Hugh Craig Anderson III

Hugh Craig Anderson, III of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, peacefully passed away August 26, 2024. He is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years, Britta, his 2 sons, David (Peggy) and Scott, brother Tom (Bege) and grandchildren Hanna and Ben. He is preceded in death by his twin brother, Edward (Jan) and his parents Donald and Dorothy Anderson. Hugh was born July 24, 1938 in Pittsburgh, PA along with his “Wombmate”, brother Ed.

A graduate of Purdue University with a BS degree in Industrial Economics, Hugh moved to Chicago to pursue a business career in Personnel with Sherwin-Williams. It was there that he was first tasked with finding work opportunities for soon to be displaced workers, laying the foundation of what was to become his future business, Hugh Anderson Associates, as he blazed the trail of what is now called Outplacement. It is also where he met the love of his life, Britta.

Hugh spent 6 years in the Indiana National Guard and truly valued patriotism. A most respected businessman, known for his integrity, generosity and an insatiable appetite for learning, Hugh’s legacy will long live through his family and those who knew him as a mentor and a friend.

Hugh loved to talk…to anyone…about anything. He was genuinely interested in everyone’s backstory, always seeking information that made you stand out. Where did you grow up, what did your parents do, what did you get out of your education? He was looking to make friendships even with people he knew he’d never see again. It wasn’t idle chit chat. It was a real conversation to get to know someone better. That would hold true to his last moments as he got to know all of his nurses on a first name basis and was quick to re-tell the family about: how they were parents to twin girls, a former bartender or a 3rd generation caregiver looking to make a difference. Hugh listened and if you did in return, you were better for it.

Hugh and Britta would spend much of their Summers at their condo along the Little Traverse Bay shoreline in Petoskey over the last 25 years. He would spend hours reading books on the back deck or taking a lawn chair to the grass while soaking up some sun. The morning ritual of making coffee and breakfast for two wasn’t a chore, but a delight. With the amazing view of the pristine water and all types of boats coming and going, not to mention the people-watching as hundreds would walk out to the lighthouse daily. This was the good life and It was to be savored at sunset with a snifter of scotch.

American History was one of his many passions. Hugh wanted to know everything about Presidents, Wars, the Constitution, the eras he lived through and those before his time. Every Christmas, Father’s Day and birthday made him the easiest person to shop for: simply find a book with historical references, a good bottle of scotch and he couldn’t be happier. Unless, of course, he was sharing with you what he learned from reading those books. That interaction made it special.

Hugh enjoyed sports of all levels, but really appreciated College Basketball and Football. He was a season ticket holder for the Lions during the Billy Sims years and took the family to countless baseball games at Tiger Stadium, including Game 4 of the 1984 World Series.

Above all, Hugh Anderson was a family man. Everything he did in life, he did with his family in mind. Over the last several years he became closer to his brothers than ever before, with weekly phone calls and exchanged emails. Sadly, his brother Edward passed just 10 days before Hugh. Both men were very much at peace and are now reunited.

There will be a memorial service at Kirk in the Hills, 1340 W. Long Lake Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI, 48302, Friday, September 27th at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to Henry Ford SandCastles, www.aboutsandcastles.org, a grief support program for children or to Kirk in the Hills.