Memories from Jodi Richards

It's taken me some time to be able to talk about my "memories" of Andy because I still can't believe he's gone.  I know life is not fair, but this should have never happened.  I will miss Andy the rest of my days and am so completely glad to have been a part of his life for a time.

There are so many memories, and now I feel I have to write them all down, because I never want to forget. That's the trouble with time...we always think there's going to be more of it.  It's a good reminder to everyone that "live" is a verb and requires action.

I met Andy and Andrea through my husband when they moved to American Canyon. We were new to the area as well, and my husband was looking to make new friends.  From our bedroom window, we could see the Ellison's move in and knew they had children that looked to be the age of our son.  Indeed they do and little did I know a friendship so powerful would bloom from that first meeting.  My husband kept trying to get our son to ride his bike over to the Ellison's house to introduce himself to their boys.  Our son was having none of that.  So taking matters into his own hands my husband set out to make a new friend for our son. Little did he and I know the friend we would make was in the whole beautiful family.

My husband set out around the corner on his mission.  He arrived at their house, armed with a red cup of his favorite weekend beverage, the Margarita, and introduced himself, and our son, who was lagging shyly behind.   Andy smiled broadly and they made an immediate connection.  Later I learned that Andy's "test" for friendship was met through the appropriate use of the red cup.  Quickly they were enjoying red-cupped beverages on a regular basis.

It didn't take long before we were spending most weekend evenings together, enjoying a beverage or two and laughing heartily.  There was never any shortage of laughter when we were together.

We have shared so many things as families and there are so many great memories.  I have one very special memory of the rare occasion where I had an opportunity to help Andy.  It was a Tuesday evening and we both were members of a community board in American Canyon.  We often rode to the meetings together, and this day was no exception, however, he needed to get there early because he needed to pull the large mowing tractor out of the mud.  Well, this was my opportunity, I grew up on a farm and have gotten many farm implements stuck in the mud, so I said, "let's go" and "I can help."  He looked at me with some trepidation.  At the time I thought it was because he didn't think I really could help.  I later learned it was over my attire.  You see, in my exuberance to help him, as he was always helping me, I jumped in the car wearing my office work clothes right down to the shoes.

We got to the field and sure enough the mower was stuck in the mud.  We went straight to work, talking about how to best attack the problem. I made suggestions, he made suggestions and together we solved the problem.  Neither one of us were paying much attention to anything but getting that damn tractor out of the mud before our meeting was to begin.  We laughed and chatted while we worked.

Ultimately we got the thing out and were ready to attend the board meeting.   We looked down at each other and immediately started to laugh.  In the course of our efforts, we were both covered in mud.  He was a bit more prepared than I, but both of us were covered from elbows to fingertips and ankles to toes in sticky, icky, sour mud.

The heels I wore that night were never worn again to work or anywhere else for that matter.  But they did stay around in the garage for awhile and I smiled and laughed every time I saw them, remembering the fun we had getting that tractor "unstuck."

I miss my friend so damn much it hurts.  I miss his smile and his laugh.  I miss the way he would say "yeah, yeah, yeah," I miss the way he made me feel like I could do anything - even help him get a tractor out of the mud, and that if I couldn't he was ALWAYS there to help me fix it.  Tonight I raise a red cup to Andy...

Thoughts From Lenore and Tim Arnoux

I think of Andy with love and a smile. I was away for the memorial. I will treasure his friendship and always be thankful for the short time we had together. Andy had a very special place in my husband Tim's heart. He felt like a father and a friend to Andy. Our love goes out to Andrea and the children. No words can express how sorry we are for the loss of such a special young man. Good by sweet man...you will be missed by everyone.

~ 

Lenore/Tim Arnoux,

Lagunitas, California

Memories from Robert Varisco

My name is Robert Varisco and I live in Massachusetts. I am married to Natasha who is sister to Andrea, Andy's wife. That makes Andy my brother-in-law.

About six years ago Natasha and I bought an old New England house needing lots of work. A year into this project, we asked Andy if he would fly out to help me with a couple of projects. Andy re-worked his schedule, flew out, worked on each project in record time, and refused to accept any compensation. Totally Andy. Talented AND giving. Enough to make you sick in a good way.

Anyway, one of the projects was to completely rehab and remodel the master bathroom. New everything...electricity, walls, tub, toilet, window, sink...all of it.

During the course of this nightmare (a nightmare that Andy did not even blink at...he walked in, saw the state of things, and said: let's get to work), we had to put in new drywall. I had begun this part before Andy arrived, hanging the drywall on the flat part of the ceiling and also on the slanted part of the ceiling. I taped the seam where these drywall pieces came together and spread mud over the tape...then sanded it. I was confident that at least this part would not need work.

