Brian Lee Anderson

Brian Lee Anderson died on Friday, January 18, 2019, at the Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa, Arizona from metastatic brain cancer.  He was 43 years old.  Brian was born on Wednesday, February 12, 1975, in Chandler, Arizona to his parents, James Michael and Linda (Rogers) Anderson.

Though he was born in Chandler at the old medical center off of McQueen and Chandler Boulevard, Brian lived his entire life in Gilbert.  He attended Gilbert Elementary School and was a graduated member of the Gilbert High School Class of 1993.  Being born of goodly parents, he was taught, at a young age, the value of hard work and how to make an honest living by "the sweat of his brow." Over the years, Brian worked at various places where he gained experience and quickly became a reliable and trusted employee alongside his workmates.  He helped with the building of the light-rail train in Phoenix during the early years of its construction.  For the past several years, Brian worked for Dave's Construction Services in Gilbert. While working there he developed a special relationship with many of his coworkers and was proud to be apart of his "construction family." 

On June 5, 2001, Brian married Brandy Rackley at Williams Air Force Base in Mesa, Arizona.  To their union a son, Tristan James Anderson, was born.  Though their marriage didn't last, Brian was always grateful for the gift of his son that Brandy gave him.  Along with Tristan, Brandy mourns his passing and she will miss the friend that she had in him.  Brian found a great friend in his son.  Frequently, the two of them went on road trips that took them to many places throughout the southwest.  Those trips were great bonding moments and they would always look forward to see where the road would take them. 

Brian enjoyed going to San Diego every year with his family and made several trips to Rocky Point, Mexico with family and close friends over the years.  They always had a great time on the beach where they enjoyed playing in the ocean and basking in the warmth of the sun.  Even as a kid, Brian was a great one to go with on road trips.  One of his most memorable ones was when he was about 12 years old.  The family drove to Virginia to visit his Grandma Anderson.  During that trip they visited several important historical sites that blessed him with a patriotic spirit; especially Arlington National Cemetery.

Brian was an avid sports enthusiast.  He enjoyed watching sports, of all types, on the television.  He loved playing golf with his golfing buddies.  In Brian's eyes, wherever football was concerned, it was the Dallas Cowboys all the way!  You'd be hard-pressed to find a greater fan than he.  Brian and his son, Tristan, talked about everything together and they decided that he, true to form, would be laid to rest in his favorite Dallas Cowboys football jersey.  Too, Brian was a great outdoorsman.  He loved nature and looked forward to camping whenever he was able.  He enjoyed fishing and any fishin' hole was his favorite fishin' hole.            

Brian is survived by his son, Tristan Anderson of Gilbert, Arizona; his parents, James "Jim" and Linda Anderson of Gilbert, Arizona; his brother, Donny Anderson of Gilbert, Arizona; his niece, Rachel Anderson of Gilbert, Arizona; his nephew, Evan Anderson of Gilbert, Arizona; an aunt, Nyla (Rodney) DeWitt of Phoenix, Arizona; an uncle, Ronnie Anderson of Gilbert, Arizona and by his former wife, Brandy Lorenzen.  He is also survived by dozens of cousins.  Brian was preceded in death by his maternal aunts:  Thelma Brinkerhoff, Mabel Wilhelm, Geneva Willis, Marge Taylor; his maternal uncles:  Vance Rogers, Dewey Rogers, Daryl Rogers; a paternal aunt, Nancy Rutledge and paternal uncle, Royce Anderson.

His family and friends are warmly invited to gather for his viewing from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Friday, February 1, 2019, at the Crossroads Park Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1155 E. Ray Road in Gilbert, Arizona.  Everyone is invited to a special graveside service that will begin 11:00 A.M., Saturday, February 2, 2019, at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center Street in Mesa, Arizona, where he will be laid to rest immediately following the service.

Brian's family is thankful for all of the acts of kindness they have received during this difficult time and are especially grateful for all of the prayers offered up on their behalf.  They find a great deal of peace knowing that Families Are Forever.