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Mark A. Anderson

1961 - 2007

BORN

1961

DIED

2007

Mark Anderson Obituary

Mark passed away peacefully at his home in Arroyo Grande on June 22, 2007. Mark was born in Ottumwa, Iowa on June 11, 1961. The family moved to California in 1969, where they lived in Redondo Beach, Frazier Park and then Bakersfield. Mark graduated from Bakersfield High School and then continued on to graduate from CSUB. Mark worked his way through college by being an outstanding waiter at such Bakersfield institutions as Mexicali, Tam O'Shanter and The Blue Note. He then began a long and successful career with Aflac and eventually moved to his dream home in Arroyo Grande. Mark is preceded in death by his parents, Gib and Marguerite Anderson; brother, Pete Petersen; and nephew, Eric Petersen. He is survived by brother, Gary Petersen (Elisabeth); and nieces, Mariosl and Leah of Sooke, B.C.; brother, Gib Anderson (Julie); and nieces, Kristen, Nicole, and Courtney; and nephew, Jake of Bakersfield; sister, Beverly Eslinger (Dave) of Ottumwa, Iowa; niece, Brenda Haynes (Lane) of High Point, NC; and nephew, John Brady (Linda) of St. Louis, MO. Mark's loss is also mourned by life partner, Dan Klaudt and special friends, Danielle and Virgil White. A celebration of Mark's life is planned for July 15th, at The Pavillion at Cypress Ridge Estates, in Arroyo Grande, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Aflack Childrens Cancer Fund: Aflac Cancer Center, Attn.: Shirley Williams, 1687 Tullie Circle, Atlanta, Georgia 30329. Mark A. Anderson June 11, 1961 - June 22, 2007

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

Published by Bakersfield Californian from Jun. 30 to Jul. 1, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Mark Anderson

Not sure what to say?





kim Lynam

July 15, 2007

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Barry White

July 13, 2007

Throughout my business relationship with Mark, he impressed me with his energy, excitement and good natured approach to every situation. A man of character, he could always be counted on for seeing the bright side of every situation and lending a helping hand with problem solving ideas. He was a positive and fun loving guy who inspired those around him. I will remember him as the guy who provided the inside jokes that made me smile and laugh.

Cheryl O'Brien

July 11, 2007

I'll miss you, Mark. There are so many memories, trips, friends, dogs, homes, kids. I love you, see you next time. Cheryl

Melanie Goldsmith (Traynor)

July 9, 2007

This truly amazing man will be missed! Smiles were on every face when Mark was around and I am thankful for having the honor of knowing him. I fondly remember the 1st KAHU strategic planning session which Mark hosted at his home in Bakersfield. We got a lot of work done and had a great time. Thanks for the memories Mark, your family can be comforted by knowing that you touched so many lives with your gracious and kind heart.

Founding KAHU Board, Bakersfield, CA

July 9, 2007

Kathyrn Arriaga

July 8, 2007

Mark, I will forever remember your Big Beautiful Smile; our long, lengthy & detailed conversations about beemers; and your positive attitude...thanks for being a builder of hope! Rest In Peace, my friend, with LOL (lots of love)

Bob Waite

July 6, 2007

Mark was a powerful force in the development of many careers and lives. His impact was felt by hundreds, and his passing will be mourned by many of us that he left behind. We will see him again. In this, we will draw comfort. May God rest his soul.

Char Maltzman

July 5, 2007

Mark,

P.S. It was an honor and a privilege to have known and worked with you. RIP

Gib Anderson

July 4, 2007

My baby brother the road trips and the flights as twin towers I will never forget. You are truly a man that had the world by the tail!! You looked after my kids as if they were your own and for that I will forever be greatful. I cant seem to find words to express how I feel I know in my hart that you know though. I miss you tremendously and love you always your brother Gibby!!

Char Maltzman

July 4, 2007

Dearest Mark,

I'm so sorry I didn't get a chance to say good-bye. I sent a card a few days before you died but I'm sure you were even too sick for someone to read it to you. I should have sent it sooner...

You were a GREAT guy! Kind and thoughtful, supportive and generous.

I remember the very first time I met you. It was my very first month with Aflac, January 1998. Tracey had that Pacific Territory team building 'summit' in Santa Barbara on the beach. There was a rope tug-of-war in the sand and you were right behind me on CA-Central's end of the rope. You had a wonderful smile and you made me feel welcome and I thought, "What a hunk"!

And you were a big, enthusiastic, no-holds-barred, go-for-the-gusto 'hunk' of life. I will miss you. You were and always will be a blessing in my life.

Susie Moore/Barnum

July 3, 2007

Mark was always larger than life. He was great to work with and always a class act. I met him while waiting tables at the Tam O'Shanter. We all celebrated many good times together. I will never forget the smile on his face driving his mom's restored car. I am happy he found himself and his dream home over the years.

