Condolence: I was sad to learn of Tomio’s passing. His violin and viola playing were huge additions to the KSO and K Philharmonia . Although my experiences with him were limited to those of musical acquaintance, listener, and poinsettia purchaser, I appreciated his fine talents and willingness to participate. I particularly appreciated Tomio’s performance contributions to the Ladies’ Library Chamber Concert series. He was an excellent musician and a generous person. I can certainly understand why so many people acknowledge Tomio’s teaching skills and work with young people. A fine man has left us. I am very sorry!

Condolence: Though we haven’t seen Mr. Tomio in years, my sister and I have the fondest memories of viola lessons, Suzuki camps at Blue Lake, starchy white concert shirts, and of what a wonderful and patient teacher he was to so many students like us. I’d like to extend condolences from my entire family to his, he touched so many lives and he will be missed.

Condolence: I have known Tomio for over 50 years - when he was an excellent student in the Department of Music (now the School of Music), and as a colleague in the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra for many years. Tomio was in a music education graduate level class, Comprehensive Musicianship, that I taught. He was a quiet thoughtful student but with a an open mind and superior intellect. I know his Viola Professor, Joseph Work thought highly of Tomio. His lasting influence will surely be the positive impacts he had on his many young students. His service to the Kalamazoo area community was, in many ways, immeasurable and it was always made without fanfare.
My wife Judith and I send our sincere condolences to his family and friends in this time of loss.

Condolence: I studied violin with Tomio, who was an excellent musician and teacher. He was very encouraging, and always seemed delighted to see me at our lessons. He stated that he was impressed with how quickly I learned, and how diligently I practiced. Everyone who knew Tomio will miss him. I remember our violin lessons together often, and with great fondness. The world is a sadder place without Tomio.

Condolence: What a great teacher! What a humble man! Tomio and I played many concerts in the Kalamazoo Symphony, Kalamazoo Symphony String Quartet and Suzuki concerts. We even played for Han's wedding. To his many students you were the lucky ones to have studied with him. And.. to his family know that he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Grace Field

Condolence: I have, in these last days since Tomio's sudden passing, been thinking about the words of the great composer and educator Zoltan Kodaly, who said -- and I am loosely paraphrasing here -- that a community's music teacher is its most important presence, far more than that of the community's music director, because it is the teacher who inspires generations of children to love music. Tomio was that teacher to so many of us. In the Philharmonia, I had the honor and pleasure not only of working with Tomio directly, but also with his students, and even his grandstudents. Despite our sorrow at his loss, it is beautiful to consider what an extraordinary legacy that he leaves behind.

In Sympathy,

Andrew Koehler

Condolence: Dear Family of Tomio Anderson,

I am very sorry for your loss. Tomio was a very accomplished musician. I have known him for many years as Principal of the viola section of the Kalamazoo Philharmonia. I am fairly new playing the viola. So I always appreciated his great encouragement. It was a great pleasure that I had the opportunity to play with him as my stand partner last summer. Tomio will be very missed, especially by the viola section of our orchestra.

I wish you a lot of strength and God’s comfort at this very difficult time.

With Sympathy,
Katharina von Kennel

Condolence: To the family of Tomio Anderson,
I started violin lessons with Tomio when I was around seven or eight years old. I had been practicing the violin with him for nearly ten years when he passed.
Tomio was always incredibly patient with me. He was a quiet man by nature but he was incredibly kind and had a good heart. He was passionate about his work, constantly pushing me to get each song down right - not a perfectionist, but someone who understood the importance of clean practicing and how repetition and focusing on improving on mistakes resulted in developing genuine skill. I respected him greatly and have a lot of good memories of us playing together in those white and gray little rooms in Marshall Music.
Tomio was a benevolent man and a smart teacher. I am thankful for what he has taught me and hope for the best for his family.

Condolence: Dear family of Mr. Anderson,
Tomio Anderson was the violin teacher of my son and daughter and we’ve met with him every Friday evening since 2012. He was quiet and private but we could tell he was a kind and gentle man. My daughter performed with him just a couple of weeks ago and I have the video clip of it and can’t beleive he’s gone. May he Rest In Peace and may you find peace and comfort in the fond memories you have of him.
Nirodha Weerapura
(Mom of Thenu and Samadhi)

Condolence: Tomio, since the age of 3 years old you inspired me. You taught me my very first notes on the violin, accompanied me with the symphony and eventually we performed and taught together. We had the fun of performing so many concerts together that I cannot even count them!!! As well as filming two movies together ❤️We had a friendship and respect for each other that was above that of anyone else. We gave recitals together and taught masterclasses together. I never dreamed the day would come when you would not be here with us. You taught my children and were the greatest mentor I ever had. It was such an honor to know you and to have you teach my children. I know you are having a party with Jesus right now while we miss you here on earth, so I know I will see you again one day. Thank you for everything you gave to me, my family and the thousands of other lives you touched while here on earth. You were truly a blessing from God. I would not be the musician I am today if it were not for you🎶🎻🙏🏻❤️