When Andy took over the project, he completed all the taping and mudding of the other seams on all the other drywall. I remember standing there with him and him looking up at the seam that I worked earlier in the project and saying, I'll just leave your seam alone there, ok? He was smiling that Andy smile, a joke that only he knew but that I would be clued in on later. I said, sure, no sweat.

The project was finished, Andy put the final coat of paint on and then flew home...3000 miles back to California.

Laying in the tub a day later, I stared up at the ceiling. Every seam in the bathroom was dead straight, bullet straight, perfect. Except, of course, the seam that I had completed. That seam was a winding path, a weaving drunk driver on an otherwise perfectly straight road.

I remembered Andy's smile and what he said: I'll just leave your seam alone there, ok? HE KNEW I WOULD BE LAYING IN THAT TUB IN A MATTER OF HOURS ADMIRING THE WHOLE JOB AND THEN HAVE MY EYES COME TO REST ON THE DAMNED SQUIGGLY SEAM RIGHT ABOVE MY HEAD.

Folks, when I tell you I laughed out loud at that sucker and his ornery smile, I laughed OUT LOUD!

Just two nights ago I lay in the tub staring up again, looking at that seam, and laughing again.

I miss that ornery smile.

Thoughts fromTerri Tenbrink

I miss Andy more and more every day. But the memory of his laugh and smile will never fade away. Andrea, we'll walk and talk, cry and laugh together. I've got big shoulders with your name written on them. I love you. Austin, Tyler & Izzy, I love you all too. May God comfort you with peace and joy in the memories.
Love, Terri Tenbrink

~ 

Terri Tenbrink,

American Canyon, California

Thoughts from John Brunamonti

We're so very sorry to hear about Andrew's passing. Our sincerest condolences to the entire family. Sending you love and prayers, The Bruno's

~ 

John Brunamonti,

Danville, California

Memories from Scott Wilson

Andrea and all of Andy's family, I am shocked and deeply sorry to hear of Andy's sudden passing. I wish that I could say or do something to make this awful situation better. Instead I can only tell you how deeply this effects me as well. I was like an older brother to Andy when we were next door neighbors in Fairfax, Wilmington, DE. For many years my brother Jamie and I hung out with and played street hockey and did many other things with Andy. Andy's mom, Cora used to get us Flyers tickets from work and we would go to games together. As we grew older and then as my family moved from Fairfax we saw less and less of Andy. The last time we saw him was at his mother's funeral services. I had always hoped that we would be able to see him again and talk about all the great times we had growing up. I am proud to be able to call him my friend even though we have been out of contact for many years and 3000 miles apart. Andy, and all his family will forever be in my thoughts and prayers.

~ 

Scott Wilson,

Middletown, Delaware

Thoughts from Brian Quigley

I knew Andy as kids in high school. What a great guy!! I cant believe we lived only 30 miles from each other after all these years. american canyon and santa rosa. I am having very empty feelings inside wish there was somthing I could do. R.I.P my old friend. Best wishes to his family.

~ 

Brian Quigley,

Santa Rosa, California

Thought from Mark Yerger

I am shocked and saddened by the news of Andys passing. I remember the totally likeable guy walking around the halls of Brandywine High School. He always had a smile and seemed to light up whatever room he was in.

~ 

Mark Yerger,

Wilmington, Delaware

Thoughts from Tracy Fitzpatrick

Today, you can't even imagine a tomorrow. As hard as it will be, tomorrow will come.
Tomorrow holds healing. Tomorrow holds hope. Tomorrow holds life.
With God there are no endings, only endless beginnings.
May the Lord's precious promises bring you strength for today and hope for tomorrow.
With Deepest Sympathy.
LOTS OF LOVE FROM NY - Tracy Fitzpatrick

~ 

TRACY FITZPATRICK,

TROY, New York

A Candle from Barbara Miller

~ 

Barbara Miller,

San Francisco, California

Thoughts from Jane and John Cavala

Andy was a kind and gifted man. We miss him. Our thoughts are with you.

~ 

Jane and John Cavala,

San Francisco, California

Prayer for the Ellison Family

A Prayer for the Ellison family

O God, you do not willingly grieve or afflict your children. Look with pity on the suffering of this family
in their loss. Sustain them in their anguish; and into the darkness of their grief bring the light of your love; through Jesus we pray.

Amen.