Christmas 2002 in White Rock, British Columbia: Nicole, Steve Van, Mark, Gary and Dan wearing Gary's team shirts.

July 2, 2007

Sheila Petersen

July 2, 2007

Mark, you have been my little brother(in-law) since you were ten years old, and it will always be that way. I know you, Petey, and Eric are together bragging about all your cars. I will miss you more than anyone will ever know.
XOXO,
Sheila

Bob Strei

July 2, 2007

If it was not for Mark, there would be a fraction of Aflac's presence in Kern County as there is today. He was able to get great people in the business and help them be succesful. When I took over as RSC of Kern County after Mark's move to the West, I benefited greatly from the hard work Mark put in to establish a foundation for Aflac in Kern. He will be missed by many and I glad to have had him as a mentor working along side of him as a State trainer and as a friend.

My best fun memories of Mark are part of the Cal Central cruises. For all those of you that were there, I simply have 2 words "whirley bird"

Bob Miller

July 2, 2007

Mark & I opened the Blue Note in Bakersfield in 1990, we worked there for a couple of years. I went into financial services with Pru and he went with a health company prior to AFLAC. After Mark joined AFLAC he invited me into KHU and I joined because of his upbeat attitude. We kept in touch and called on each other for assistance. Mark was always friendly outgoing and a peacemaker kind of guy. I pray for blessings on his family and friends. by Papa Smurf (His only name for me)

Freda Schlenker

July 1, 2007

Another bright light has gone out with the passing of Mark. I will forever miss him saying, "Hi Guys" as he spotted us at his table at Mexicali West or Blue Note, or just on the street. He came into our lives as just our waiter, but by the second visit, he became a wonderful, valued friend, and we followed him place to place from then on. With pride, we saw him graduate from CSUB, drive around town so proudly in his late Mother's gorgeous blue convertable, and we always got a cheerful greeting and big hug, just like we hadn't seen each other in years.
He was one of the most endearing, loyal people I have ever known, and I'm going to miss him so much. My sympathies go out to his family, as he spoke of his family so often..with so much love.
Mark was truly loved.

Brenda O'Bannon

July 1, 2007

I am a friend of Mark's for greater than 25 years. Mark and I met while working at Mexicali in Bakersfield, he was attending Cal State and driving his yellow 280Z. Mark called me "Sis" and I called him "Bro", I am from Van., BC and he and my brother could of been identical twins. I will never forget his warm eyes and infectious smile. Mark you leave us with fond memories.

Until we meet again~

Love, Brenda

Charlene Robison (Mackey)

June 30, 2007

To Gib & Julie and the family,
I just read of your brothers passing. You guys really looked alike. I did not know him but from what everyone has written here in his guest book and from seeing the pictures provided, he seemed like a really great guy to know. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and all of his friends left behind.
Charlene Robison (Mackey)

Traci Macias

June 28, 2007

Mark and I worked together at Mexacali West when we were kids, and he rescued me from Costco to go to work for Aflac. He blessed me with his home in Bakersfield when he moved to the coast. He was a rock
and helped me so much. I see Mark everyday I live here. All the beauty
and style he incorparated into this house. I am glad I was apart of your life and you will always be apart of mine. I love you Daddy Mac
and miss you!!!!

Joe Guggia

June 28, 2007

Being in the floral industry exposes me to all phases of client's lives from the beginning, then through all the special events in life, and the becoming of a higher being. But loss never gets easier, especially when it hits so close to home. We met Mark through our son, Nathan Guggia, who was on his team for a few years, and because of this was fortunate enough to share with the interior creation of his home. So much fun, and so endearing to be able to make someone so happy and proud of their space. A sad loss, but I'm sure many, many happy memories for everyone.

RSC Trip to Yosemite with Mark

June 28, 2007

When Gena became Marks "WeWonna"

June 28, 2007

The CA-CC Team at Half Dome

June 28, 2007

Ivy Wallace

June 28, 2007

Mark was a central presence of light as he entered a room. I felt his warm beams of light shining out toward me and I was conscious of his location. I will miss his wonderful energy and radiating love. I am very saddened to lose an excellent leader with Aflac.

Michael Ortega

June 28, 2007

"Here's the thing guys" hmm, the Aflac wisdom came next from the mouth of a very very giving individual. Mark gave me a real gift that will change my life and my families life forever, the road to better life by giving me the opportunity with Aflac. Just his giving nature alone, wether be it overall knowledge or his gift giving will be truley missed. I will forever be indebted to Mark for his generosity as life mentor and hope to pass on the same things that he has given to me!

