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Andrew Ashwood Obituary

Ashwood, Andrew
VP and GM of FOX Sports Radio, died of a heart attack November 13, 2008. He was 51. Once known as "BJ Hunter" in his days as a DJ at KWTI Milwaukee and KOOL FM in Phoenix, Andrew later became Program Director at WQAM Miami. A natural leader, Andrew took over as PD, and then Operations Manager, at News Radio 1200 WOAI in San Antonio, where he developed a passionate affinity for the Spurs. In 2003 he joined FOX Sports Radio where his "DARE to be Great" motto helped give the network direction as its affiliate base tripled in size. A lifelong Green Bay Packers fan, Andrew inspired co-workers and friends, constantly reminding them that "Winning is the Only Option," his unique adaptation of Vince Lombardi's "Winning is the Only Thing." Shortly after his 50th birthday, Andrew married the love of his life, Sandra. Unfortunately he was diagnosed with cancer 3 months later, and fought valiantly for a year and a half, before suffering a heart attack on Monday. Andrew's unwavering positive outlook on work, on sports, and on life, carried over into his fight with cancer as he promised it would never beat him. Ironically, it did not. Andrew is survived by his wife Sandra Ashwood, his mother Mrs. Helen Ashwood, three sisters, Ann Ashwood, Lorry Stiles and Amy Ashwood Checcinato. He is also survived by his nephews and nieces; Chris and Spencer Stiles, Rebecca, Zacary, Anthony, Hannah and Abby Piper, Andrea and Marta Checcinato. The family is extremely grateful to the staff at M.D. Anderson & City of Hope for their loving care of Andrew. Services will be held on Friday, November 21, 2008 @ 2:30 p.m. at Forest Lawn Mortuary, Old North Church 6300 Forest Lawn Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90068. In lieu of flowers, donations to 'City of Hope the Andrew Ashwood Fund' would be appreciated.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Nov. 20, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

Scrappy & B.J. '87

a a

April 7, 2014

Never got to sign your guestbook.
Don't have any pictures of me with you. Have one I took of you and Scrappy though. In the old control room.
Where do I start.
Still sorting through.

The book brought you back.

Learned a lot from you. Wish I'd listened more. Yes: Dare to Be Great. Take chances. Don't let the story for "why you can't do it" stand in the way.

You were all right, B.J.

Squared

Janice Titgen

November 24, 2008

I used to listen to KOOL-FM in the 80's and used to hang out at the KOOL Cafe - I talked to "BJ" many times at concerts and other public events that BJ attended on behalf of KOOL radio. He was always a "kool" guy and was sorry to learn of his passing.

Chrystal Heidemann

November 21, 2008

What a sweet guy! I didn't know him well, but when I was 'just the receptionist' at Premiere, he always greeted me like a friend, and made me feel important. He never acted superior. My heart goes out to Sandra and his family. You are all in my prayers. Stay Blessed Andrew.

Judy Stoffers

November 20, 2008

He will be missed greatly by all who knew him. He is in good hands . His love and strength will stay with all of his family and friends forever.

Chris Starr

November 20, 2008

I loved listening to B.J. on the radio for many years ...He is truly KOOL forever. R.I.P.

Bruce Christian

November 20, 2008

I began missing Andrew as soon as he took a job outside Phoenix. As B.J. Hunter, program director at KOOL, he taught me a great deal about the radio industry and the nuances of reading ratings, which made me a better media critic for the Mesa Tribune between 1984-97. Andrew was a joy to be around. He knew how to party! He was a visionary in the radio industry and someone who always remained positive and optimistic about what an individual could accomplish. He often spoke about how so many companies and managers set up their employees for failure, but he worked hard to help people succeed. My prayers and thoughts are with Andrew's wife, his family and all his friends. I'll be forever grateful for his friendship and love. Tonight, I'm going to have a shot of Cuervo 1800 in his honor -- one of the many things he taught me. Thank you Andrew, or B.J., for being a part of my life.

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