By Greg Scarlatoiu
President and CEO, Committee for Human Rights in North Korea (HRNK)
Allen E. Anderson passed away April 20, 2026 at the age of 97. The son of Alben and Agnes Anderson and a descendant of Scandinavian immigrants, Al rose from a rural Minnesota one-room schoolhouse to become a prominent leader in the geosciences.
As a leader at the Army Map Service and the Defense Mapping Agency, Al oversaw the production of critical cartographic missions, including the 3D lunar maps used for Apollo landings. His expertise took him to post-war Japan under General MacArthur and earned him the Order of the White Elephant from the Thai government.
Faith and service were Al’s cornerstones. A devoted member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, he also founded a resident-led program at Goodwin House. In Alexandria, he spent 24 years tutoring ACPS students and volunteering for ALIVE! and Meals on Wheels.
Al maintained lifelong bonds with his boyhood friends and remained an adventurer at heart, famously climbing Machu Picchu at age 87. He is survived by his beloved wife, Michiko Anderson; his daughter, Rebecca Anderson; his son, Douglas Anderson; and his grandchildren, Emma, Anderson, and John. Al leaves behind a legacy defined by his “long story”—a life of precision, service, faith, and an enduring curiosity about the world he helped to map.
Six months older than my father whom I lost in July 2013, Al was my American friend, senior, mentor, and guiding light. A Cold War soldier and freedom fighter, Al provided terrific support to me personally and to HRNK, our organization. Together with his dear friend General Brent Scowcroft, another great mentor of mine, he forged a relationship between HRNK and the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA), which tremendously boosted our satellite imagery-based monitoring of North Korea’s vast system of unlawful imprisonment.
On a very personal level, this is a devastating loss. I lost my mother in January of last year, and now Al. We had our final lunch together on February 17. We had a wonderful conversation. He said: “Greg, I guess this is the last time we will meet.” I said: “No, Al. I look forward to welcoming Al Anderson into his 100s.” While struggling a bit physically, mentally he was as tough as it gets, continuing to have the sharpness of a 30-year old. Al was a really dear friend and mentor. He had a defining impact on my life and career. Very honestly, I don’t know what to do without him around. I am lost, and I am just one of many who miss him dearly.
I am also humbled and honored to share the message I received from Al’s granddaughter Emma. She was an HRNK research intern several years ago, making outstanding contributions to our cause. She is now very successful both professionally and personally, and I am really happy to know that she continues her grandfather’s legacy.
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Dear Greg,
It’s been a long time since we’ve spoken, I hope you’re doing well! I wish I was reaching out in better circumstances, but sadly my grandpa, Al, passed away last week. A month before his 98th birthday.
Grandpa absolutely adored you, your friendship and your success was a great source of pride for him. And he readily shared every lunch, communication, and update you had together. I really appreciate the internship at HRNK with you, and all the kindness and lessons you gave me. And my family and I truly can’t thank you enough for being such a wonderful friend to Al. You brought immense joy to him, and in turn, to us.
This week has been unimaginably difficult, and my world suddenly feels much emptier. It’s still hard to believe my first and greatest mentor is no longer with us. But I take great comfort in remembering how deeply he valued the people in his life, including you.
The link to his obituary is here: https://www.everlywheatley.com/obituaries/Allen-E-Anderson?obId=48201992
Sending you my best,
Warm regards,
Emma