Deidra Finney

June 28, 2007

What a sad day to lose someone so special. Mark was one of a kind...and kind he was. His home and hospitality were always open and the fun and energy never stopped. His big heart and generosity never ceased to amaze me. He believed in sharing with those he loved, and those he barely knew.
He worked hard, and always seemed surprised when success followed. :-) I remember a phone conversation after he moved into his dream home in Arroyo Grande. With childlike wonder and incredulity he commented, "I wake up every morning and have to pinch myself. I can't believe I really live here!"
You will be missed, Mark... by more people than you could ever imagine. Safe journey, my friend!

Jan Weaver

June 28, 2007

He was engaging. Mark Anderson was charming, pleasant, genial, sociable, delightful, endearing, appealing, winning, agreeable, pleasing, and yes...very, very likable. One of the greatest stockholders in the Aflac family. He has left a void in our hearts.

alaska

June 27, 2007

Gene Brown

June 27, 2007

I for one will always remember Mark for his contagious laughter and his love for all those around him including his Dogs. This reminds me of a polm I read in Chicken Soup for Cats & Dogs:

Do not weep for me when I'm gone
For I have friends in the great beyond.
All the little ones I used to feed
Will come to me in my time of need.
They will purr and bark in great delight,
And I will hold and hug them tight.
Oh what a great day that will be
When my furry friends all welcome me.

Richard Severo

I'll miss you, Mark

Geoff Malais

June 27, 2007

Mark and I started our careers with Aflac about the same time so we had a bit of a rivalry as well as a great friendship. We always talked about the classic cars he had and that I had as well as the ones we both liked but neither had. He was very knowledgible but what i will miss most about him is the one time where he took the time to make sure we were ok with each other because of a previous disagreement. He was a stand up guy that way and i will always respect him for that. We will miss you.

Judith Fox

June 27, 2007

Althiugh I only know Mark a short while it was with deep sadness I read of his passing. He was a person who lit up a room with his warm and generous smile. Mark was a man who had a positive and loving way about him. I rebember Mark telling me I could be one of the top agents in the state, He believed when I didn't
To his loved ones I would like to say my heart goes out to you at your loss and my prayers.

Lee Anne Hanson

June 27, 2007

Mark inspired us all to work hard and follow your dreams, he used to call me little Sheryl Crow,he loved her music, i would laugh he always made me laugh, it was never a dull moment with Mark Anderson,he always had a good time and lived life and that is how i would like to remember him as a friend...Mark You will be missed very much however not forgotton!!

guerdon smith

June 27, 2007

Mark, made my Aflac life more fun. He did his best. I will miss him.

Dan Klaudt

June 27, 2007

I believe people enter our lives for a reason, at a time when we need them. For me Mark was one of those people. He was larger than life! He taught me how to appreciate life and enjoy it to the fullest, that the glass is always half full, and the importance of having family in ones life. Work hard, Play hard, and love. I always knew he would be there for me if I ever needed anything, through good and bad, and I never questioned his love for me. He has truly gone to a better place where he will always be that beautiful Greek God Zeus that I belived him to be. He will be missed greatly.
Love always.

Carolyn Peters

June 27, 2007

We all have lost a shining light in our lives. Mark's presence often seemed bigger than life itself. I was blessed to be a good friend and traveling companion to Him for many years now. He was generous, kind and loving to me. There will now be a great empty spot in my life because his physical presence is no longer with us. He introduced me to the great Aflac family during our travels and I will grieve with all of you who have been touched by this wonderful man.

karen Lindsey

June 27, 2007

Dear Mark,

I wish I was at your bedside holding your hand, but I am glad that you were surrounded by your family and friends.

You used to reMark that your Birthday(June 11th) always fell during "Power Weeks". You didn't go anywhere or couldn't travel "out of town" to celebrate your BD.

Since you left us for your journey to eternity during PWs did you forget that you are not supposed to go anywhere in June?

Please come and visit me (even during power weeks) in my heart until we meet again.

Love, Karen Lindsey

Cindy and Jim Holkup

June 27, 2007

I am so saddened to hear that Mark is no longer physically present in all our lives. I know that spiritually we will all keep a connection with him.

The last time I talked with Mark, he was enjoying his new home, had just bought another collector car and was so fired up about living life! He was always so excited to tell you about what he had been doing and about the AFLAC business. Almost made me want to sell insurance again!!! Ha!

I know that he is living now with the Lord. God Bless You Mark, God Bless Your Family as they deal with their grief.

May the Lord wrap His arms around each of you and hold you as you grieve the loss of Mark, your Friend, Brother, Uncle, Cousin,and Brother-In-Law.

Mark is my cousin. His Mom and my Mom were sisters. God Bless them both as they are reunited in Christ.

With Love and Prayers, especially to Gib, Gary, and Pete's Families.

Fall of 2000

Matt Nachazel

June 27, 2007

I met Mark in late 1998 in Atlanta, as Doug Fox was recruiting me to the State Trainer position for Aflac in Central California.

