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Andrew “Andy” David Ward

Andrew “Andy” David Ward

30 mayo, 1960 - 14 agosto, 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

Biografía


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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Familia

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Nombre Andrew “Andy” David Ward
Fecha de nacimiento 30 mayo, 1960
Fecha de defunción 14 agosto, 2020
Ciudad de origen Evergreen, CO, US 
Otra ciudad Durango, CO, US 
Intereses skiing, photography, biking, exploring/hiking, music/concerts
Frase favorita "There is a road, no simple highway, between the dawn and the dark of night." Jerry Garcia.
Familia

Familia

HermanosAmy Stephenson
PadresArne D Ward, Judith Ann Ward
AbuelosFlorence Ward, Frederick Ward, Mae O'Boyle, Thomas O'Boyle
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Momento importante

Momentos importantes

1978 - 1979 University of Northern Colorado
1979 - 1980 Colorado Mountain College, Leadville
1981 Moved to Durango
1981 - 2018 Snow Cat Driver, Purgatory Ski
2010 Moved into the home he helped design and build
2020 Passed away in Durango

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Mary Tremlett published a tribute .

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. ❤️

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Ginny published a tribute .

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 [email protected] and give permission to pull his mail, I will send it to your address. Hope to hear from you. Rest well, Andy

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Amy Stephenson publicó un comentario .

Thanks Ginny, I appreciate you looking after Andy and your kind words.

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Bob published a tribute .

Andy,
We had many an adventure over the past 20 years. You were one of a kind.
RIP BROTHER

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Amy Stephenson published a tribute .

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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Tom O'boyle publicó un comentario .

Very well said, Louise.

This is Louise's lesser half (not hind quarter, please), Uncle Tommy O'Boyle.

As Louise said, we didn't have much contact with Andy over the past 40 or so years of married life. I regret that. Our paths didn't intersect much. Why, I don't entirely know. But there's a thread that comes from biology that stays with you. It's a thread that transcends distance and time.

My earliest and most vivid memory of Andy is this.

When I was around 10 years old, my mother Mae and I flew to Denver to visit my sister Judy, husband Arne and Andy, who was around 4 or 5. (I don't recall if Amy was in the picture then -- she was either an infant or not yet born.)

Andy was a hellion then. He chased me in the backyard with a plastic baseball bat. It was a playful game but if he caught me, I'd get a good whack on the legs. That was Andy. He loved to needle and raise a ruckus, but always playfully. Never in a mean way. He was a lot like my father Tom that way. Playful but not mean spirited. A great teaser.

The thread that I mentioned above not only transcends time and distance, but I also believe it transcends the grave. So in my mind's eye, I imagine a day henceforth when the two of us will be reunited, in an Elysian Field someplace that transcends time and space ... a young boy chasing his uncle and whacking him with a baseball bat.

Rest in peace, Andy! I hope we will renew our acquaintance again.

Love, Tom

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Cheryl Pagano publicó un comentario .

So sweet!

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Mike Andersen published a tribute .

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

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Davitt Armstrong publicó un comentario .

You always kept ‘em guessin’, didn’t you, old friend? It was a pleasure for me to help you and Bob and the boys build your haven on the hill, and a pleasure to watch you settle-in with ease and grace — attributes that only grew with you. I’ll miss the shit you gave me for the performances for your game camera in your truck ... and Susan got a kick out of waving and cavorting as well. You never suffered fools gladly, Andy, but you sure noticed ‘em. You always struck me with your gentle good humor and your wry sense of irony. I know the waters you row are still, and nestled in beautiful hills of some kind of glory. Sail on, friend ...

Dav

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Amy Stephenson publicó un comentario .

Beautifully said-thank you

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B published a tribute .

I heard of Andy’s passing via FB back in August. And it saddened me. Although I hadn’t seen him since our high school days, we played doubles tennis together on the EHS team our senior year. I also recall him being amazing at frisbee and perhaps hackle sack. He was a kind soul back then. A listener with a good sense of humor. RIP and all love your way.

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Mike Andersen publicó un comentario .

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 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

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Craig Butler published a tribute .

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!

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Piper Thies publicó un comentario .

I remember the wig, they wanted him to cut his butt length braid off to work the graveyard shift.

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Gregg Kinnes published a tribute .

Andy and I were friends from 4th grade when we moved to Evergreen until after my family moved away after 9th grade. Here are some random thoughts about him. He loved sunflower seeds and left a notch in one of his thumbnails to make it easier to open the shells. He had an amazing matchbook collection. He wanted to get it in the Guinness Book of World Records. We thought he had enough but for some reason they didn’t let it in. Sometime during puberty Andy’s mom gave him a book called The Stork is Dead. I remember reading it in his room and pretending we already knew everything in it. We loved listening to Bill Cosby records. No one could ride a wheelie on their ten speed like Andy. He truly was a free spirit the time I knew him. Even though we lost touch many years ago, I think of him often.

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Sheryl Fick publicó un comentario .

Dear Arne and a Judy,
I wanted you to know how very sorry I am to learn of the death of your son, Andy. My God now keep him safe.

