Harvey James Anderson II

Harvey James Anderson II – proud father and husband, accomplished lawyer, dedicated sponsor and mentor, cherished friend, avid surfer – led his life with love and light and it is with profound sadness that we share his sudden passing on December 19, 2024, at the age of 61. He leaves behind his loving family, mother Joan Fowler Anderson, wife Denelle Dixon, and their sons Cole Anderson, Luke Anderson, Dylan Thayer, Trevor Thayer, and Jax Thayer. In death, he joins his father Harvey James Anderson I.

Born in Washington, DC, Harvey was raised by his parents, Joan and Harvey, who instilled in him a strong sense of family, community, and faith that guided him throughout his adult life and career. Harvey progressively followed a call west starting with Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he completed his Bachelor's Degree in Engineering at Marquette University and built friendships that would prove to be lifelong. Upon graduation, he continued on his westward path, finally settling by the ocean he loved so deeply in the San Francisco Bay Area, which he called home for more than 35 years.

There, he studied law at the University of San Francisco School of Law, which set him on course for a prolific career, throughout which he was known and admired for his strategic vision and commitment to doing the right thing. His work ethic and talent brought him to the most senior offices at the intersection of tech, law, and policy. He led the legal and policy functions at HP as the Chief Legal Officer, successfully navigated the business, legal and policy needs of AVG, and used his innovative thinking to create some of the most impactful policy and business programs at Mozilla. After retirement, Harvey dedicated himself to beginning a new adventure as an Adjunct Professor at University of California Berkeley School of Law on the "business of law." He served on the Board of Trustees for Marquette University, a member of the board of Common Sense Media, and as a strategic advisor and board member for startups throughout his career. Less formally, he always freely and enthusiastically gave wisdom and advice to anyone who sought him out for mentorship or career guidance - even if his sons sometimes gave him feedback that his lessons took too long!

His intellect, judiciousness, and talent as a leader and lawyer made him an incredible force in the workplace but his greatest gifts to the world were his spirit of warmth, generosity, and devotion to his family and community. As someone guided deeply by his faith, Harvey was committed to service and driven by a sense of responsibility to share the goodness that life bestowed upon him with others. He found every opportunity to give to those in need, either donating time at local organizations, building houses annually for underserved communities in Mexico, or even just being an available ear to listen and support as someone who battled life's challenges. Harvey proudly achieved 35 years of sobriety through hard work, dedication and support from members of the Program. His commitment to the Program was unmatched as he served as a guiding light and sponsor to countless men and women, supporting their journeys to not only reach sobriety, but to thrive. Harvey had a rare gift to make someone feel seen, heard, and understood.

But Harvey was at his happiest when spending time with his wife, Denelle, and their five sons, Luke, Cole, Dylan, Trevor, and Jax. Harvey and Denelle's journey to each other took time, but when they found each other and blended their families, Harvey embraced every moment spent together and lived his most core values to ensure their home was joyful, supportive, and welcoming. He was there to cheer them on at events whether it be sports, performances or in Denelle's case speaking engagements (for which he had a front row seat for her speeches from Rome to Nairobi), to play any and all games together from board games and trivia to pickleball and paintball, to spend holidays in their favorite places always trying to get to surfing (especially Hawaii), or just quiet time together. His family was the center of his world and he was immensely proud of his wife and sons.

Harvey will be remembered for always saying yes to life – yes to fun, yes to sharing his good fortune, yes to anything with his boys and wife, yes to putting his feet in the ocean, yes to discovering the world, yes to listening, yes to being there for those who asked or needed him, and always yes to surfing.

Harvey was the embodiment of someone who lived his life to the fullest and in service of those he loved and his community. And in doing so, he managed to touch so many lives - inspiring each one to carry on his legacy.

A service will be held in honor of Harvey's life at Corpus Christi Church in Piedmont, California on January 9, 2025 at 7 p.m., and a Celebration of Harvey's tremendous life will be held on January 11, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Marquette University EOP Program, Surfrider Foundation, or Common Sense Media.