- Date Of Birth: March 23, 1983
- Date Of Death: February 29, 2020
- State: Idaho
Andrew was known throughout his life as Andy, but that was never the plan. In fact, Kathy nearly rejected the name Andrew outright due to her fear that others would shorten it to Andy, a nickname she adamantly disliked. She would have been happy with Drew, but only a few years into toddlerhood it was evident that her Andrew was a charismatic troublemaker, and despite her best efforts, the nickname of Andy stuck.
His early years were full of mischief. At the age of one, Andy lodged a green pea in his nose at an Easter brunch.
His high school years at Skyline High School were the most impactful for him, and he often spoke fondly of them. Academically, he was an average student, but earned top honors for his vast friendships. During Andy’s senior year he was crowned Mr. Skyline while lip syncing a song about sexy tractors. Andy lived large and in the spotlight and could commonly be found fraternizing with his fellow students while sporting his trademark mischievous grin (and chew). He always was eager to make others smile or laugh, and he did both with ease. Andy graduated from Skyline High School in 2001 and went on to pursue a short college football career at Rocky Mountain College, then to University of Idaho for a little more academics and a lot more socializing.
Andy was an active bowler, a baseball player, and a deeply committed sports fan. He had a larger-than-life personality, a quick wit, a crackling laugh, and a sensitive heart. He cared deeply for those around him. That love was shown in the many friendships he had with people from all parts of his life’s adventures, but especially his son Austin, who came into the world January 26, 2011. Austin was the love of Andy’s life, his greatest source of pride, and his anchor. He and Austin’s mother, Julieta Ponce, were briefly partnered and both shared an immense love for Austin. Andy wanted to share everything he knew about the world with his son and showered him with affection. Andy taught Austin to be a sports enthusiast, and together they would cheer on the Dallas Cowboys, Utah Jazz, and Gonzaga bulldogs. Andy enjoyed skiing and taught Austin to snowboard.
Andy also looked up to his father and followed in his footsteps to become a 5th generation Idaho farmer. Farming was Andy’s second love and his destiny. As a child he would “farm” his mother’s plush living room carpet into tiny rows with his miniature tractors and combines. Later, you could frequently find Andrew and Austin together in the cab of a John Deere tractor working the fields.
He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Farren Martin and John Burgess; his aunt, Margy Peterson; as well as his beloved dog, Roscoe.
