For one final time, it’s time for coffee with Andy, so grab your cup and think about your favorite memories of him. For those of you who knew Andy personally, you know that he would rather that we were not writing to tell you of his passing on February 23, 2021 from cancer. Andy would also not want a traditional obituary, he’d probably want a Facebook Live, but none of us can actually manage that right now. Then he would sit around and see how many likes and comments it would get and exclaim “it’s going viral!” as the numbers steadily climbed higher. For not liking technology or being tied to a computer or his phone, he sure did love keeping up with social media. Andy spent his life devoted to his girls (wife- Judy, daughters- Melina & Sydney), his kids (horses and mules), and spending as much time as possible in the outdoors: packing, hunting, and fishing with his friends and family. One of the greatest lessons Andy taught us all was to live the life we want, and not to spend time doing the things we hate. This is why in 2009 he left the stress of the corporate world to open Trailhead Supply with his daughter Sydney. Aside from Trailhead Supply, Andy also found ways to stay involved in all of his passions including, but certainly not limited to, (who can actually keep up and remember all of them?!): volunteering his time to pack for Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks, the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation, & Back Country Horsemen. Andy also taught Hunter’s Education and numerous packing seminars and clinics. Of course, we also cannot forget to mention that Andy’s favorite thing he ever did was star in National Geographic’s TV show, Dead End Express. It’s making us laugh thinking about how loudly he would yell “WHAT?! How could you have forgotten that?!” at us with his hands raised in the air, huge grin on his face, and completely exasperated. If you have not watched it yet, get your bowl of popcorn and give it a watch. He is keeping tabs on the reviews, even from heaven. We know that Andy’s story will never end as your memories and stories will keep him alive and always with us, and for that, we are forever in your debt. There is no better way to conclude this than to simply say what Andy always said at the end of his blogs…
See you on the trail.
Services will be held at Canvas Church located at 255 Summit Ridge Dr, Kalispell, MT 59901 on Saturday, March 13th at 10:30am with a reception immediately following, we would love to see you all there. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Andy’s name to the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation or to your local Back Country Horsemen chapter. Darlington Cremation & Burial Services is caring for the family.
Trego Cat says...
Andy was an awesome combination of joy and smart-alecky humor, which to my mind encompasses intelligent. He was a good teacher, patient but not coddling. Man was some serious grit. He welcomed me like a friend from the first handshake. Never spent much time with him, but keenly feeling the loss of that opportunity. See ya on the distant trail.
December 17, 2021
Anthony Hall says...
I have a good bit of equipment to remember Andy by. He loved to mantie loads and was his personal favorite way of packing. Andy was a dandy!
July 27, 2021
Cathie Christie says...
I will remembered Andy every time I use my saddle slung saw or slip on the nosebag. He was a joy to do biz at the BCHW Rendezvous in Ellensburg & a wealth of knowledge that he freely & joyfully shared with everyone who would ask or stand & just listen. But, coffee with Andy was the very best…it gave us insight & information & a good chuckle, often at ourselves. You’ll be missed, Andy Breland, but we will all see your along the trail again in a twinkling of an eye! Cath in WA
May 13, 2021
John Tiefenthaler says...
Never met the man
Bought a few things from you guys great service!
Read his post always enjoyed
Was coming up spring 2020 than COVID hit I’m coming up this spring will stop in!
I’m sure he’ll be greatly remembered !
March 16, 2021
Larry Kent says...
Andy was a class act ! Very sincere & kind loving man: I loved talking with him about the experiences in the Bob Marshall Country !
March 09, 2021
Mike Howe says...
Still processing this…I will always remember giving those producers Andy’s # and thinking…“I almost feel bad about this, but if he agrees to let these city slickers follow him through the mountains, it could be the best thing to ever happen to him…and them…” Don’t think any of them knew what they were getting each other into, and I knew deep down he enjoyed doing the show, but to hear you say “Andy’s favorite thing he ever did was star in National Geographic’s TV show, Dead End Express” makes me glad I did, and that he didn’t think it was a prank call when they did!
March 02, 2021
Beth Skaggs says...
Beautiful write up! I didn’t know Andy, but I am a fellow lifelong horseback rider and lover of the outdoors. Have belonged to BCH Mt. St. Helens chapter in Washington and I am took a trail building certification course sponsored by AERC (American Endurance Ride Conference). Your write up made me wish I had met Andy. Thank you
March 02, 2021
Sandy Sallee says...
We will miss seeing Andy at the Salmon Select Sale. He was always bursting with fun – and how he loved Sydney! So proud of his family. A fine man who won the respect and admiration of the mule world. He will be missed.
March 02, 2021
Geoff Robson says...
Thanks for the memories Andy, it was always a good time on the trails with you, Chuck and Bud. I was very fortunate to have been able to share that with you all.
Cheers Mate.
March 02, 2021
Lisa Rideout says...
What a wonderful read. Andy was one in a million!! He was so positive and happy every time I dropped in! He was definitely loved in the valley and will greatly missed. Happy trails in heaven Andy.
March 02, 2021