Gary Wayne Andersen was born on August 31, 1945, in Sacramento, California to the late Ansgar and Florence Andersen. He was the second oldest of four children. His oldest sister Pat preceded him in death, and he is survived by his sister Pamela Andersen and brother Eric Andersen.

Gary was a graduate of Western Baptist College where he received a bachelor's degree in history and Bible. He continued his education at Cal State where he received his teaching certification. Growing up with a love for sports, he played on both the college baseball and basketball teams. It was at college where he met the love of his life and wife of 57 years, Ruth. A year after they were married, he was drafted into the US Army where he fought in Vietnam and earned a bronze star for valor. After he completed his military duty, Gary entered his profession as a teacher and committed to a life of serving the Lord in Christian education. He was a beloved teacher and coach who has left a mark on thousands of students throughout his 44-year tenure at Tacoma Baptist High School. He was best known as being a tough teacher with hard tests, a title he enjoyed because he wanted his students to achieve their potential. Many students have shared with him how his classes prepared them for college. Sports continued to be a passion of his and he found a love for coaching baseball and basketball where he led multiple teams into state play offs including one state championship game appearance. One of his greatest joys, was having his kids and grandkids in his high school classes. Later Gary went on to earn a master's degree in biblical studies at Northwest Baptist Seminary. He was a lifelong learner, always eager to learn more about the Bible, history and developing a Biblical worldview.

Gary was a loyal husband and father to his children. He lived his life in a humble, consistent way and was steadfast in his faith. His character reflected his beliefs and his family, friends and co-workers saw him model integrity. He had a twinkle in his eyes and a childlike mischievous smile that we loved until the very end. He was known as a pie maker extraordinaire and a competitive pickleball player. Gary attended Southside Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and taught sunday school for many years.

Gary met his Lord and Savior on July 18, 2024, after a battle with liver cancer. He was loved and surrounded at home by his family as he lived out his last days with intentionality, courage and humor. He has left the legacy of a godly man who not only studied and loved God's word but sought to do what it says.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth, his three children Kristi (Jeffrey) Grassman, Kerri (Todd) Stordahl, and Jonathan (Jodi) Andersen; his nine grandchildren Kelsey (Christopher) Haddock, Kodiak (Madison) Lyons, Kalynne Grassman, Benjamin (Tiffany) Sanders, Kevin Stordahl, Abigail Sanders, Christian Andersen, Colton Andersen, Caity Andersen; and three great grandchildren Elliana Sanders, Leena Lyons and Liam Stordahl.

We already miss his warm smile, immense wisdom and genuine thoughtfulness, but are comforted to know that he is home is heaven experiencing the complete love of his heavenly father.