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Memorial Keepers(1)
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Amy Stephenson
Andrew “Andy”'s Sister
Andrew “Andy” David Ward
May 30th, 1960 - August 14th, 2020
May 30th, 1960 - August 14th, 2020
What is dying? I am standing on the seashore. A ship sails to the morning breeze and starts for the ocean. She is an object and I stand watching her 'til at last she fades from the horizon, And someone at my side says, “She is gone!” Gone where? Gone from my sight, that is all; She is just as large in the masts, hull and spars as she was when I saw her, And just as able to bear her load of living freight to its destination. The diminished size and total loss of sight is in me, not in her; And just at the moment when someone at my side says, “She is gone”, There are others who are watching her coming, And other voices take up a glad shout, “There she comes” – and that is dying.” ― Charles Henry Brent
Andrew David Ward passed away on August 14, 2020 in a canoeing accident on Lake Nighthorse in Durango, CO. He was sixty. Andrew "Andy" Ward was born in Butte Montana on May 30, 1960 to Arne and Judy Ward. He grew up in Evergreen, CO and graduated from Evergreen High School in 1978. He attended UNC in Greeley, and Colorado Mountain College in Leadville, before moving to Durango, CO in 1981. Andy spent most of his life outdoors, working in the ski industry as a snow cat driver. He was known to be one of the best drivers on the mountain and in the back country. Andy was also an excellent woodsman, who in the off season would use his lumberjack skills to provide firewood for the Durango community, do fire mitigation and clear trails for new ski runs. He loved to be on his bike, exploring the Durango area and discovering new places. He also had a deep affinity for the desert, and spent a lot of time in Marble Canyon AZ, exploring and working for his good friend, Don. Andy had an artistic side and enjoyed photography. He would frequently discover some treasure, be it an interesting rock, a twisted piece of wood or shards from antique glass and incorporate those into his outdoor rock garden. Andy was a well known figure in Durango, and would always have a joke to tell or an opinion to share. Andy packed a lot of living into his 60 years, and although he died prematurely, he died doing what he loved - being outside, exploring and enjoying the moment. Andy will be sorely missed by his family and his wonderful circle of friends.
Andy is survived by his parents, Arne and Judy Ward of Evergreen, Co, his sister Amy Stephenson of Pine, CO, and his niece and nephew Bronwyn and Logan.
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Tributes
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Mary Tremlett
I had a dream two nights ago. Andy, Chris and I were ice skating on Evergreen lake. We couldn't wait for the rink to open each year the day after Christmas, so many wonderful memories. Loved that guy. ❤️
Ginny
We moved into our small Mountain Top neighborhood in 2010 and Andy lived at the end of our dirt road these past 10 years. We'd see him drive by heading to work or recreation. In fact, my husband noted the day that Andy drove by with a canoe in his truck--"Andy must have gotten a canoe" he commented to me. That was the day he went missing at Lake Nighthorse. We were so saddened to hear the news. I've read the word "soul" in many of these memorials--and that is precisely the word that comes to mind when I reflect on our occasional interactions. He always had a kind word and I'm sure there was more to Andy, the gentle gentleman, than we will ever know--a kind soul. When he was going thru a challenging period last spring, I stopped by with a hot Italian meal and checked he was okay. He told me he loved me--I figured it was the Coors talking :) but he was kind and appreciative nonetheless. My condolences to his family. On another note, I have noticed there is some unclaimed mail in his mailbox, which was left unlocked (and occasionally stays open when the mailperson opens the bank of boxes). If a family member would contact me at ginaroo54@gmail.com and give permission to pull his mail, I will send it to your address. Hope to hear from you. Rest well, Andy
Craig Butler
I Knew Andy well from Purgatory. I worked there for 30 years and Andy was there the whole time. He was an excellent cat driver and a very funny guy. He is missed, for sure. Saw him riding his bike a lot. I remember him wearing a wig for a while when Vern (the CEO of purg then) started requiring the staff to be "groomed" to his liking. Andy wasn't having it! I actually had to wear a wig to finish high school in Utah in the 70s! Go figure. I will always remember Andy. A very decent and nice guy, for sure! See you for the the endless powder days in heaven, old buddy!
Bob
Andy, We had many an adventure over the past 20 years. You were one of a kind. RIP BROTHER
Mike Andersen
i've know Andy since 1981. Have skied and drove snowcats at Purgatory and spent many years chasing each other around the mountains north of the ski area doing crazy things with snowcats to build roads for San Juan Ski Company(a snowcat sking co.) We many times had lunch together on top of Greysill Mountain looking down on the ski area. I often would hook my winch to his cat for an anchor. i also did the dirt work for his house and laughed everyday seeing his plastic goat in the small fenced area he had next to his house site. Good friend and truly missed 1
Amy Stephenson
This is from our Aunt Louise: I am Andy’s aunt—or shall I say, I’m married to Andy’s uncle, Tom. As Andy’s mom is 19 years older than her little brother, when I met Andy the first time, I was 23 and he was 19! The circumstances were noteworthy. Andy arrived a tad late to Tom and my rehearsal dinner the night before our wedding! There was a story of his last minute decision to join the wedding fun and how he jumped on an airplane and took a taxi to the house in Prince George’s County where the rehearsal party was going on! I can tell you his arrival had impact! As I have thought about Andy lately, I believe I met him only 2 more times. You see, he was in CO and we live in PA. In 1981, we were visiting his folks in Evergreen and we traveled to the ski place where he was working to see him. I don’t remember much about him from that trip—it was brief. He would have been 20 then. But, over the years, I have heard stories of his life and what I do know about Andy is that he lived life differently. He seemed to lean into the parts he loved and throw out what he couldn’t be bothered with. And, what he loved was being outside—a love he learned from his family. They are all in love with the outdoors and Tom and I have always loved sharing that love with them! The last time I saw Andy was at his grandfather’s—my father-in-law’s—memorial service in West Palm Beach, FL. He would have been in his early 30’s by then. We stayed at a nice motel for a week with the entire family. So, this time, I got to know him better. By then, he was a big man. But, gentle and kind to my three kids and his own niece and cousin who were just around one. What I remember best is his soft spoken ways and how he floated beautifully in the pool! Sadly, that’s the last time I ever saw Andy. But, I always heard stories of his escapades. The summer he had an accident on his bike, we were at Lake Tahoe with Amy’s family. During that difficult time, we were hearing all the news and praying with his family for his recovery. Families are amazing. You can have a relationship with little physical overlap that still greatly affects your heart. Andy is an example of this to me. As I read the stories that others have written about him, I am so glad to know the “rest of the story” about his life. His friends, his loves, his work, and how he impacted the world around him for good. Although Andy died too young, he lived big. May you Rest In Peace, Andy!
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