Cindy
asked that I put the Eulogy I gave at Andy's funeral on Andy's
tribute. I was honored to be able to give this Eulogy and
was so pleased that six others stood up and spoke as well.
How he was loved...
Since
we lost Andy, our phone has rung a few times and no one was
there. Uncle Dan and I think Andy was letting us know he is
keeping in touch with us and that he is okay. We miss talking
with him and his checking on us.
~
Andrew ~ By Aunt Sue
I was lying in bed thinking of Andy the other night and wanted
to share the following thoughts with you.
I
wondered what the name Andrew meant. So looking it up on the
Internet the following morning, I found it is from the Greek
Origin meaning manly. I then looked up angel and found, not
surprising of course, that one of the definitions is a messenger
of God. Ah Andrew ~ a manly messenger of God. It all fits!
I don't need to tell you that Andy was a gentle and caring
soul with a very big heart. Simply...he loved us and we loved
him. He "knew" we all needed him and I firmly believe that
this was his mission in his very short life. Not withstanding
the almost daily phone calls to his beloved Grandma to check
on her, Grandpa, and Uncle Edwin, but he often called our
house, and I am sure others, to also "check" on us. When Grandpa
had his back surgery in Marquette, Andy met us at the hospital
to wait with us. When we left for the night we gave our phone
number to the nurse and Andy piped up with a number he could
be reached at. Well really not just one number, but two. You
know...just in case his cell phone wasn't working.
Not once did we ever hear him complain that he was wheelchair
bound, a bit lonely being in the hospital again, or just feeling
crappy. He wanted to know how we were and always ended his
conversation saying, "Aunt Sue could you do me a big favor?"
I would, of course, always answer yes. He would then say,
"Would you give Uncle Dan a big hug for me?"
About a week or so ago, he called and checked on us from Ann
Arbor with that trusty cell phone of his! He was again having
trouble with his shunt and hoped this surgery would do the
trick and that he would be good for another 10 years. As we
know, that was not meant to be. He was getting tired of it
all and I could hear discouragement in his voice. I teased
him and said are you sure you don't have a cute nurse you
keep going back to see!
Unfortunately,
we didn't hear from him again, but the Lord blessed Grandma
with one last call to Andy that Monday night. He didn't feel
well and had a terrific headache, but again wanted to know
how everyone was.
Some of you may not know, but many of Andy's organs were donated
through the Gift of Life Program. He would of liked that.
The family is so pleased that his spirit will continue through
all of the people he gave his gift of continued life to. Gee...just
thinking... if they have Andy's spirit they best have cell
phones because I have a feeling they too will be "checking
" on their loved ones.
Andy
is the first in our family to leave us and I firmly believe
the Lord called him home telling him, "Andrew, I need you
here to welcome the rest of your family." So, whoever draws
the short straw (you know, the next called home), and is welcomed
by Andy with Buddy by his side, hopefully standing proud with
his golden wings and without his wheelchair, please tell him
we miss him checking on us and won't ever forget him!
And...could
you do us a big favor? Would you please give Andy a big hug
from us?
Uncle Dan and Aunt Sue Passamani
City:
Iron River, MI
Dear
Cindy and Dennis, Please excuse the tardiness of this acknowledgement.
We get our copy of The Reporter late out here (Arizona).
It was with sadness that we read of the passing of Andy. You
people gave him such a good life and every medical advantage
available. He shall always be a precious part of your memories.
With sincere sympathy,
Dick and Peggy DePuydt
City:
Lake Havasu City, AZ
Hi, Andy, I am sure you are having fun with my favorite buddy. Wow, I remember meeting you at Ronnie's House. You could do anything in your wheelchair, now I know you are running free. All my love to you and your family.
.
Martha Wright
City:
University heights, OH
Andy was my student at MSHS. I was sad to read in the paper of your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time.
Sincere sympathy,
Julie Nault
.
