David Anderson

David Leroy Anderson, age 58 of Madison, WI lost his brave battle with cancer on Dec. 17, 2013, passing away peacefully at home with his loving wife Dawn by his side. He was a life long resident of the Madison area, born on a cold day on February 21,1955. The second child of four to Alonzo (Al) and Beatrice (Noble) Anderson. He attended Midvale Elementary, West Jr. High, West Sr. High and U.W. Madison, receiving a BA in Agriculture, in 1987. Dave's sense of humor and love of nature was infectious to all. He was the eternal outdoorsman, his passion for life revolved around nature and outdoor activities. He was the avid outdoorsman, who loved camping, hiking, canoeing, scuba diving, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hunting the allusive morels and fishing. His passion being fly fishing. Dave even tied up his own flies (ruby-throated Cadis and Angel Flies). We like to think that he is now catching and releasing stars just as he had always made an effort to catch and release the fish he caught. Dave enjoyed fishing trips to Canada with friends and Dive trips to Bonaire, Cozumel and Florida through the years. These past 9 years he spent much of his time remodeling and turning our house into a beautiful home. Each year, Dave donated his time as a fishing instructor to students of the Malcolm Shabazz Project Green Team. Also, he was involved in the Four Lakes Scuba Club, and was a longtime fixture and participant in the Madison Scuba Community. He was a devoted husband and father figure to Tyler and Alyssa Schafer, and felt deep affection for his daughter Sarah. He also delighted in being a grandfather to Cassie Schafer (Tyler). Dave loved animals especially dogs. Through the years he owned two springer spaniels (Niki and Buddy) and a lab greyhound mix (Sabrina). He worked many various jobs through the years starting out as a pizza delivery boy, next Verona Auto Body, Metal Fabrication in Cambridge, Craft Village, Petrie Sports, Dolphin Pools and Spa, and most recently Fontana Sports. Dave is survived by his parents, brothers Tom and Bob, sister Kris (Darrell) Lehman, and nephews Patrick Lehman and James Sanford and Great nephew Reece Lehman. Aunt Louise (Noble) Dryburgh, Aunt Carol (Anderson), Uncle Les (Anderson) and many cousins. Also many in-laws, 7 nephews and a niece on his wife's side. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Aunt Marion Anderson, Aunt Alice (Noble) Tangye, Uncle Buzz Tangye and Uncle Bob Dryburgh. Dave touched so many lives, he will be greatly missed by all who knew him!
A Memorial Visitation will be held from 3:00 - 6:00 pm, with time for prayers from 6 to 7 pm. on Friday Dec. 27 at Cress Center, 6021 University Ave., Madison, WI.
In lieu of flowers donations will be accepted for a memorial in honor of Dave's passion for nature.