor league baseball in Iowa and Florida before he realized he couldn't hit a curveball. After moving to Arizona with his career as a commercial artist in full swing, he was determined to make an impact on the local badminton scene. During his badminton playing and coaching career he touched the ASU and several high school badminton programs. On the national level, he was a Senior US Open badminton champion. In addition, he gave private lessons and formed the Arizona Badminton Club. He volunteered as the Grand Canyon State Games Badminton Commissioner and the local badminton crowd became his second family. During his golden years Hank turned more and more to painting for the love of it. He used charcoal, pastels and oils, but his favorite medium was watercolors. He is survived by his two sisters, Alice Swetman of Continental, Ohio and Ruth Napier of Scottsdale, and 4 sons, Henry "Chip" Anders III of Ventura, California, Kenneth Ross of Phoenix, Richard Keith of Chino Valley and Ted Herbert of Bothell, Washington. He has 10 grand children and 1 great grandson. Services will be held Tuesday, May 31, 9:30 AM at National Memorial Cemetery.
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Memories and Condolences
for Henry Anderssohn
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Ken
May 23, 2025
Thank you Guy and the ABC for carrying on in my dad's honor. I miss him dearly and think of him daily.
Guy Chadwick
May 22, 2025
Wow! This is the 20th anniversary of Hank's passing -- his legacy lives on stronger than ever. The Arizona Badminton Center is thriving and the Hank Anderssohn Badminton Hall is packed. We continue to honor Arizona badminton's most impacting people with the Hank Anderssohn Eagle Award-- a beautiful trophy displayed in our lobby. Yay Hank!
Ken
May 21, 2024
Ken
May 21, 2024
Ken
May 21, 2024
Ken
May 21, 2024
Ken
May 21, 2024
It is amazing that it has been 19 years. I miss my dad and our conversations about anything. I am framing as much of his artwork as I can hang on my walls, but I have run out of wall space. All my love and gratitude to Guy and his badminton family.
Badminton
May 20, 2024
19 years already, where does the time go? Seems like yesterday that Hank was along side of us opening gyms for badminton, running tournaments, coaching kids, and playing. No better sportsman ever graced the courts. His legacy lives with us forever.
Guy Chadwick
May 20, 2023
Hank's legacy continues to live on among many of us here at the Arizona Badminton Center, and among everyone in the badminton community whether they are fully aware of it or not. Arizona badminton simply would not be where it is today without the 40 years of foundation building that Hank brought from the early 1960s onward. We all continue to thank you! As a close friend, Hank will always be remembered, too!
Guy Chadwick
May 20, 2022
We continue to remember and honor the legacy of Hank Anderssohn here at the Arizona Badminton Center-- we are now 10 years old. We display Hank's badminton artwork and the Hank Anderssohn Memorial Eagle Award prominently in our lobby and in the "Hank Anderssohn Badminton Hall." Hank will never be forgotten!
Guy Chadwick
May 20, 2021
It is so good to receive these annual memories of Hank. Everyday at the Arizona Badminton Center and Hank Anderssohn Hall we are able to experience a continuation of Hank's legacy. These memorial photos and letters of honor remind us again of a big reason why badminton is such a large part of our lives. This weekend we are hosting the Arizona Badminton Championships, a tournament that Hank would have been a part of and had a role in initiating many years ago. Our blessings to all of Hank's sons and extended family.
David Bagley
May 21, 2020
Thanks for the reminder Kenny. I miss my calls with Hank. We would get on the phone and talk about sports that led to discussions about life. We are blessed by the many paintings he did for our family including ones of each of our kids. RIP Hank!
On the court, in action somewhere...
Ken Anderssohn
May 21, 2020
I have to share an action photo of my dad playing the sport he loved, maybe even more than baseball?
Henry Anders Anderssohn - Chip (III), Hank (Jr.) and Henry (Sr.)
Ken Anderssohn
May 21, 2020
It has been 15 years since my dad passed and I miss him as much today as I did in 2005. It is so nice to see that his memory lives on within the badminton community at the AZBC. Thank you Guy and so many others. In honor of his memory and that of my older bother Chip who passed away on April 27th, I am sharing this photo of 3 generations of Henry Anderssohns...
