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Richard Andrews Obituary
June 10, 1952 - April 2, 2014
Richard Andrews, our loving son, father, brother, uncle, cousin and friend passed away unexpectedly at the age of 61. Born in Logan, graduated form Clearfield High School and attended Weber State University.
Rich worked at the Denver & Rio Grande/Union Pacific Railroad for 33 years. He founded the Utah Chapter of American Atheists in 1979 and was director, later co-director, for over 14 years. He also served on the Board of Directors of the American Atheists for many years.
Rich was a kind, intelligent, patient and generous man. He loved his family, had many friends and liked to travel to new destinations. We will miss him so much!
Preceded in death by his father Max, brother Scott and son Nate. Survived by his mother Lois, sister Renee and daughter Laura.
A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, April 16th from 6-8 p.m. at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East in Salt Lake City 84106. Complimentary valet parking provided on the north side of the building.
Online condolences may be offered at www.starksfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Andrews
Sponsored by Starks Funeral Parlor.
Julian Hatch
October 2, 2014
Rich Andrews was a fine human being and a lot of fun to be around. He was generous and giving and I cared about him greatly as many others also did. He knew my mother from way back in the early years of American Atheists and provided a link for me to her activities when I was but a child.
I miss Rich and send my late condolences to the surviving family. I also miss Scott and when those two brothers got together, it was always a fun time indeed! We all have to die a some time and only hope we can live as fully as Rich lived his life with his interests in many varied activities. I will never read a Vardis Fischer book without thinking of Rich. Thank you for the memories!
Julian Hatch Quebec,Canada and southern Utah
September 16, 2014
I would have posted this sooner, but I just read about Rich's death in the latest issue of American Atheist magazine. I haven't seen Rich in years, but worked with him and Chris Allen when the Salt Lake Chapter of AA was organized, and the AA Convention came to Salt Lake in the 1980s. Those were incredible years and are memories I've always cherished. Since then I've followed his courageous commitment to the separation of church and state with amazement. He just kept on all these years, doing everything he could to prevent religious encroachment in our secular lives. He was brilliant at it. Rich, thank you for your contribution on this earth. Yours was truly a life well lived! Samantha Porter
Gretchen Siegler
April 17, 2014
What a fine, intelligent, kind and generous man. His life was well lived. I'm sorry for his loss for his family, his friends, Utah, and everyone who had the chance to be touched by him in even small ways. Gretchen Siegler
John Spear
April 16, 2014
I first met Rich when he hired on the Rio Grande RR in 1976. He was always up for a good laugh at work or a good time after work. I always admired his strong convictions, especially on separation of church and state. I will never forget him.
Susan Harrington
April 16, 2014
Rich was a great person and a good friend. He fought for the civil rights of the under-represented and he supported and encouraged others who wanted to do the same. And, although his battles were often misunderstood and unpopular in mainstream society, they meant the world to the people involved. Rich wasn't afraid...he and his courage, and his Vardis Fisher expertise, will be missed so much.
Grant Larimer
April 15, 2014
A truly remarkable guy. I am honored to have had the opportunity to work with Richard. His dedication and commitment to the principles he cared about was truly inspiring. He will be missed.
Shane Corellian
April 14, 2014
I will never forget Richard's smile. I am very grateful for his willingness to defend the 1st amendment even when he was greatly outnumbered. I will never forget him. My condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
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Memorial Events
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Apr
16
Celebration of Life
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Starks Funeral Parlor3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84106
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