Tomas Barcinas Anderson

Tomas (Tom, Tommy) Barcinas Anderson, age 86, passed away peacefully at home on March 14th, 2025, in Sun City West, Arizona. He was born to Francisco Borja Anderson and Josefa Torres Barcinas Anderson on March 1, 1939, in Agana, Guam. Tom, a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, leaves behind a legacy of service, love, and devotion.

He grew up in the Catholic faith, attending and serving as altar server at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Santa Rita, Guam and was active at St Joseph Cathedral in San Diego, CA before moving to Arizona. Tom carried his spiritual beliefs throughout his life and was ready to go to heaven as soon as God said it was time. He became a Master Mason in 1975 and remained a member at John D Spreckels Lodge in San Diego for 50 years.

Tom began his journey of service, at the age of seventeen, in 1956 when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After completing boot camp in San Diego, he served aboard the USS Estes as a boiler operator until 1962. Following his honorable military service, he worked for NASSCO Ship Builders in San Diego. Tom then transitioned into a career in construction working with various contractors and later at the University of California San Diego. Eventually, he joined the City of San Diego workforce where he dedicated 17 years of service. Known affectionately as the “Old Goat,” Tom earned admiration for his tireless work ethic and infectious sense of humor from co-workers and management alike.

In retirement, he spent endless hours babying his yard and plants. His legendary lemon tree and staghorn plant were the big attention getters for visitors. He also went to "lunch with the boys" every Friday for almost 30 years. Everyone knew they could find him at Lido's on Fridays with his dear friends. The rest of his spare time he enjoyed helping family and friends with projects along with Michele's never-ending honey-do list.

Tom and Michele met in 1994 at a West Coast Swing dance class, a chance encounter that led to marriage in 2002. Together they shared a love for the simple things in life, finding happiness and contentment in just hanging out with each other. Sitting in their swing on the patio, enjoying the labor of his hard work in the backyard, cheering on the Padres, tackling home projects, traveling to see family (especially to Guam)—and spending time with his local family and friends.

In 2020, Tom and Michele relocated to Arizona to be closer to the other love of his life, daughter Leilani. She was his pride and joy from the moment she made him a Daddy in 1974. Tom's pride in her continued to grow as she became the woman she is today. She may have grown up, but she was and always will be, his baby girl to him. Leilani will carry his legacy with love and honor.

Remembering Tom are his wife, Michele (Lynn) Anderson; daughter, Leilani Elizabeth Anderson; siblings, Sylvia (BeBang) Torres; Priscilla (Lilang) Anderson (John Benavente); Vicente (Ben) Taisipic; Joseph (Joey) Anderson; Rose Catherine (Cathy) Mateo; sisters-in-laws, Angela (Angie) Woodburn, Grace Anderson, and Mayling Anderson.

Stepmother-in-law, Gerry Lynn, bothers-in-law, Dan Lynn (Cathy), Jim Lynn (Juli), Jason Lynn (Robbie) as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Besides his parents, Tom joins his siblings: Juan (John) Anderson; Beatrice (Ting) Paulino (Joe); Isabel (Beck) Garrido (Jesus); Carmen (Mami) Buchanan (Franklin); Patricia (Pat) Guzmon; Dorothea (Tia) Champaco (Jose); Francisco (Ankie) Anderson, and brothers-in-law Pedro (Pete) Torres and Frank (Ko’) Mateo. Father-in-law, Marion Lynn and Mother-in law, Millie Tice (Walt), other extended family members and many dear friends.

A Funeral Mass will be on, Saturday, May 10th, 2025, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church located at 14818 W Deer Valley Drive, Sun City West, Arizona. The remembrance service will begin at 11:00 am.

After the mass, one of Tom's final wishes was to have everyone gather and "Have a big party!" to celebrate his life. We invite family and friends to continue the celebration at the Grand (Pima Room) located at 19726 N. Remington Drive, Surprise, Arizona from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm. We will share a meal, memories, laughter, and possibly some tears remembering our beloved Tom. Guests please RSVP to Michele or Leilani no later than April 25th for catering purposes.

A Committal Service with military honors will take place Monday, May 12, 2025, at 11:00 am. The service location is at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, located at 2929 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Phoenix, Arizona

Tom lived a good life marked by quiet strength and a deep connection to those around him. He had no regrets and was ready to be in heaven, his forever home. Tom's legacy will live on through those he touched. His kindness, wit, dedication, and unwavering love will continue to live on through family and friends. May his memory bring you comfort and inspiration to live life like him … with a smile and remember to say I love you to those you cherish.

Memorial donations can be made to Hospice of the Valley in lieu of flowers.