Guy Chadwick
May 20, 2020
15 years later and Hank lives on among us all at the Arizona Badminton Center and badminton community throughout Arizona and beyond! The center of badminton is still the "Hank Anderssohn Badminton Hall" here at the AZBC. I can still sense his presence along side me running tournaments and coaching kids. He was the best!
Arun Singh
May 22, 2019
Even now after 14 long years, Hank lives on in our fondest memories. Just the other day my 17 yr old grandson Cameron and I were looking at the portrait Hank so deligently and lovingly presented us with of Cam. Every time he looks at his rackets/shuttlecocks we remember our dearest and kind friend for all of the things he has done for us.
Your sweet memory will live on in our most cherished collections and our hearts ♥ forever, dearest friend.
We were so privileged to have known you all those special years and honored to share the court with you.
Our best wishes to all his close family members and friends. It's so reassuring and comforting to know how Guy has Hank's portrait in the Badminton Halle of AZBC. Thank you all!
Arun Singh
May 22, 2019
Still missing our dear friend Hank, 14 yrs later and you'll live on in some of our most cherished memories forever. So reassuring to know how Guy has his portrait in the Badminton Halle at AZBC.
Even my 17 yr old grandson Cameron who is graduating tomorrow asks about 'that wonderful gentleman' Hank Anderssohn. Every time he sees his Badminton rackets/shuttlecocks and a portrait Hank gave us of Cam, he says he did so much for all of us and remembers his kindness. God Bless his family and friends. Thank you, it's been a privilege!
Guy Chadwick
May 20, 2017
Even now on this Saturday morning, May 20, I am in the Arizona Badminton Center lobby where the Hank Anderssohn Memorial trophy is prominent-- including a wonderful casual photo of Hank. There are still many of us here that were close personal friends of Hank for so many fantastic years. The AZBC is now more than 5 years old, fully established, doing better than ever, providing an arena for not just badminton play for all ages and abilities, recreational and tournament, but is the living room for the badminton community 7 days a week. It is so fitting that Hank's memory lives on and his legacy continues to grow. Thank you, Hank! And blessings to all his family!
Ken Anderssohn
May 19, 2017
Ken Anderssohn
May 19, 2017
Ken Anderssohn
May 19, 2017
Ken Anderssohn
May 19, 2017
Ken Anderssohn
May 19, 2017
Ken Anderssohn
May 19, 2017
Self Portrait
Ken Anderssohn
May 19, 2017
Ken Anderssohn
May 19, 2017
Ken Anderssohn
May 19, 2017
On Sunday, May 21, 2017, it will have been 10 years since our father passed away. He is missed terribly by his four boys, as well as his badminton family. We want to give a shout out to Guy Chadwick and thank him for all that he has done for the Arizona badminton community. My dad, along with many of his peers, had a vision of opening a 100% fully dedicated badminton facility. Guy Chadwick had the tenacity and the will to act on this vision that so many in the AZ badminton family shared. It is what Hank dreamed of for so many years and Guy made it happen. My brothers and I are very grateful that Guy has created Hank Anderssohn Hall and allowed us to donate and display three of Hank's badminton paintings in the ABC lobby. They are also posted here on this memorial page. It really warms my heart that his dear friends, like Chrys and Elaine, still think of him often. If I can touch and positively impact even half as many people as my dad did in his life, I will die a happy man.
Elaine Boothby
May 18, 2017
Thinking of you today Hank. You would have loved to visit me and my husband in Denver with it's strange weather and beautiful skies. I think I was angry at you for a while because you left this world and because you didn't tell me you were going to. I'm sorry for that, and my heart has nothing but loving memories of you! You were such a dear friend and you will never, never be forgotten.
Thank you to Hanks family for keeping this page up.
Chrys Page
April 22, 2017
Yesterday, when I was young, I met lovely and talented people, and I never appreciated them...not then. Now I'm old, and have regrets that I didn't bring them even closer. Hank was a darling man in my life. He used come into the joint where I sang, and at the end of show, he was present me with a pile of cocktail napkins with drawings of me singing. I saved all of them and now in the Winter of my years, I have written a memoir which includes Hank, and I would love to utilize some of these drawings for the cover.
