Obituary
Christian Brooks Anderson – Obituary
Christian Brooks Anderson, 74, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 26, 2021. Chris was born in Baltimore, Maryland to the late Sarah Virginia Anderson (nee Brooks) and Olaf Christian Anderson. He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years Vicki (nee Smith), children David Anderson, Christi Hartlove, and Leif Anderson, eight grandchildren (Nathan, Billy, Connor, Zack, Summer, Rilee, Neile, and Finn), his brother Tom Anderson and sister-in-law Julie and many, many dear relatives and friends.
Chris graduated from Parkville High School in suburban Baltimore in 1965. He began his lifelong career in auto financing shortly after graduation. His career was interrupted briefly by his service in an Air Force Reserve unit stationed at Middle River, Maryland. After his service, he worked many years as sales manager for Bob Davidson Ford in Carney, Maryland.
Chris was a man of many passions. First and foremost, he was the primary caregiver to his wife Vicki who has struggled with Parkinson’s and other serious health-related issues for over 30 years. Their time together, through thick and thin, was a true testament to the bonds of love.
In addition to his love for Vicki, he dedicated countless hours making sure David, Christi and Leif had the most exciting and fulfilling childhood. During the 1980’s, the whole family traveled across the country, and even to international venues, for BMX racing. As his children’s interests moved on to other areas, he and Vicki supported them in any way they could. For many years, Chris and Vicki’s house and property in rural Maryland served as a gathering place and second home for many of their children’s friends, some even referring to Chris and Vicki as “Dad” and “Mom.”
Chris also had a passion for animals of all kinds. Over the years he raised dogs, ponies, sheep, dwarf goats, turkeys, quail, ducks of all types, fish and, particularly, peacocks. His infatuation with fowl earned him the nickname of “Birdman.” There were always various multiyear “stray” cats hanging around.
After moving to Eustis, Florida in 2016, he began channeling his horticulture interests into growing hybrid tropical plants. His son David recently asked him when he knew what he wanted to do for a living, and he responded “I still don’t know what I want to do.” In another life, no doubt he would have had a profession growing plants or breeding animals.
Many knew Chris as the guy who would give you the shirt off his back. He was the guy who knew how to have a good time and, without fail, the person who did not want the gathering (party) to come to an end. Those of us who knew and loved him will always remember and cherish his sense of humor, the wry smile that was always on his face and the many hours of fun and laughter we shared.
At some point, we will celebrate his life in Baltimore. We’ll keep everyone posted. Condolences are appreciated, but first and foremost, we ask that you hug someone close to you in honor of our beloved Chris.
Feel free to share any moments and memories you have of my father here.
Love to all.
To me he was not only my favorite cousin but a good friend.
God Bless You Chris
Hope our paths will cross again someday