Thomas "Tom" Anderson

Aug 4, 1967 -

Feb 10, 2024

Thomas T. "Tom" Anderson passed away on Feb. 10, 2024, at his home in Meadow Lakes near Wasilla, Alaska, surrounded by family. He had been fighting melanoma cancer for a year. Tom was born in Anchorage, Alaska, on Aug. 4, 1967, and graduated from Bartlett High School in 1985. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in public administration at the University of Alaska Anchorage. He obtained his Juris Doctorate from Hamline School of Law in Minnesota.

Tom served as a legislative aide to Representative Terry Martin for six years, and later served two terms as a State Representative for east Anchorage. Tom was committed to improving justice for Alaskans. As one of the few Juris Doctorates serving in the house, he focused most of his effort on needle-moving initiatives that would help solve more crimes against Alaskans. Tom spearheaded the legislative effort to build a new crime laboratory, touring lawmakers around the old lab overflowing with evidence boxes.

He helped craft laws to fight online predation of minors, when these crimes were just coming to the forefront, and most importantly, secured the passage of invaluable legislation to allow the collection of DNA from convicted criminals and placement of the samples into CODUS.

Tom was active in the Anchorage political scene, serving on the Anchorage School Board, the Zoning Board of Examiners and Appeals, the Municipal Light and Power Commission and the Anchorage Parking Authority. In 2000, he was on the transition team for Anchorage Mayor George Wurerch.

Tom became managing partner with his father forming Optima Public Relations, focusing on political campaigns and helping companies develop their image and business. He represented campaigns all over Alaska and several in the Lower 48. He not only acted as a political consultant but wrote articles for The Hill, Alaska Business Monthly and other publications.

Tom hosted a talk radio show on KVNT in Anchorage/Mat-Su since 2011. He regularly interviewed prominent local officials and many nationally-known political figures. He also used the Tom Anderson Show as a forum for his public relations clients.

Tom was known for his good sense of humor and quick wit. He usually had a joke or remark that livened up any conversation. He was an early supporter of the Fraternal Order of Alaska State Troopers and the Alaska Police and Fire Chaplains organization. He liked to travel internationally, as well as domestically.

He is survived by his wife, Lailanie; sons, Thomas and Kerry of Austin, Texas, and Timothy and wife Maddy; grandchildren Sawyer and Tristan from Atlanta, Ga.; son, Grayson McGuire Anderson, a senior at Kent a private school in Denver, Colo.; and father, Thomas R. Anderson. Preceding him in death was his mother, Christiane; and brother, James.

A Celebration of Life will be hosted in mid-March 2024, with information to come.

Contributions in Tom's honor can be made to the Alaska Police and Fire Chaplains Association, P.O. Box 200654, Anchorage, AK 99520.