August 28, 1946–October 25, 2024
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of beloved husband, father, and friend, Al Anderson, after a valiant fight with cancer. He was 78 years old. Al was born to Hale Henry and Elma Lena Anderson in Glendale, California. He grew up in Shadow Hills. At the age of 15, Al's father passed away, and his mother became his sole parent and provider. During this time, his Scout leader, Randall Makinson, stepped into the role of guardian and mentor.
Al attended Verdugo Hills High School and Glendale Community College. While in college, he was drafted into the Army and spent two years stationed at Fort Collins, Colorado. Upon his return home, he worked for Harley-Davidson in Van Nuys, then in the garment industry as a buyer for displays. Al worked on the Spectre dive boat as a dive master for fun on the weekends. In 1990 Al earned a Merchant Marine Credential (MMC) from the U.S. Coast Guard becoming an official Captain.
On January 12, 1991, he married Lisa Waters Anderson. They made their home in Shadow Hills living in Al’s childhood home. In 2000, wanting to be closer to their place of work and the love of ocean, they moved to Ventura with their sons Nick and Jackson. Their family grew with the addition of daughter, Lena.
Al worked for many years as the Captain of the Liberty dive boat. Lisa was his shipmate running the galley for their diving and whale watching guests. Their children grew up on the Liberty and enjoyed their time together at sea. Al began working for Seaborne Targets, a defense contractor to the U.S. Navy. He enjoyed his time at sea hauling targets out for gunnery practice and training. He tirelessly worked to ensure the men and women of our armed services were prepared to support this great nation.
Though working full-time and always being at his kids' games he also found time to get in rounds of golf with friends and family. In addition, Al enjoyed diving and was an amazing underwater photographer and underwater hunter. He held a private pilots license and enjoyed flying to small independent airports. Al had a love for motorcycle racing and dirt bike riding through Baja and in his later years he took up woodworking and archery. He was known for his passion of making meals, especially BBQ, and his famous guacamole. Al was a humble and hard-working man who genuinely cared for others.
Al is survived by his wife Lisa of 33 years, his son Captain Jackson Hale Anderson, USMC and wife Rachel, and daughter Lena Emily Nicole Anderson. He also leaves behind his dear friend Bob Barbarowicz and Lisa’s large family of in-laws, nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents Hale and Elma Anderson, son Marine Lance Cpl. Nicholas Hale Anderson (KIA-Iraq), mother-in-law Loretta Cavanaugh, father-in-law Samuel Waters and his lifelong friend Randall Makinson.
Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Service at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 in the Our Lady of The Assumption Church
3175 Telegraph Rd., Ventura, CA 93003. Following will be a Celebration of Life for Al at the Anderson home, 1610 Matthews Ave., Ventura, CA 93004.
Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.