Andrew Barrett MacKenzie

Andrew lived a life not defined by its length, but by its
depth, creativity, and heart.

Andrew spent his early childhood in St. Paul,
Minnesota, before his family moved to Forest Lake,
Minnesota. It was there that he graduated high school
and began showing the hard-working entrepreneurial
spirit that would follow him through life. From
mowing lawns for pocket cash to working alongside
his father Dan in construction, helping his aunt and
uncle in the exercise equipment world, working alongside his mother Diane at Pamida and even
running the local Burger King with his best buddy
Charles, Andrew never shied away from hard work-or
making it fun.

In 2008, Andrew followed both love and adventure
West to California, where he joined lives with the love of his life, Sheri-Jo Garrison. Together they cared for their pets, enjoyed music, created delicious meals, went on adventures, and most of all supported and
encouraged each other through thick and thin.

It was also in California that Andrew continued to
build a career marked by leadership, integrity, and
respect. His professional path included roles at Owen’s
Corning, Satcon, MiaSole, and most recently Lam
Research, where he naturally rose into leadership
positions. In fact, Andrew was on the brink of a
promotion at Lam at the time of his passing.

Never content with just one lane, Andrew also found
ways to support himself - and express himself- through
driving for Lyft, dog sitting, open mics, and performing
live whether solo or with a band. As a singer
songwriter and multi-instrumentalist (guitar, bass,
drums, keyboard - because why not?), he had the rare
ability to walk into a room and change the energy.
Performing original music for a live audience was one
of his greatest joys.

Outside of music, Andrew was endlessly multifaceted:
cyclist, motorcyclist, snowboarder, camper, hiker,
gamer, devoted bookworm, Twins and Viking’s fan,
and unapologetic food connoisseur. He was the head
house chef and bread maker, and animal whisperer, and
lover through and through. Whether discussing books,
perfecting a recipe, or heading out on two wheels,
Andrew brought passion and curiosity into everything
he did.

Andrew was truly salt of the earth. He did what he
said he would do. He had a genuine interest in others,
a natural-born leaders presence and a playful, sarcastic
edge that ensured there was never a dull moment. He
was a gentle giant- huggable, loyal, clever, intelligent,
and authentic to his core. Protective older brother,
humble to a fault, Sheri’s rock, a devoted fan of the
people he loved, and someone whose presence left
others better than he found them.

Although Andrew died young, he lived life fully and
his memory will live on in his lyrics, stories, antics and magical moments.

A celebration of Andrew’s life will be held on April 25,
2026, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at Crooked Pint in
Maplewood, Minnesota- a fitting place to gather, share
stories, laugh, and remember a young man who made
life richer by simply being it.

In lieu of flowers, well wishers are invited to honor
Andrew’s memory by donating in his name to any of
the following organizations:

American Diabetes Organization
We Rate Dogs

He is survived by his life partner, Sheri-Jo Garrison;
his father, Dan MacKenzie; step-mother, Karen
Guertin-MacKenzie; sisters Angela MacKenzie,
Melinda Christensen, and Deanna MacKenzie; Step
siblings Courtney Guertin and Kari Jensen; eight
cherished nieces; his dog Kingston; and cats Wiley and
Josie.

Andrew was preceded in death by his mother, Diane
MacKenzie (Brandsness); his brother-in-law, Evan
Christensen; and his beloved pets, Crimson the dog,
Beebers the cat, and Benny the cat.