Mark was the first RSC I met and he impressed me with his genuine humor and friendliness. Mark made me feel more than welcome. As I worked with Mark, stretching from 1999 till 2004, he was always a positive source of encouragement and radiated a "can do" attitude in every thing he did.

I second the comment on Mark's favorite Aflac phrase, "We are all shareholders" and can remember hearing that more than once at various meetings, team building events and awards ceremonies.

I will miss him very much.

Shannon Finney

June 26, 2007

Mark was my best friend, my confidant, and my biggest chearleader. He was generous to a fault and had a huge heart. I loved him. I am thankful every day that I had with him and that I could call him my friend. Mark, I miss you!

Pattie Earl- Aranio

June 26, 2007

I first met Mark over 10 years ago at a Million Dollar Club trip in Arizona. We immediately bonded and had been great friends ever since we shared laughs and tears over the years. I will cherish my fond memories of my great gentle "Haole" giant as I called him. Aloha to my very dear friend. Malama Pono, Pattie

Gary Petersen

June 26, 2007

Mark was my little brother, but he was always a big part of my life. I will miss him a lot, especially his joking around. He had a favorite line about our mother: "Mom never raised no chumps!"

Derrek Keck

June 26, 2007

I will always remember Mark as being a positive and supporting person. He always looked to find the positive in any situation. He was a great friend and mentor.

Gena Quarantello

June 26, 2007

It is so hard to believe that Mark is not here. I have known Mark since he came to AFLAC and he has always been such a happy presence and always smiling. I can see him standing up in front of everyone saying his famous line "We are all shareholders". He was a loving man whose life was cut way to short. I will always miss the man he was and will cherish our friendship. I am glad I was able to spend time with him a couple weeks ago and talk. Take care my friend I am keeping you in my heart.

Life-Friends Yosemite CA November 2005

June 26, 2007

The start of a new state, great times March 2005

June 26, 2007

Joe Buzzello

June 26, 2007

I met Mark 14 years ago in the summer of 1994. Our two companies had a marketing alliance. Mark and I soon teamed up, got in my beat up Mazada RX7 and hit the streets to drum up some business. I soon convinced him he needed to join the Aflac team. In later years he would always openly credit me for his great success and then add that I never got to 'override' him. He was always giving me the needle but he was always praising me. (It was unneccesary) When I think of Mark now, I think of that time in 1994 and I think of him making fun of my beat up car with no air conditioner in the hot summer...in the middle of sweltering, dusty Bakersfield...and I smile, cause those were good times with an awesome person and friend by my side who always quick to praise and who made me feel good about myself.

Jamaica October 2005

Bradley Witt

June 26, 2007

Mark had a tremendous impact on my life and career. I did not get a chance to speak with him or see him before he passed.

I know in my heart that Mark know's I loved and respected him in many ways. I am at peace with his passing as the health related suffering has stopped.

Mark is a great man and his legacy will live on in our physical lives, his spirtual presence will live on for eternity.

I love you Mark~

Bradley

Marisol Petersen

June 26, 2007

Throughout my life, Mark never ceased to "wow" me. At the age of 10 or 11, I remember playing on his MONSTROUS waterbed and staring at his HUGE aquarium in absolute amazement. He'd take us on FAST car rides in his 280Z, later his BMW, and get us to say: "On Z Mark, ready, set, GO."

Mark was an exciting and also very caring uncle to us. He genuinely loved his family, and we loved him back. For this reason, I know his memory will stay in our hearts forever- soon bringing big smiles to our faces.

Rhonda Wilkinson

June 26, 2007

Mark was a great friend! He would give and/or do anything for you. When I first met Mark, he had just moved into town and the friendship was there immediately. He was a great man and so full of life! He will always be in my heart. He was well love and will be missed by many friends and families.

God bless

Nicole Anderson

June 26, 2007

I will alway love, remember & miss my Uncle Mark. I dont think there are words to descibe him I am just glad to have all of the memories i have. I will alway love you & never forget you!!

Elisabeth Petersen

June 26, 2007

Mark had a BIG presence. He filled a room with his boisterous enthusiasm and boundless energy. Mark made me laugh... and we sang together in the yellow Z, with our hair blowing in the wind.
The Butchard Gardens and Beaconhill Park will always be ours. Thank you, Mark, I love you.
Your sister-in-law,

Virgil White

June 26, 2007

Mark was my manager, my friend, and my biggest supporter. He made me believe in me. A big man with an even bigger heart who was always approachable, always gracious, and always encouraging. He was the light in every room and I will never forget him.

Belinda Blackshear

June 26, 2007

Some people come into our lives and go quickly. Some stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never, ever the same, I will miss your smile and the friendship we shared.

I will never forget you.

Danielle White

June 26, 2007

Love can touch us one time and last for a life time. I will always remember Mark and the beautiful memories he gave me.

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