Julie Nault
City:
Negaunee, MI
Dearest Cindy, I am saddened to hear of Andy's passing. I am
praying for you each day that you will find the strength to
carry on. You have done such a wonderful job raising your boys
and they have given so much back to the community because of
your wonderful mothering. Take care of yourself and know I'm
thinking of you during this difficult time.
Liz Ellis
City:
Sun City West, AZ
My dear friend Andy. You will be missed. Your always friendly smile. Your upbeat attitude. God has set you free. I can now see U racing around heaven, trying to catch up to Star Trek members who have went before. You are free. Smile down on us, and give strength to your family. God Bless you, You will be missed.
.
David Oglesby
City:
Negaunee, MI
Dear Cindy, My heartfelt sympathies to you and your family.
I knew Andy mostly from the stories and pictures you often shared
-- it is clear that Andy's challenges in life were minimized
by the loving and encouraging family life that you provided.
Blanche Deren
City:
Grand Ledge, MI
To Cynthia and family: We send our sincere sympathy to you.
Andy became a delightful friend during our hockey days at NMU
when we were seated together in the old arena. We enjoyed visiting
with him when we would see him in Shpko. He was a nice young
man whom we admired. I know he will be missed by those who knew
him. Thinking of you.
Sharon and Jack Shaffer
City:
Negaunee, MI
Cindy and Kyle, I am saddened to read about Andy's passing.
I am thinking about you during this difficult time and sending
my heartfelt sympathy. I have memories of Andy making his way
through town with his "Buddy" by his side. My prayers are with
you.
Sherry Burdick
City:
Negaunee, MI
I want to express my thoughts and prayer to all of you. I remember growing up that your family was always there for mine. It was almost 6 years ago to the day, Dec 23 2001, that my dad Bill LaBay died. So I am going to say that on behalf of him, Andy will always have a good family friend to be with....and knowing those two, find a little bit of trouble to get into along the way. He's touched many lives in his 24 years, showing strength, passion and charm. God Bless, Nicole
.
Nicole LaBay
City:
Mackinaw City, mi
Dear Cynthia Yackel,
I am writing to express my sympathy to you. You were a very dedicated Mother and gave Andy so much love and caring.
My husband and I spend our winters in Florida, and read the Mining Journal on line. We have not seen you since the day we worked on your home for Habitat.
Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.
.
Joan Mattson
City:
Ft. Myers, FL
Dear Cindy: Bruce and I are in Calgary visiting Sarah and her husband for the holidays, and were very saddened to read of Andy's passing in the Mining Journal. We used to have so much fun at the hockey games, and Andy always helped us at Shopko when we needed help. He was a great kid, and you are a very special mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We hope this note comes through with a great, big hug for you and Kyle. Lots of love, Jackie and Bruce (Heikkila)
.
Jackie and Bruce Heikkila
City:
Marquette, MI
I
remember Greg pushing Andy in his wheelchair as fast as he could,
while both of them screamed with laughter and Andy yelled, "Faster,
faster!" Now his spirit is free to run as fast as he can, and
with Andy "in the House", Heaven will never be the same. Neither
will the rest of us. Our deepest sympathies to Cindy, Kyle,
Dennis, Grandma Hotchkin, and Yackel grandparents.
Deanna Hotchkin
City:
Ionia, MI
Cindy/Dennis/Kyle,
you and Andrew have been in my thoughts every day. I'm glad
I had a chance to say goodbye to my Star Trek buddy, and I'm
so glad he's no longer suffering. Love from Aunt Peggy.
Peggy Lubahn
City:
Ypsilanti, MI
Cindy
and Kyle, I was so sorry to hear about Andy's passing. I went
to school with Kyle but I met Andy a few times. He was always
so happy and just an all around nice guy. My thoughs and prayers
are with you.
Janelle
Ruff
City:
Marquette, MI
Dear Cindy and the rest of Andy's family, I just read about Andy's death. Such a fine young man gone far too soon. Andy was a joy and inspiration to all that knew him. When I read about Andy giving the gift of life to others by his organ donations I cried even more. Andy was such a giving person and he continued that caring and love even after he was gone. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Cindy, Kyle and family. With love, Joan
.
