Raymond J. Anderson March 28, 1945 - July 8, 2024

Raymond J. Anderson was born on March 28th, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois. As a young man, he served in the Vietnam War. On his return, he moved to San Francisco and became involved with a spiritual group called The Holy Order of Mans.

During this time, he married his first wife, Lenore Flanders, nee Bringle, and they had a daughter, Anna Michelle. After his marriage and his time with the Order, Ray moved back to Chicago, then returned to California, moving to Santa Rosa to support his daughter as a full-time dad. In 1989, he married Ruth Barnhart.

After a short while in real estate, Ray became a licensed contractor and started attending The Center for Spiritual Living (called the Church of Religious Science at the time). He entered studies at the Center, received his Practitioner license, and went on to become a minister. He was a leader in the ManSpirit group and a speaker and teacher at the Center.

In 1997, his daughter Anna and her husband Steve Tuor had their first child, Harley. She was a regular visitor at the Center. Three years later, Ray’s second granddaughter, Skylar, was born. He was lovingly known as BPa to the girls.

He separated and became divorced that year. He lost his daughter eight years later. Ray was grief-stricken, but it only served to make him more completely devoted to his beloved granddaughters and their lives. His family was everything to him, and his love and support for them were without limit.

Somewhere amidst his full life, he managed to write and publish his book, Lotus Cross, a spiritual mystery.

Ray was always someone who could light up a room, bringing his bright smile and loving heart wherever he was. He touched so many in his life. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. 

All are invited to attend the Celebration of Life for Ray Anderson:

Tuesday, August 20th  at 11 am 

Center for Spiritual Living, 2075 Occidental Road, Santa Rosa, Ca 95401

 

 

Michael Louis McKenzie October 14,1964-June 18, 2024

Michael Louis McKenzie was born on October 14th, 1964, to Patricia Lemons and William Louis McKenzie. He had a tumultuous childhood and charged into his youth headfirst. He rode motorcycles, listened to punk rock, and was a larger than life personality with irresistible magnetism that drew people to him.

Shortly after the birth of his daughter, Tressa, he dropped his first name and went by Louis. It was a fresh start for him, in some ways.

He was still the life of the party, but he took fatherhood seriously, became a skilled licensed contractor and started his own business, and dove into the pursuit of the great outdoors. From car camping to backpacking, fishing, kayaking, rock climbing and ice climbing - he did it all.

He met Karen Campbell and after some time apart, they reconnected and eventually married. They bought a beat up little house, tore it down to the studs and built a home with brightly colored walls and succulents everywhere.

He also embarked on a lifelong spiritual journey. He would shout along to the loudest rock n roll songs, slapping his steering wheel to the beat, but he would also meditate, explore philosophy, practice mindfulness and breathwork. He led men’s groups at the Center for Spiritual Living and became an unusual yet integral part of that community, including volunteering with the teen group and building the new Center. 

Louis always had health issues. He almost died when he was three years old of a rare condition that made his body incapable of fighting disease, but with excruciating monthly injections, he lived. When his liver started failing, Karen was at his side, pressing the doctors to take his symptoms seriously. He finally received a liver transplant.

He was encouraged to learn a new trade after that. Something that wasn’t so physical - he considered architecture but at the last minute he changed his mind. He didn’t want to sit at a desk, so he went back to school and got a certificate in sustainable agriculture. He bought a little chunk of land, and he turned it into a farm, Twin Palms Ranch. He grew vegetables and had llamas, chickens, ducks, geese, sheep, and of course, his dogs. 

Louis’ physical issues continued but he was happy to see his daughter marry, and meet his two grandsons, Wiley and Ezra. He spent his days filled with hard work, enriching fun and surrounded by family and friends.  

Here at the Center, we remember Louis with love and deep appreciation. He was a remarkable individual who transformed our building from Star Skate World into the Center for Spiritual Living. 

Louis was, and will forever remain, a pivotal figure in our community heritage and in the lives of those he touched. His adventurous spirit, and tireless dedication were a blessing to everyone who knew him. 

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Karen McKenzie, and his daughter, Tressa Fessenden-McKenzie, during this time of transition. 

Thank you, Louis, for building our spiritual home and infusing it with your love and passion.

 

All are invited to attend the Celebration of Life for Louis McKenzie:

Saturday August 10th  at 11 am 

Center for Spiritual Living, 2075 Occidental Road, Santa Rosa, Ca 95401