The Final Coffee with Andy

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 13^th 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.