Michael “Mike” Wayne Anderson died August 25, 2017 in Hood River, OR. He was 46 years old at the time of his passing.

Mike was born on July 28, 1971 in Hood River, OR to Jan and Leslie (Dinsmoor) Anderson. He was the fourth-generation of his family born in Hood River and had an older sister, Danelle. As a child, Mike enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He attended Hood River Valley High School, played many sports and was involved in auto and wood shop. He also helped build houses and was a member of the OSSOM club.

Mike's dedication to serving his community began at the age of 16, when he became a student firefighter with the Hood River Fire Department. He became an EMT in his senior year. Right after graduation from high school, he chose to serve his country and joined the U.S. Air Force. He spent the next 7 years serving in the Air Force as an Ear, Nose, and Throat Technician at military hospitals. During this time his daughter, Andrea, was born while he was stationed in Albuquerque, NM. She was his pride and joy and lit up his life. After his time in the military he lived briefly in Nevada but was looking forward to returning to his home in Hood River and did so in 2000. He served his community as a Reserve Deputy for the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office. He also joined the Westside Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter and advisor for the Student Firefighter program at Hood River Valley High School.

Mike served as a Reserve Deputy for 6 years. During that time, he obtained certification as a Marine Deputy and worked full time in the summer doing Marine Patrol. He spent the rest of his year working at Hood River Valley High School; while spending weekends and evenings on patrol. During these years, Mike also moved his grandmother up to Hood River from Bend to take care of her in her last few years. Mike met his wife, Heidi Dragoo, a 911 Dispatcher, when she was hired in 2005. 2 years later, Mike got his dream job and was hired as the full time Marine Deputy in March 2007. Mike and Heidi were then married on his family’s Hood River property on June 23. Mike worked Marine patrol for many years and later, switched to road patrol. He was a Search and Rescue Coordinator as well as TASER, FST, and Marine Instructor. Law enforcement was his passion and he has helped countless people during the last 17 years.

In 2012, Mike and Heidi had a son, Chase, who is now 5-years-old and had a special bond with his Daddy. He also has a granddaughter, Olivia. Mike loved spending time with his children.

Mike has spent his life giving to others; to his country, his community, and his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Mike is survived by his wife, Heidi Anderson; Daughter, Andrea Anderson; Son, Chase; Granddaughter, Olivia; parents, Reed and Leslie Melby; Sister, Danelle (Phil) Frank; nieces, Erin and Amy; cousin (that he considered his brother), Brian Rockett and his children: Dean, Troy, and Chaz; Uncles, Larry Dinsmoor, Edwin Anderson; Aunt Kay (Ed) Simon; step-brother, Wendell Walton; and step-sister, Amber (Dana) Hardwick. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Harold & Marian Dinsmoor and Cliff & Viola Anderson; father, Jan Anderson, in 1979; and his Uncle, David Dinsmoor, in 2017.

Donations to honor Mike can be made at any US Bank branch to the “Hood River County Search and Rescue Fund” or the Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation by going to www.oregonfallenbadge.com.

Details for the service will be announced soon. The September 16th service has been postponed.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.