Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Words cannot express how sorry I am for the family of Ranger Margaret Anderson. My thoughts go out to all who have been touched by this tragedy, especially to her husband and children.

Special Agent
National Park Service

January 4, 2012

My sympathies to the family and park employees of this beautiful mountain. She will rest in peace...she worked in Paradise and is now in paradise.

Mary Forbes

January 4, 2012

God Bless this wonderful woman, as well as her family & friends (including all LEO's out there). My heart breaks for all, especially the children whom have lost their Mommy.

As a person who works in a USFS campground that is bordered with Glacier National Park, I know some of things our Wardens, FS & NPS Rangers go through. I appreciate that there is a reciprocal inter-agency agreement in place for each to be able to respond and help the others. Being out in the boonies, it is nice to know that when I call for help, any and/or all will show up. I am always extremely thankful for their assistance, and for their continued dedication to a tough job. They are my lifeline.

My thanks & respect to all LEO's, and my deepest sympathies that one was taken from us.

Sandy
Campground Host, Citizen

January 4, 2012

We were deeply saddened by the news of Ranger Anderson’s death. Her ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty is the worst fear realized. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy go out to the Anderson and Kritch families, her NPS colleagues and friends.

Kevin & Kate Huska (former federal LEOs)
Oregon, WI

January 4, 2012

I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Margaret Anderson. My heart goes out to her husband, daughters, coworkers and family in this time of sadness. I have walked the journey you are taking now as the surviving sister of a lost brother in the line of duty. I pray that you are surrounded by love and comfort! Margaret, may God hold you tight to his chest-watch over you angels always...

Citizen of Kennewick, WA
Kim Anderson sister to Matt Herzog WCSO EOW 9/13/01

January 4, 2012

My thoughts and prayer to the Anderson Family.

Vickie Rhodes
Office of the Secretary

January 4, 2012

I am so sad. I've been a visitor to Mount Rainier National Park for over twenty years. I thank Margaret and the rest of the Park Service staff for keeping me safe in a place of such beauty and wonder. My best to her family, friends, and coworkers.

Stuart Smith
Citizen

January 4, 2012

I met Margaret last spring as we sat - just the 2 of us for 8 hours to be re-certified as CPR/First Aid trainers.She was the sweetest woman who had a kind and warm smile. We laughed and shared pictures of our little ones and she filled me in with the details of what it;s like to be a Park Ranger. She loved Mt.Rainier and the people with whom she worked. They were her family.
I am so sad for her children and husband for their loss. I feel fortunate to have known her and to have spent time with her that day.

Debbie Shapiro
Tacoma School of the Arts

January 4, 2012

my thoughts and prayer goes to the anderson families in this sad time.

donna fisher

January 4, 2012

God Bless and keep the family of Ranger Anderson. I acknowlege and respect the role of Rangers in LEO having worked in Ft. Og;lethorpe, Ga with the Rangers at Chickamauga/Chattanooga NMP.

Alan R Yates, Supervisor, (Ret)
NH Dept of Safety

January 4, 2012

I hope you can take some measure of comfort in knowing Officer Anderson was doing what she loved and performing bravely. My family is praying for everyone connected to this tragedy.

Will C.
Citizen

January 4, 2012

Margaret Anderson was an amazing Ranger, but above that she was an extraordinary mother, a loving and caring wife and a wonderful friend. It breaks my heart that her husband will never hold her hand again or that her children will never hear her voice calling their sweet names and saying that she loves them, and that as a friend I will never see her smile again. She is a hero beyond words and I take comfort in knowing she is watching over us still and always.

Tisha Kennell
Dpt of Emergency Services DOA

January 4, 2012

Margaret,
I may have only met you a few times, but your memory is very strong in my heart. Through work, I knew you to be a professional and very knowledgeable in your duties. You were always eager to help with that winning smile. Thank you, for the time you spent with me and my children in the park as we waited for the road to been re-opened due to snow. All the questions my daughter asked of you seemed to be endless, but you answered them all with a smile. You have stuck out in my mind because of your professionalism and over all willingness to help. Thank you for your service, I am sorry your sacrifice had to be so great. You and your family will remain in my prayers. God’s speed to you Margaret you were truly one of a kind.

Corrections Deputy Michael Peek
Pierce County Sheriff's Department

January 4, 2012

Having known you, your sister, and your family when I was a child, I was devastated to hear the news. I am so sorry and cannot imagine the sadness your family is experiencing. All of us who visit the National Parks owe you endless gratitude for your bravery and courage. May you rest in peace, and your children grow up knowing what a wonderful person their mother was.

...karin fuchs
Childhood friend

January 4, 2012

Such a tragedy. I have particular empathy for park rangers, who impress me as being really good people. Bless you, Margaret and your family. At least the nature you devoted your life to protecting removed the threat to others.

Christopher Henze
Appreciative citizen

January 4, 2012

God Bless Margaret Anderson and her family for their unimaginable sacrifice. As a child, I marveled at the stunning Mt. Ranier out my living room window and my son graduated from Eatonville HS. Every day, LEO's put their lives in danger to protect you while you are on vacation in the National Parks. You may never even know they are there, to rescue you or save you from a bad decision. Thank you to all the National Park Service families for all you do.

Lari Anderson
mother of GCNP River Ranger and sister to a WA state patrol.