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Amy Stephenson publicó un comentario .

I remember you, Gregg! Thanks for bringing back some memories-I hadn't thought about the Bill Cosby albums for years-and I love the Stork story. He had framed some of his favorite match books, I have them now at my house. I appreciate you sharing.

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Gregg publicó un comentario .

Thank you for putting this together, Amy. I think I have read everyone’s story twice. They all describe perfectly the Andy I knew.

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Amy Stephenson published a tribute .

Friends and family, please feel free to add any pictures, stories or memories of Andy.

My dad, daughter and I were overwhelmed with the kindness shown to us when we went to Durango following Andy's death. We were obviously still in shock, and you, Andy's friends showed up and brought us food, helped clear out his property and clean out his house. You shared stories with us, cried and laughed with us, brought flowers, and shared in our grief.. We thank you so much for your love, for supporting Andy, and being his Durango family. I'm so glad I got to meet the people that were important to him, and hope to someday meet the rest of you, his friends, who were unable to be in Durango while we were. Thank you so much for loving my brother.

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John Squire publicó un comentario .

I met Andy when I worked in the same department at the Ski Area in the early 80's.... He had an Old 122 Volvo and so did I and we became fast Friends and would share tips on mechanical and performance issues.. We would bump into each other over the years and catch up.... My sincere condolences to his Family and Friends..... Rest in Peace Andy...... John

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Reed Powers publicó un comentario .

Well I don’t think it posted so I’ll write again.
Everytime I visited Durango I would ask my friends if they’ve seen Andy Ward. And boom he would appear. Andy always brought a smile to my face and I got some kind of good feeling that our paths always crossed. I very much admired Andy for the life he lead and his sense of humor and kindness. By chance I was at Nighthorse the day before swimming with my wife and son and friends.
Just bizarre our paths were so close again.
Andy was also my roommate for a short time in Gunnison when he worked at the Red Lady mine. Then he went to Durango. I would often run into him there. The last time I saw him was about 10 years ago. I walked up to him and group of friends. He was talking so I didn’t interrupt and all the sudden he was like What are you doing here!! Andy always made me laugh. It was always a joy to see him.
I’ll always have a heavy heart when I visit durango and think about Andy and my friend Boomer who also was tragically killed in an auto accident.
Stay safe big guy. I’ll see you on the Far side.
Reed
To many rides in the Squid mobile

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Buck Lagrange published a tribute .

This picture sent to me from Arne and Judy, who lovingly helped raise me as I was at the ward home everyday of the summer. Andy was my best freind, and though I hadent seen him in 20 + years he made an impact on my life, good person , frisbee king, thier are people in school that you Nick name , Andy was the animal or animal which later became just Mule , he did everything full tilt boogie, we ice skated on the lake from 10am to 10pm , a lot of great memories he gave me . Thank Andy ! RIP

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Amy Stephenson publicó un comentario .

Thanks Buck-you were a big part of my childhood too-I remember going to the state fair, mom getting lost, laughing as you and Andy (and another friend?) yelled "where's the fair" out the window at everyone. Another time you bit a chuck out of one of our glasses, thinking it was a piece of ice in the drink! Weird what memories stick!

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John published a tribute .

Sometimes we’d get a little high. I miss my friend.

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T J publicó un comentario .

Good pics
Keep em coming

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B published a tribute .

Andy on tennis team. 1978. Right below coach.

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Jack Turner published a tribute .

Andy was a friend of mine. We got to know each other when we both worked for Purgatory in the early 1990's. He was one of the "characters" that everyone admired. He had a good sense of humor and was nice to everyone that I know of. We didn't hang out together or run in the same circles. He was the kind of friend that whenever we saw each other in passing (like at the City Market parking lot), we exchanged a handshake, a few smiles, and briefly caught up. I was so happy when he included my "I DO KNOW JACK" sticker with his collection of eclectic messages on his "unique" pickup. I did a lot of professional speaking engagements for the ski industry after leaving Purg in 1994 and I referred to Andy many times. I pointed out that he left the resort because a clueless HR director demanded that he cut his hair if he wanted to remain employed, a move that I fought vigorously. In the end, the policy stuck and Andy moved on rather than succumb to such a controlling environment. The resort lost one of its most experienced and well-like cat drivers. The following spring we must have paid $100,000+ in equipment repairs because rookie drivers hit rocks, signs and other obstacles that their leader, Andy, was careful to avoid (and teach rookie drivers the same). I MISS YOU ANDY! You were and are, a really good soul. - Jack

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Amy Stephenson publicó un comentario .

That's a great story Jack-thanks for sharing it. Andy definitely was an independent spirit, and a good soul.

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Buck Lagrange published a tribute .

RIP brother Andy .

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Dow Powell publicó un comentario .

Nice photo Bucky. Thats the Mule I remember.

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John published a tribute .

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Amy publicó un comentario .

Thanks John-the the photo. I didn't have your email, glad someone forwarded this to you. You were a big part of Andy's life. Amy, Andy's sis

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Amy Stephenson publicó un comentario .

*love the photo

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John published a tribute .

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