Michael John "Andy" Andersen

1960 - 2022

Michael John "Andy" Andersen
December 20, 1960 - May 23, 2022
Tacoma, Washington - Mike was born the youngest of four boys (brothers Rick, Dan and Tom) to Kathleen and John "Jack" Andersen at Swedish Hospital in Seattle, Washington. He found peace surrounded by daughter Ellen, son Charles, brother Tom, Dana Andersen Conway and Justin Graves along with an escort of prayers and love from an unending procession of the people who embraced him.
Mike emanated a unique combination of humility and strength. He brought an infectious laughter, no holds bar affection and bigger than life personality to every room he entered. He was known for his huge heart, sense of humor and quick wit. He enjoyed the outdoors, music and people. He especially cherished his time at the Hoh River, during all of his vacations growing up with his Mom and brothers, and in recent years at the cabin he shared with Tom and his children to perpetuate his treasured childhood rain forest and Olympic Mountain memories.
Mike graduated from Stadium High School in 1979, voted "Peppiest" in his class ("Mr. Congeniality" would be a more fitting description of Mike's legacy!). Football scholarships to Spokane Falls Community College and Eastern Washington University led him to a teaching and coaching career, spent mostly at Mount Tahoma High School. He was a beloved teacher, known for "never giving up on his students", who "cared about the kids who tried but couldn't". He was a God-fearing man who often served others more than himself, earning trust and respect from students and staff by giving his time and heart whenever he could.
Mike was an accomplished athlete who exuded a humble pride for the recognition that his hard work and dedication earned him as a fearless and formidable competitor. He was considered a leader with the heart of a lion by schoolmates and staff. Despite the abundance of sports-related accolades he received throughout his athletic career, Mike considered his greatest achievement in life to be father of Ellen and Charles.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Daniel and Rick, and many dear relatives who shared memorable gatherings during the special occasions of his life. He is survived by his daughter Ellen, son Charlie, brother Tom, Ellen and Charlie's Mom Dana, and an abundance of family and friends! Family would tell you his personality filled the room; friends would say hanging out with him was like being "in the company of a rock star"! Many more would say "he was someone you'll never forget". It is an understatement to say he will be missed.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 5510 No. 44th St. on Friday June 10th at 11:00am, followed by a reception in the Parish Hall. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Slavonian Hall, 2306 N. 30th St. on Saturday, June 11th from 3 to 6pm. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations made in Mike's honor to the charity of your choice. Please see gaffneyfuneralhome.com for full obituary and to leave online condolences. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.