January 4, 2012

my heart goes out your family during this difficult time. your good deeds will not go unnoticed, my fellow LEO may you rest in peace....

THE POLICEMAN STOOD AND FACED HIS GOD, WHICH MUST ALWAYS COME TO PASS. HE HOPED HIS SHOES WERE SHINNING JUST AS BRIGHTLY AS HIS BRASS.

"STEP FORWARD NOW, POLICEMAN, HOW SHALL I DEAL WITH YOU? HAVE YOU ALWAYS TURNED THE OTHER CHEEK? TO MY CHURCH HAVE YOU BEEN TRUE?"

THE POLICEMAN SQUARED HIS SHOULDERS AND SAID, "NO LORD, I GUESS I AIN'T BECAUSE THOSE WHO CARRY BADGES CAN'T ALWAYS BE A SAINT."

" I'VE HAD TO WORK MOST SUNDAYS, AND AT TIMES MY TALK WAS ROUGH...AND SOMETIMES I'VE BEEN VIOLENT BECAUSE THE STREETS ARE AWFUL TOUGH."

"BUT I NEVER TOOK A PENNY THAT WASN'T MINE TO KEEP...THOUGH I WORKED A LOT OF OVERTIME WHEN THE BILLS GOT JUST TO STEEP, AND I NEVER PASSED A CRY FOR HELP, THOUGH AT TIMES I SHOOK WITH FEAR. AND SOMETIMES, GOD FORGIVE ME, I'VE WEPT UNMANLY TEARS."

"I KNOW I DON'T DESERVE A PLACE AMONG PEOPLE HERE. THEY NEVER WANTED ME AROUND, EXCEPT TO CALM THEIR FEAR."

"IF YOU'VE A PLACE FOR ME HERE, LORD, IT NEEDN'T BE SO GRAND. I NEVER EXPECTED OR HAD MUCH, BUT IF YOU DON'T...I'LL UNDERSTAND."

THERE WAS A SILENCE ALL AROUND THE THRONE WHERE THE SAINTS HAD OFTEN TROD, AS THE POLICEMAN WAITED QUIETLY FOR THE JUDGEMENT OF GOD.

"STEP FORWARD NOW, POLICEMAN, YOU'VE BORNE YOUR BURDENS WELL, COME WALK A BEAT ON HEAVEN'S STREETS."

"YOU'VE DONE YOUR TIME IN HELL."



author unknown.
__________________

Sgt. C.D. Stamper
Lincoln Co. Sheriffs Ofiice

January 4, 2012

I did not know Park Ranger Margaret Anderson, but my thoughts go out to her husband, children and family. Also to her NPS "family". I know what a close knit family her fellow Ranier Rangers must be. This is such a tragic and senseless loss.

"Every tree, every flower, every ripple and eddy of this lovely stream seemed solemnly to feel the presence of the great Creator. Lingered in this sanctuary a long time, thanking the Lord with all my heart for his goodness in allowing me to enter and enjoy it."

John Muir

Karla Zeutenhorst, Park Ranger
U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Yankton, SD

January 4, 2012

To the Anderson Family,
May God comfort you in your time of sorrow and grant you the strength to move forward from this tragedy..

Take care and God Bless!

Admin Officer/Rosa T Key
DOI/NPS/Kalaupapa NHP

January 4, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Park Ranger Anderson. It is such a sad thing to hear and it is so hard for the family to deal with.

Lori Collins
Aunt of Deputy Ethan Collins EOW 1/4/06

January 4, 2012

The word my son, also a Park Ranger at Mt. Rainier, used for his colleague is "hero".

How proud her family, friends, co-workers & the public can be of her. At the same time as a mom my heart goes out to the family for their tremendous loss. I pray God's everlasting arms hold them close as they walk through this, knowing that He is proud of Margaret too.

Anita van der Elst
Mom of a Park Ranger

January 4, 2012

I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of Margaret Anderson. I know the pain her family is dealing with and will continue to deal with for a long time. Please know that you are all in my prayers. May God Bless and comfort you all.

C. Ward
USFS

January 4, 2012

This coming weekend, our family along with 18 other's will remember the Tucson Shooting's. I will pray for her husband, and 2 children who have a long road ahead as we have. Our uncle dorwon like margaret, laid their life for another. our'saved our aunt mavy's life( His Wife ), that is a true hero. What margaret did, prevented may on that mountain fro death as well. I truly hope you all never lose sight of real life hero's, for thet are a blessing. The killer died a just death.

Nicholas Leo

January 4, 2012

Thank you, Ranger Margaret Anderson. Last summer, my daughter and I climbed Mt. St. Helens, and at the top spotted Mt. Rainier in the distance. That image, of the Mountain where you served, standing miles away, is the image that sprang to mind when I read of your death. Whenever I have hiked the forests and trails of the National Parks I've found a kind of peace and beauty present nowhere else on earth. Next time I'm on a trail, I will give thanks to you and your sacrifice. And the next time. And the times after that. My deepest gratitude and respect, and may your husband, children and family find strength in the nobility of your service.

In deepest appreciation,

Bill Kaplan
Hiker, Camper

January 4, 2012

Rest in Peace Ranger Anderson. And may God bring your family peace and gather you into heaven.

Gerard Van der Leun
Citizen

January 4, 2012