Giants

Benjamin James Anderson, July 18, 1965 – July 28, 2015

“Live it hard and fast” was a favorite saying of Ben Anderson who lost his battle with Melanoma on July 28, 2015 but not before fighting hard and living large.

Born on July 18, 1965 in Alameda, son of his late parents, Eugene and Bettie Anderson, Ben spent his entire life on the island becoming an integral part of the community. Ben lost his father to cancer when he was only nine months old, and was raised by his mother, grandmothers and sister who all imparted a softer side to his otherwise boyish nature. Ben attended Edison Elementary, Lincoln Middle School and Alameda High and then upon graduating joined his Uncle Ben helping to run and eventually own Ben Anderson Motors, which with the help of his sister became an Alameda institution on Park St. for many years until he closed the doors in 2011 to fight his illness.

Ben married Stephanie in 1997 and had twin boys, Logan and Bradley in 1999. He embraced fatherhood wholeheartedly and it was his greatest joy in life. Having participated in Alameda sports throughout his youth, Ben became the consummate baseball, football and basketball coach for his sons and their friends, raising competition to new levels. He led many a team to championship seasons, which always culminated in laughter-filled, end-of-season celebrations.

Ben’s greatest gift was his sense of humor and sincerity, which he shared unconditionally with all he met. Sporting a gigantic smile, a bear hug in the waiting, and infectious laugh, Ben will be sorely missed.

Ben is survived by his wife Stephanie Anderson and sons Bradley and Logan Anderson; his sisters Susie Toribio (husband Vic) and Evie Bowman (husband Jim); his mother- and father-in-law Domenic and Enza D’Orazio; his sisters-in-law Rebecca Henderson (husband Ralph) and Silvia Duchene (husband Bruce); his lifelong friends “Pals” Steve and Kelly Floyd; and, his nieces and nephews Casey Bowman, VJ and Chris Toribio, Jennifer Kindel (husband Justin), Kelly Callahan (husband Scott), Danielle, Cole, Jaclyn and Scott Duchene, Mitchell, Nolan and Ryan Floyd, Nick and Cara Henderson, Enza Kindel, and Scotty Olson.

The family would like to express its gratitude to all who offered their love and support during this difficult time, and to those who also helped to make Ben’s life one so full of joy and laughter. A service will be held on Friday, August 7, 2015 at 2:00PM at Christ Episcopal Church, 1700 Santa Clara Ave. Memorial donations can be made to the AIM at Melanoma Foundation. By mail: AIM at Melanoma, 3217 Bob O Link Court, Plano, TX 75093 or online . http://www.aimatmelanoma.org/get-involved/donations/tribute-donations/

Alameda Little League lost not only a friend of the League, he was a long time Board Member, fundraiser, manager, and coach who, like Bill Matteucci would light up any room he entered. He was one of the most positive men I ever knew.
- Ron Matthews, Alameda Little League President