C.O. "Andy" Anderson served his country for 34 years as a Marine before devoting the last 30 years of his life to community service in Waipahu.

A combat veteran who saw duty in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, Anderson retired as a master gunnery sergeant before taking an active role in issues and projects affecting the quality of life in Waipahu.

Injured in a fall at his home Dec. 27, Anderson died New Year's Day at Tripler Army Medical Center. He was 84.

From heading up the former Harbor View Neighborhood Association, to co-founding Friends of Waipahu Public Library, to chairing the Waipahu Neighborhood Board, "his fingerprints are everywhere in the community," state Sen. Clarence Nishihara, D-18th (Waipahu, Pearl City, Crestview), said of Anderson, whom he had known for 30 years.

"I can't think of another person in Waipahu whose contributions and involvement was greater," Nishihara said. "He was extraordinary, an optimistic guy with boundless energy. He was president of one organization, secretary of another, on the board of directors somewhere else. Anything that had an effect on Waipahu and Andy was there."

As of Christmas, her father was an active member of 23 service organizations, said Karen Anderson.

In addition to being chairman of the neighborhood board, Anderson served as president of Friends of Waipahu Public Library; chairman of the Central O'ahu Honolulu Community Action Program and Central O'ahu Rural Conservation & Development; director of the Waipahu Community Association; vice president/treasurer of Independent Living Waipahu; secretary for the Waipahu Community Foundation, Friends of Waipahu Cultural Garden Park and Leeward Community Children's Council; and secretary/treasurer of the Hans L'Orange Baseball Park Council.

"Father always wanted to do more," daughter Andrea Anderson said.

"He was not the sort to retire and play golf," added Karen Anderson, the younger of Anderson's two daughters. "Since Mother (retired Marine Lance Cpl. Elizabeth "Bette" Anderson) died in September 2003, he actually cut back. We just all thought he would just keep ticking along."

Nishihara pointed out that Anderson was "very much involved" with supporting projects such as Kahi Mohala, Kapi'olani Medical Center at Pali Momi and Hawai'i's Plantation Village.

Waipahu Neighborhood Board vice-chairman George Yakowenko said the community has lost one of its best leaders.

"He was involved in so many activities because he loved people and was very concerned about improving life for residents of Waipahu," Yakowenko said. "It was his mission and enjoyment in life."

Added neighborhood board member Richard Oshiro: "It's a big loss for the community and certainly for our board. Andy was unique because his wit, sense of humor and passion for helping his community made it enjoyable for everyone around him."

A native of Floyd, Iowa, Anderson preferred using initials rather than his name of Clarence Olaf. He moved to Hawai'i in 1975 and earned a degree from the University of Hawai'i-West O'ahu.

In addition to his daughters, Anderson is survived by a brother, Bernard, of California, and a sister, Audrey Stewart, of Iowa.

Services are pending.

Anderson will be inurned at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl, with his late wife, his daughters said.

Reach Rod Ohira at rohira@honoluluadvertiser.com.