Brian Anderson

Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died May 9, 2025

Brian Peter Anderson, of Gladstone, passed away peacefully on May 9th, 2025, at his brother Tim’s home in St Louis Park, Minnesota. He was staying with his brother while his loving wife, Patti, received care at a rehabilitation center for a severe spinal injury.

Brian was born in Manistique, Michigan, on December 21, 1951. The first nine years of his life were spent with his family in the hamlet of Nahma, before moving to Gladstone where helived nearly his entire life.

As a 2-year-old, Brian suffered a traumatic brain injury in a horrible Easter holiday automobile accident that claimed the life of his older brother, David. Through hopes and prayers, God intervened to spare Brian’s life, and, although he would be burdened with epilepsy as a result of his injuries, he never wavered in his determination to live a full and complete life.He serves as a reminder to all of us of what one person can overcome.

Brian graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social work from Northern Michigan University. He promptly joined the Peace Corps through the Vista program, where he introduced his Yooper cultural upbringing to residents of inner-city Chicago—where Brian was introduced to cityby a mugging as he walked with his duffle from the “L” to his apartment on his first day of arrival.

Brian immersed himself into Chicago’sneighborhood urban culture, serving as a social services resource assigned to the Native American Business Association. He took great pride in his work. He was grateful for how the Native American community welcomed and embraced him. Following his work with Vista, he began a disability-shortened career with the State of Michigan Library system.

Brian had a big heart, full of compassion and generosity. He was outgoing, to say the least. His two great passions were playing golf and the Detroit Lions—and probably not in that order.

In Brian’s nomenclature, rarely, if ever, was his favorite team referenced as the “Detroit Lions”. To Brian, it was simply “da lions”. Anyone, any place, any time, any conversation would inevitably turn to Brian talking about his lions, especially when dissecting the previous week’s game with friends in the morning coffee-clutch group at McDonald’s.

Brian loved golfing. And he loved the Gladstone Golf Club where he was a member for many years. His (loud) voice upon entering the clubhouse will be missed, where anyone within his eyesight served as a target for a callout, followed by shouts back with variations of his nickname: “Chick, him Winger, or Chicken Wing”! And as “Chick” approached the 18thgreen in a foursome of friends, they could always count on a declaration of “I’ll get the first round” even though he himself didn’t imbibe.

Brian was preceded in death by his brother,David, and his parents, Harold (Babe) and Dorrine Anderson, as well as his in-laws, Lawrence and Doris Bouchard. He is survived by his loving and caring wife of 38 years, Patti, and brothers Tim, Bruce (Connie) and Kent (Colleen). Additionally, he is survived by his brother-in-law Bill (Jodi) Bouchard, sister-in-law Janice Bouchard, along with many nieces and nephews.

Uncle Brian loved giving presents for birthdays and Christmas, and we’re pretty sure he enjoyed shopping for them more than he did giving them. Dining during the holidays with family members was a tradition that always brought Brian happiness.

Brian was a good human being and a good Christian. He was a devoted husband, and agood brother and uncle. Most of all, Brian was a good friend who looked for the best in othersand gave the best he had.

Those interested in memorializing Brian are encouraged to make donations to the Gladstone Golf Club, 6514 Days River Road, Gladstone,MI, 49837; or to the First Lutheran Churchmen’s meeting group, 1212 Minneapolis Ave., Gladstone, MI, 49837.

14 Tributes for “Brian Anderson”

    That booming voice calling out my name to say hi will be missed. So many things I could list that make me smile each time I think of him. He was a good man and he loved so deeply. Play on my friend. The 19th hole is glorious I’m sure.

    I will miss driving you through 18 holes of different courses,your stories of days past,and advice on my golfing. Keep your head down,slow your swing down. You will be missed and I will get the first round when we meet again.

    So sorry to learn of Brian’s death and Patti’s health struggles. My husband, Dale Skogman, became friends with Brian through First Lutheran Men’s group. May they enjoy each other in heaven. for healing for Patti in this time of grief. shalom, Jo Skogman Madison, WI

    we will sure miss you chic-you were a source of kindness and a really funny guy. It was always great to see you, and visit with you and Patti.

    Being a good friend with Tim since our high school days, I got to know “Chick” pretty well. I spent a lot of time at the Anderson household over the years and had the opportunity to have a lot of great conversations with Brian. He always had great tales to spin!
    One reoccurring conversation that we would always have, was who the best rock band was. I would always ask Chick if he had heard what ever group or musician I was currently into at the time, and he would always tell me that the greatest group ever was “The Grass Roots!” (I eventually broke down and listened to some stuff by them, and realized that they were pretty good! Chick wasn’t just feeding me a line. Albeit, I can’t be as enthusiastic as him and call them “the greatest band ever”, but I am grateful for him having turned me on to them!)
    My deepest condolence to Patti, Tim, Kent, Bruce and all of Brian’s family. He will be remembered by me as a fun and cheerful guy who always had the time to say hello and raise one’s spirit!

    Brian will be remembered for his courage, fellowship for mankind, and passion for life. The world is a better place because of Brian.

    I have known Brian over 50 years. Anytime I had seen him, I was always welcomed with a warm greeting and a friendly smile. Despite his health difficulties , Brian forged ahead. Good job “Chickenwing” I’m sure God has a special place for you ! Jeff

    So sorry to here about chicken wing. Will remember the good times we spent together riding around in the white Mustang, playing basketball, living across the hall from him at Northern and just hanging out. Rest in peace my friend you deserve it.

    Dear Patti, Tim, Bruce, Kent and Families,
    Our hearts go out to you in deepest sympathy. We are so sorry for your loss. Brian will be missed by everyone who knew him. He was such a good guy. Gladstone will not be the same without him. We will remember his easy smile and manner with great fondness. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
    Nancy & Tim LeGault

    I met Brian for the first time at Bay College and got to know him better at NMU. I remember the first day we were getting settled in our dorm and he came up to me and told me he had an African American man as a roommatee. He further added that he did not think it was going to work out as this person told him there were six drawers in the dresser and he already filled five of them with his clothing items and left him one. Brian took it all in stride and shortly on that same day found another roommate named Bill from the Copper Country. I could tell at that time there was something special about him and he would be successful in life. He definitely was successful. May he rest in peace.
    May he rest in peace.

    I remember watching “Chicken Wing” on the basketball court when I was a kid. I believe that’s where he got the nickname. The library was my home away from home when I was young, and Patti was the “new” librarian. I was happy to see when she married her co-worker’s son. What a great match, both such kind people!
    My condolences to the Anderson family and well wishes for Patti’s recovery.
    Heidi (Boden)

    So sorry to hear this. Patti, my sincere condolences to you. Chick was such a great guy! He truly cared about others and could light up a room with his sense of humor. You will be missed.

    Brian was an awesome bother. He protected me and gave me good advice as a young person looking for guidance. For those that do not know where the nickname Chicken Wing came from, it was the way he ran with his arms/wings flaying. He was a great Track and Cross Country runner in high school.
    Kent’s nick name with Turkey Legs due to his large thighs, I was Goose Neck (they had to find something) and Tim was Rooster Guts. (a real stretch to the imagination).
    Brian was a normal big brother until a car accident when he was in 2nd year at Bay De Noc Community College. Hit a tree, plowed into a house. That accident triggered in a life-long challenge with epilepsy. Many powerful drugs took a lot from him but he did the best he could to make all of our lives better. I was happy for Brian to see the Lions do well last season.

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