Michael Walter Anderson, 61, of California died June 24, 2009 succumbing to cancer-related illness. Born August 5, 1947, in Washington, DC, he was the son of the late Arthur Lind Anderson and Evelena Dean Anderson.

He was the loving husband of Carolyn Snyder Anderson, whom he married on September 24, 1966; beloved father of two daughters and their husbands, Kimberly and Joseph Bryer of California and Evelena Anderson-Eley and Jeffrey Eley of Baltimore; and devoted grandfather to Kaili, Ansleigh, Joseph and Aarianna Bryer of California.

He is survived by his siblings, Ronald Anderson and wife, Gail, of Laurel, MD; Jacqueline Waddell of Dudley, NC; Dean Anderson and wife, Geraldine, of Fayetteville, NC; Michele Anderson of Goldsboro, NC; close long time family friends, Rick and Beth Sandidge; dear friend Steve Heibel; as well as many special family members.

His brother-in-law, Andrew Waddell, precedes him in death.

After graduating from Suitland High School, he became one of the first cadets of the DC Metropolitan Police Department, later becoming a DC Police Officer. His varied career path led him to work in construction, become a waterman, a published writer, a real estate agent, a College of Southern Maryland graduate and a case manager for troubled youth. His ultimate goal was to become an Addiction Counselor. He was a two-time cancer survivor. He was also an avid fisherman and hunter and, until last year, enjoyed yearly hunting trips to the Eastern Shore.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 1, 2009 from 9:30-10:30 AM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Home Chapel, Leonardtown, MD where a memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM. Interment will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, St. Mary's County Unit P.O. Box 1032, Lexington Park, MD 20653 and/or the Cancer Center of St. Mary's Hospital.

Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home.