By: Harry Coleman
Geoff Anderson, the man behind the lens at most university sporting events, died Jan. 3 doing what he loved – taking photos. He was 55.

Anderson suffered a stroke within a few hours of the start of the Orange Bowl game between Florida State and Penn State held at Dolphins Stadium. He was there to shoot photos of the game.

For over 30 years, Anderson established himself as a quality and dedicated photographer who never let his bosses down.

In Florida, Anderson captured sporting stills at the University of Miami, Lynn University and FIU, where he spent his last ten years.

“He was completely dedicated to FIU,” said Anderson’s son and sophomore at FIU, Geoffrey Anderson Jr. “FIU was his second home. Even when the team would lose, he would be at all their games. He would always leave the house wearing FIU clothing.”

Anderson was a volunteer photographer for the university athletic department and The Beacon.

“He meant so much to us,” said Rich Kelch, assistant athletic director of media relations. “Regardless of the team or the record, he was there and paid his own way. He went to many road games and was always my roommate. He was a great human being.”

Anderson was the biggest fan of university players.

“Geoff meant a lot to the university because he was really someone who cared about the kids,” Athletic Director Rick Mello said. “He professionalized our operation on having great photos. He captured the first four years of history of our football program. His work is something we won’t ever be able to repay.”

Despite dedicating time to attend most FIU home games, Anderson was always there for his family.

“Even though he was at every game, he never let work get in the way of family,” Anderson Jr. said. “He always took great care of my mom and I.”

Geoff Anderson was born July 20, 1950 and was raised in Shaker Heights, Ohio.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Washington College, where he also served as the editor in chief of the university paper.

Aside from taking photos at FIU, Anderson was co-owner of an ASAP mailing service company and did freelance photography for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, The Miami Herald and Entertainment News and Views.

“He was an overall caring person. So many people [have called] me to tell me the impact he had in many peoples lives,” Anderson Jr. said. “So many people call giving me stories on how he had a played a major role in their lives.”

“I just found out that radio station WQAM had a 10-minute piece on him. In less than half an hour, we received over 70 calls. He would just help out anyone.”

Before the start of both the women’s and men’s basketball game Jan. 5, the athletic department honored Anderson with a moment of silence.

“He meant so much to the FIU community,” said Will Sanchez, WRGP sports play-by-play announcer, who also honored Anderson over the air during the pre-game show.

“It was weird not having him there at all the last game.”

In addition to son Anderson Jr., Geoff Anderson is survived by wife Diane Anderson.

A memorial service took play Jan.7 at the Poinciana United Methodist Church in Miami Springs.