If his sons would permit me, I will be so appreciative. I loved that man so much.
Arun Singh
February 16, 2014
I met Hank when Bea Massmann USA Badminton editor referred me to him back in 1978. He was the person to contact here in Phoenix for all things Badminton.
Let me tell you how quickly it became apparent to me that Dear Hank was Badminton personified. A soft spoken, kind hearted ambassador of our wonderful sport if ever there was one.
He personally presented me with a painting of my oldest Grandson which I cherish alongside all the wonderful memories. He has left behind a lot of warm,priceless memories of true friendship that will last forever!
May his blessed soul rest in Peace! He is sorely missed.
The only activity missing here is badminton, his first love.
ken anderssohn
June 18, 2005
My brother Ted scanned some of the photos that we have of our father. Here are some early and random pictures.
Guy Chadwick
June 16, 2005
After serving side by side with Hank in the Arizona badminton community for about 20 years I cannot begin to capture all that he has meant to me and to all of us. I have written a 5 page memorial available on our Arizona Badminton Club website (azbadminton.net) to try to honor his memory and record something of Hank's impact on so many of us. In short, Hank is truly a humble hero for all of us. We miss him dearly and there is a huge hole in our hearts for his friendship and decades of dedicated service. We give thanks to the Lord for Hank!
Elaine Boothby
June 15, 2005
Dearest Friend,
I will miss your smile and your gentle laugh. I will always treasure the wonderful times we shared. You were so kind to me and my son and were always able to see the beauty in things that others may not have noticed.
We shared a love of food and music and it always tasted and sounded better when it was shared with you.
Thank you for being in my life- for the wonderful art- for the great stories, for the fun and the big laughs. Thank you for all the Christmases that you shared with me and my family- seeing you was always one of our favorite things about Christmas.
Your friendship painted my life a more vibrant and interesting color.
I love you always- Elaine
Ira Morton
June 9, 2005
Hank and I were friends for 40 years and had much in common. We both graduated from the University of Illinois, were neighbors, worked together on many print Ads as a copy writer/artist team and were deeply involved with our sons in Little League, Elks League, Babe Ruth League, American Legion and high school baseball. In addition to
being a highly gifted artist, I found Hank to be kind, thoughful, honest and fair, sentimental, intelligent and just plain comfortable to be with. I shall truly miss him.
Ira Morton
Eric Bush
June 8, 2005
As a newly arrived Junior transfer to ASU from UVM, I was a wandering greenhorn in the AZ desert. Fortunately for me, at one of the first badmintonn nights at ASU, I met one of the most wonderful men I've ever met... Hank. In that following year we discovered a common love of badminton, hiking, baseball, Gina, and fine art. In the years since, I've loved watching Hank's life unfold... the badminton victories, the women he loved, and the paintings of which I have several hanging proudly on my walls. There have been only a few true "heroes" in my life, but I will remember Hank as one of them... a finer soul in this world there could not be! It has been said that after moments, or even after a lifetime, true friends will meet again. It will be great catching up with Hank the next time we meet. There are no words to describe how much I now miss him, but I feel so incredibly blessed to have known him. Until next time...
Patty McLeod
June 8, 2005
I really enjoyed knowing and working with you through the years. You were a great talent and a good friend. I'm glad we had a chance to talk a couple of months ago. You will be greatly missed.
Self Portrait, Hank Anderssohn (photographed by Doug Towne at his 2004 art opening)
May 31, 2005
Korik Anderssohn
May 28, 2005
Hey Grandpa!
I like to draw, but man do I wish I had your talents! Anyways, I'm glad I got to spend time with you recently, and especially that you prayed that prayer for Jesus to be your savior. Now I have no doubt I'll see you again, and you can teach me a thing or two about art! Anyways thanks for being a cool grandpa to me. See ya soon.
Geoff & Mila
May 28, 2005
With great sadness we learned of Hank's passing.
We were fortunate to be introduced to Hank by a mutual friend in the early 90's. Although the times we shared were usually limited to birthday celebrations and Thanksgiving, the friendship we developed was both warm and sincere. Hank was never at a loss for words, and conversation always brisk and entertaining. Sports and the Arts were invariably the topics of choice, and his passion for both very apparent.
