Vernon "Benowa" Lynn Andrew

Early Life and Family

•Known affectionately as "Beno," Vernon Lynn Andrew was raised by his grandparents on the Colville Reservation in Washington. He was born in 1954 in Nespelem, Washington, to Elsie (Andrew) Seymour and David Seymour, both of whom preceded him in death.

•He married Patsy Sims in 1975, and together they built a family centered on love, faith, and community. He is survived by his wife, Patsy, and their children, Amber Dawn (Andrew) Parkos and Isaiah Aaron Andrew.

•Beno was part of a large, close-knit family, with many siblings and cousins, some of whom preceded him in death, while others survive him.

 

Faith and Ministry

•Baptized in 1984, Beno’s ministry began with some hesitation, especially regarding door-to-door service on the reservation. A pivotal moment came when a Circuit Overseer encouraged him to preach in his hometown, which became a defining aspect of his life.

•He was known for his consistent ministry, often seen at the Trading Post with magazines, engaging in conversations, and teaching his children the importance of caring for the environment, especially at assemblies and conventions.

•Beno served as an elder in the Grand Coulee congregation, later moving to the Puyallup/Tacoma area to join the Samoan Group, where he learned a new language and helped the group grow into a congregation. In 2022, he moved to Casa Grande, Arizona, supporting the Tohono O’odham language group during his final year.

 

Environmental Stewardship and Career

•Beno was deeply committed to environmental protection and community service. His work included:

 •Writing the environmental impact statement for the Mt. Tolman Mining Project.

 •Fighting wildfires, search and rescue, forestry, hydrology, fish hatchery work, and serving as an EPA agent.

 •Establishing a Water Testing Laboratory on the Colville Reservation, ensuring safe drinking water for the community and wildlife—a significant accomplishment reflecting his dedication to the health and dignity of indigenous people.

•He loved sharing stories from his work, especially humorous ones involving animals, such as his repeated efforts to relocate a persistent beaver along the San Poil River, which highlighted his compassion and respect for all living things.

Broader Impact and Travels

•At the EPA Regional Headquarters in Seattle, Beno served tribes throughout Region 10, protecting communities from environmental hazards like asbestos, lead, and mold. His work took him to Alaska and other places he had always wanted to visit, including Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, the Mojave Desert, and the Caribbean.

Legacy

•Beno is remembered as a devoted father, a faithful servant, a protector of the earth, and a man whose stories, laughter, and kindness brought warmth to those around him. His legacy of love, service, and care continues in his family and friends, with the hope of a joyful reunion in the future.

•The family expresses deep gratitude for the support and kindness shown to them during their time of loss.