Ryan Robert Anderson

November 15, 1983 - January 30, 2017

TRAVERSE CITY - Ryan R. Anderson, age 33, passed away Monday, January 30, 2017 at the Munson Hospital in Traverse City. Ryan was born November 15, 1983 in Pontiac, MI to Robert Carl (Laurie York) Anderson Jr. Ryan grew up in Novi, MI and graduated from Novi High School in 2002. Ryan had an incredible passion and talent in the kitchen, and took it upon himself to cater his entire graduation party. After graduating from high school, Ryan enrolled at Schoolcraft College for his freshman and sophomore years before transferring to Michigan State University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising. Following his graduation from Michigan State, Ryan worked for Up North Media/EverywhereUGO, for 6 and a half years and for the past year at Bay Cabinetry & Design as an operations representative. Ryan was blessed with an infectious smile; he lit up a room with his presence, and had an amazing sense of humor. He had a deep passion for; learning, culinary arts, boating, fishing, and spending time out at the cottage on Lake Leelanau with family and friends. Ryan is survived by his mother, Laurie York Anderson, Traverse City, MI, step-father Richard Wilkins, Traverse City, MI, brother, Eric (Lyndsay Arbuckle) Anderson, Traverse City, MI, cousin, Chris (Katie Van Dyke) Burns, Commerce Twp, grand-mother, Mary Louise York, Traverse City, MI, step-brothers; William “Bob” (Joy) Wilkins, Brad (Veronica) Wilkins, and Brian Wilkins. Also surviving Ryan are many cousins, aunts, uncles, and extended family. Ryan is also survived by all of those who struggle and battle with the disease of addiction every day. A battle that he bravely fought and a cause that he championed throughout his life. Ryan is preceded in death by his dad, paternal grand-parents, his aunt, Linda York Burns, and his greatest teacher and mentor his grandfather, Ellery “Bud” York, without whom he wouldn’t have become the man that he was. Funeral services for Ryan will take place on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home with a visitation beginning at 1:00 pm until the time of the service at 3:00 pm. Ryan was the kind of person you couldn’t help but love, his care and compassion touched everyone he came in contact with. Ryan was always giving back to others, even in his final days he brought hope and peace to many other families by donating his organs through the Michigan Gift of Life Foundation. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Moyer foundation, Attn: Camp Mariposa South Bend, 1617 JFK Blvd Ste 935, Philladelphia PA 19103. The Moyer foundation is a camp for children of alcoholics and addicts. https://moyerfoundation.org/