Through the years we have amassed a priceless collection of Hank's handmade cards, in addition to three beautiful watercolors - a testament not only to Hank's talent and thoughtfulness, but more importantly a permanent reminder of those treasured times.
We will miss you Hankster!
Chuck Scarano
May 27, 2005
Hank was a true friend and mentor to many, and was able to make a positive impact on the lives of all he came into contact with. Although Hank and I lost touch once I moved from Arizona, I'll never forget what a dedicated supporter he was to our program at ASU. He will be missed.
Mark Scarano
May 26, 2005
Hank will be missed by so many. I had the privilege of getting to know Hank through the sport of badminton. I first played games with Hank about 15 years ago and was instantly impressed with his athletic ability and mind for the game. A few years ago I approached Hank for assistance and advice for lining out badminton courts on the gym floor at Central Christian Church. Hank stepped right up and before I knew it, the tape was down and Guy and Hank were testing out the courts! It was evident that Hank loved the sport and loved to teach and I am grateful for the honor to have known him and thankful for the opportunity to have benefited from his teachings. Hank was a positive role model and his memory will remain with me always.
Homer and Claudie Deen
May 26, 2005
To Hank's boys and families, we send our deepest sympathy.
We have in our home a wonderful water color done by Hank. He captured Homer as a rancher, with the barn in the background. We feel so very fortunate to have one of his works of art.
He has four very fine boys that have shown such love and compassion during his final days. I am sure he passed on feeling very proud of them.
God bless you all as you hold on to those special memories.
With our love and sympathy,
Homer, Claudie and family
Imogene Bennett
May 26, 2005
Hank was such a fine person and a great role model for staying fit as he aged. He was the driving force behind the local badminton scene and always had encouragement for all. We enjoyed his kind spirit, unlimited enthusiasm for badminton, and his positive attitude toward life. We will miss him for the rest of our lives.
Chrys Psge
May 26, 2005
A letter to my friend, Hank -
Dear Hank,
I remember the first time we met, and you handed me a pile of cocktail napkins on your way out of restaurant I sang in, remember? I didn't know what you were doing until I looked at them after you'd gone and saw these wonderful drawings of me singing, and some cute little captions written at the bottom. I still have those drawings as well as all the birthday cards you created just for me.
Next time I saw you, we became instant buddies, going to Spring Training baseball games together, dinner, and just listening to great music together. You have been a dear friend to me, even if there were years of losing touch... but I will always be grateful that we found each other and reconnected, my sweet and generous friend!
Rest easy now...Wait a minute! What am I saying? You're probably giving badminton lessons right this minute up in Heaven.
Love you...
Chrys Page
Boyce Whatley
May 26, 2005
I am at a loss for words but am truly sad to have lost a life long friend. Hank coached my two younger borthers and myself in little league baseball in the early 60's. He had such a way with people that brought out their best. Over the decades I have always tried to meet up with Hank when visiting Phoenix. It was always a highlight of my return trips home. I will truly miss "my friend Hank"
Francis Hartojo
May 26, 2005
Though I've played badminton for most of my life, I just relatively recently joined the local badminton scene about 5 years ago. One thing the regular told me when I started playing here was, "Don't play net against Hank!" And they were right! I always came out the loser in those exchanges. (c:
We all miss you, Hank. We all wish we can play one more match with you. We'll treasure your memories, always.
David Bagley
May 26, 2005
Hank was truly a friend. He was someone I really enjoyed talking to about how to play sports. I would call him up from time to time just to chat about a baseball game or series. It was like we were both sitting in the stands of the game talking about the action on the field. I really enjoyed listening to Hank describe his passion for painting, and he did many great painting for me and my family. I will miss Hank.
Evie Weber
May 26, 2005
I am Gena Fite's mother. I was privlidged to have met Hank when Gena was going to ASU. I was very impressed with his dedication of the sport of badminton and and admirer of his water colors that Hank did of Gena's son Austin. I am sorry for your loss. He was a great addition to our world. Evie Weber
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