Tom Anderson was the love of my life. On Friday June 13th, he died after a hard-fought battle from complications after Aortic Valve replacement surgery.

Tom was born August 21st 1953 to Tom and Dorothy Anderson. He has two half siblings, Richard Anderson (deceased), Sherri Anderson, two step siblings Judy Billington and John Neil, niece Debbie Rioux, nephew Dave Billington, great nieces Kayla Riuox, Hannah Hebert, Elizabeth Billington and Emily Billington and great nephew Jacob Rioux.

Tom graduated in 1971 from Kennedy High School in Taylor. In 1978, Tom attended Schoolcraft College where he earned his associates degree and met many of his lifelong friends.  In the fall of 1978, he started at Wayne State University where he completed his bachelor's then his master's degree. In 1991 Tom completed his doctorate in medieval history and wrote his dissertation "The Inheritance Rights of Women in the Frankish Kingdom, 481-700: An Inquiry into the Germanic Family, Laetic Tenure, and Lex Salica, 59."  Tom loved working at Wayne State. The history department was his second home. He has taught thousands of students. Retiring from Wayne State in 2020 after 39 years. Tom said it never felt like a job because he loved what he did, he also taught at Henry Ford Community College for 18 years. Tom became concerned about the disparity of the part time faculty and was approached to help unionize the part time staff at Wayne State, and later-on at Henry Ford Community College. In 2007 The Union of Part-Time Faculty Local 477 was born. A short time later Tom helped organize the union for the part time faculty at Henry Ford Community College, the AFO. Since joining the union in 2007 Tom had worn many hats; Union Organizer, Grievance Officer, Chief Negotiator and Executive Director. Both college's part-time faculty are better off today because of the fair contracts that he and the other staff and organizers bargained for.

Tom loved reading and picking the first vine ripe tomato from our garden every summer. He was a true-blue Lion's fan that never gave up. We spent many nights at old Tiger Stadium and then Comerica Park rooting for the boys of summer to bring us a victory. He loved sitting on the back deck drinking some of the wines we collected from around the country.  Tom missed celebrating our 50th anniversary by 35 days. I will never forget all the things we shared together in those amazing years. I miss him with all my heart.

In lieu of flowers or gifts donations may be made to the Johannesen Scholarship Fund in his name at Wayne State University. www.giving.wayne.edu/donate/anderson

Memorial service to be held on Friday August 22nd from 12 to 3 pm

The Social 734

6603 N. Wayne Rd.

Westland, MI 48185