Joan
Mason
City:
Marquette, MI
Cindy,
I will miss Andrew's smile so very much!The last time we talked,
he was laughing and excited about going to visit his dad.
Andrew was such a good man! I enjoyed knowing him and having
him in my life.
I do hope that you and your family will be ok. Please know
that you are thought of and loved. .
Patty Schmidt
City:
Marquette, MI
Andy
Hey
Buddy. Just wanted to say goodbye and say thank you for your
positive attitude and ability to make everyone around you
enjoy life. You have taught all of us a very important lesson
about sharing. I will miss our Hot fudge sundays at Big Boys
and talking with you on the phone. Run a mile or two for me
in heaven and hug Buddy the dog hello for me.
Love
you. Cousin Ed .
Ed Yackel
City:
Kaneohe, HI
It
was a pleasure getting to know Andy through Easter Seals. I
enjoyed watching him grow into a fine young man, and could tell
he WAS growing up when he and I would race a lap every year
during the 24-Hour Relay. The first few years, I won. The last
few? HE won.
He'll be missed
by everyone whose lives he touched. Thoughts and good wishes
go out to Cindy and the rest of the family.
Jim Koski
City:
Marquette, MI
I was very saddened to hear of Andy's passing. Although he only
worked here a short time, Andy was always a bright and optimistic
influence on all the people at QuickTrophy. We will all miss
him. We will honor Andy's memory with a gift to Bay Cliff Health
Camp in his name.
Terry Dehring, QuickTrophy
City:
Marquette, MI
our
deepest condolences to Andy's family for your loss. Our thoughts
and prayers will be with you.
Martha and Pat Jennings
City:
Marquette, MI
Cindy/Kyle
I was deeply saddened by the loss of Andy. You both are in my
thoughts. Andy will be missed. All of you are part of my extended
family.
The
Captain! .
Terry Kirkum
City:
Negaunee, MI
Cindy...
I will always remember Andy as such a sweet kid! I am so sorry
for your loss, if you need anything please let me know! Hugs,
Carol
Carol Clement
City:
Marquette, MI
Dennis,
When I saw the name in the paper, thought it might be from Stambaugh.
So sorry to hear about your son. My thoughts are with you.
Robert M Fineman
City:
Munising, MI
I
got to know Andy very well when I was a teacher at Graveraet
Middle School, and am saddened to learn of his passing. He was
certainly an inspiration to everyone and will truly be missed.
I remember most his great sense of humor, and his positive outlook.
He always stopped by to visit me at school even when he was
not in any of my classes.
Don Marana
City:
Marquette, MI
I
will always remember my cousin Andy as a happy, joyful person.
My favorite memory is riding bikes with him (his was his handcycle)
while I was in Marquette on a church bike trip. He was so excited
to show me all the trails he rode throughout the city, his love
of life was obvious. My thoughts and prayers go out to Kyle,
Cindy, and Denny as we all cope with this difficult time. Andy
will truly be missed.
Mark Hotchkin
City:
Grand Rapids, MI
FOR ALL THE TIMES AND INSPIRATION ANDY AND I HAVE SHARED. FOR THE SPECIAL GIFT GIVEN TO ENABLE ME TO MAKE IT THROUGH THE WORK DAYS. FOR THAT AND MANY OTHER TIMES AND MEMORIES I'M FOREVER GREATFUL.
WITH ALL THAT I HAVE.
"BASH BROTHER NO. 1" A.K.A.
.
DAN SACKETT
City:
Marquette, MI
Cindy
and Kyle, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm sure Andy
is running around and planning some practical jokes that he
can pull on Terry,Andy Keller and Kyle when they all meet again.
Andy touched the hearts of many.
Mary Lee Kirkum
City:
Marquette, MI
Oh,
Cynthia. I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you; Andy
was a bright spot for many of us who worked with him. Never
a dull minute. Not even at 8 a.m.
Cheryl
City:
Seattle, Wa
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