~ 

Wilmington, Delaware

Thoughts from the Gantan Family

Our family would like to send our thoughts and prayers to Andy's wife and children. We met Andy years ago at the American Canyon Little League Field where our children played and built many memories. My husband and I will never forget how friendly and helpful Andy was...just really a great guy. He was always preparing the field for the kids and always willing to give a hand to anyone that asked..with a smile. We are so sorry to hear of your loss we will pray for your family. With Love: The Gantan Family

~ 

Joe and Kam Gantan,

American Canyon, California

Thoughts from Carol Wilson

We were stunned to read of Andy's sudden passing. Our houses backed up to one another in Fairfax and our kids were friends of Andy and Kim. He was a cute little boy with an impish grin I will always remember fondly. We last saw he and his sister at CorraLee's wake and we were so happy to see them both again. We are heartsick for Andrea, his children and his sister Kim and pray that time will lessen your pain. God Bless you all.
Carol & Rich Wilson

~ 

Carol Wilson,

HOCKESSIN, Delaware

Memories from Rich Wilson

Andrea and family, How can I put into words what I am feeling today. Our family and Andy's family were back yard neighbors in Fairfax, Wilmington, De from 1971 to 1980. Our kids, April, Scott and Jamie, grew up with Andy and his sister Kim. Their Mom, Cora, was a single parent and worked hard to care for her family, and Kim and Andy spent a lot of time at our house. Our youngest son Jamie is a little more than a year older than Andy. They hung out together, rode bikes together played street hockey together ( with Scott and the older guys ), climbed trees together, etc. etc.. You name it, they did it.I can still see Andy now, sitting in the back yard in his shorts and tee shirt throwing sand up above his head and letting it come down in his hair, in his face and in his clothes, laughing the whole time. We used to lovingly call him " pigpen" like the character in the Peanuts comic strips. What a happy kid, and what a great kid who grew into a really likeable young man, husband, and , I have to believe, a really good Dad . Peace be with you and your family at this extremely difficult time. Our prayers are with you.

Rich Wilson, Hockessin, De

Memories from Bink Martin

Andy was such a great guy, always in my memories .Such a welcoming smile, and always happy-to -see you type of guy. If I may share a small story...pulling out of Brandywine HS, one afternoon, me on my motorcycle and Andy in his Jeep behind me,It was pouring rain, Andy had caught up to me in the right lane , and was gunning it, to pass me,,,all I could see was Andy grinning from ear to ear with pleasure that he was going to pass me, what he didnt realize was the cadilac that had completly stopped in front of him...well....when the jeep came to rest,on top of the caddy,and as I passed him,he still had that silly grin on his face and flashing me a peace sign...no injuries at all...thats my memorie of a good guy.
take care old friend....

~ 

Bink Martin,

Wilmington, Delaware

Thoughts from Drue Chichi

I am so sad to hear of Andy's passing-- he meant an awful lot to an awful lot of us, way back when. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Fare you well, old friend. May you be listening to the river sing sweet songs, to rock your soul.

~ 

Drue Chichi,

Newark, Delaware

Memories from Anonymous

Hello I am a classmate of Andrea Alexis I. duPont High School Class of 1989. I did not know Andrew but I am sure he was a great person. Andrea was a caring person and I am sure her soulmate was as well. I will keep you and your family in prayer. Remember God will comfort and take care of you.

Thoughts from Shane Herrera

For those of us fortunate enough to have Andy in our lives, losing him leaves a pain that will stay the rest of our lives. He was special to so many. I can't express how much he helped me get through very tough times. I miss him so much! To Andrea and the kids, know he loved you with all his heart . I am so sorry for what you are having to go through and I love you all dearly.

~ 

Shane Herrera,

Cumming, Georgia

Memories from the Duongs

Andrew touched every single person he met, whether it be through years of fond memories or a few moments of a brief encounter. Everyone who he touched has a profound feeling of grief and loss. Andrew was in all senses of the word a giver. He brought people's dreams to life within their homes through his impeccable work. He taught many people's children the art of sports and how to be a good team player. He showed through example what every husband and father should be. Andrew was such an important part of our family that none of us can imagine life without him. We are so very sad that our two baby girls will not get to grow up with him yet we will always keep his memory alive. He loved them as much as he loved everyone close in his life. But we want to thank you Andrew for twinkling in the sky on the morning of Weds Feb 9th so Andrea knew you are still here. Andrew, your family and close friends will honor your memory by promising to love, support and cherish Andrea, Austin, Tyler and Isabel for the rest of our lives. We miss you so much. Rest in peace our brother.

Love,
Justine Frost, Kevin, Jasmine & Jade Duong

Memories from Leslie Katzman

We were fortunate enough to spend time with Andy when he remodeled various parts of our house over the last 2 years. We really loved to have him around our house and he was probably the best worker we have known. During his first job at our house, he worked weekends to finish remodeling our bathroom so it was done right when we brought home our new baby from the hospital. He was so considerate, kind, honest - an absolute joy to be with. We will truly miss him. We wish his family the best- he spoke often about you and he loved you so.

~ 

Leslie Katzman,

San Francisco, California

Welcome to Remembering Andrew

Please post your memories of Andy. No story is too long, no memory of Andy too irrelevant. Whatever you can remember of Andy, just let us all know about it.