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Andrew Illidge Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Andrew Illidge
Karen Newton
November 7, 2019
Well, I simply can't believe how much time has passed since I last saw you Andrew. I miss our friendship so much. So many things have happened that I wish you could have seen or that we could have talked about. I miss your mom. A HUGE chuck of my life is now is memories of you and your family. Your friendship made me strong, it made things so much easier to be a part of (having us be able to share the experience together). I miss both of you. I know that heaven is a much better place with both of you there.
Claus Hartmann
October 2, 2017
I met Andy when I was a German Intern at Bob Lida Advertising and later as a student at WSU in the late 80s. He has been a great friend to me- always helping out - always busy doing something with his Hudsons, playing the piano at cowtown-- driving "stuff" around all day as he would call it. He was all over the place --- Amazing! .. When my future wife and I decided to move back to Germany we kinda lost contact- One time though I asked him to come over and visit Germany and his answer was a typical Andy answer " When people were suppose to fly than they would have wings" - No way will I ll ever fly on an airplane!!- I was so stunned by that answer - but he was so sincere about it - I didnt know what to say! That was my friend Andy - the most authentic, honest, big hearted guy that I have ever met. Now after almost 30 years I wanted to look him up to get back in touch- I had to find out that he has passed away! -- I am shocked! - I would have loved to introduce him to my family and my children and return a little of what he has done for me back than when I was a naive "foreign" student with just a little broken english trying to get by in that great country of yours! I miss you pal! ... R.I.P my dear friend!!
Steve Oyler
March 21, 2014
I was surprised and saddened to read about Andy in the last KMC Alumni bulletin. Andy was my first piano student. He was a joy to work with, always prepared and eager to learn. He had a great sense of fun at the piano. Later Liz started lessons, then Fran and Bobby joined somewhat later. All the Illidge kids were talented and great to work with.
I always looked forward to piano nights at the Illidge house. I would park my car, and usually hear Andy practicing on my way to the door. There would be one, two, three, sometimes four music lessons, then Mr. and Mrs. Illidge and whoever else was home gathered, talked, laughed, shared. Those are warm wonderful memories. They treated me like family and were always supportive.
I remember Andy got the giant book of Scott Joplin rags, and seemed to take off. I have always been happy and proud that Andy became such a good pianist and performer. He always seemed happy and focused on the good things about life. It was good to see the photos, the smile, the hat and clothes.
My heart goes out to all the Illidge family. Andy and you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
February 23, 2014
I was very sad to see this.We lived down the block and every time I passed the Illidge house it made me happy to see Andy out working on one of his cars. He was a true individual. I am glad to have known him.
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Nikki Rolfe
November 19, 2013
Words cannot express my sorrow after learning of Andy's passing. I worked directly with Andy during my tenure at Rand Graphics and what a pleasure it was. Andy was truly one of a kind. Andy had such a kind spirit and always had the funniest things to say. I will cherish the piano roll that he gave me titled "What A Friend We Have In Jesus." Andy will live in our memories forever. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and know that my thoughts and prayers go out to the Illidge family.
Gift giving with Bob Lida at Lida Advertising
November 17, 2013
Mary McCorgary
November 17, 2013
It is with a heavy heart that I am reading about Andy's passing. Although it has been many years since I have seen Andy, I still remember him to be a sweet young man. My sincere condolences to the entire Illidge family and hope you will find comfort in knowing the positive impact Andy had on everyone he met.
Debbi & Mike Wallace
November 16, 2013
Andy was part of our family for many years. He met my Uncle Reed when he was a teenager. Reed had a Hudson Commodore and Andy was enthralled with the car. He wanted to learn everything about it. Reed founded the Hudson club locally and Andy was a lifelong member. Andy was a Godsend to us during my Aunt Ruby and Uncle Reed's last days. They never had any children, but they would both say "we have Andy". I don't know how I would have gotten through those last years without Andy. What an amazing man!!!
Andy, you will be missed. We love you.
Debra Sullivan
November 16, 2013
Several hearts are saddened by the loss of Andy. He was a good friend to so many people. His sense of humor had me laughing for days. I also loved being greeted at Rand every morning with a hug and being told how he loved the aroma of my Channel Cocoa perfume... hence my nickname from Andy, Cocoa girl. Even through his illness, he always had us laughing. Sometimes I think he did that to keep things on the lighter side of the sorrows life sometimes brings us. I remembered when I lost a dear friend, Beverly Prestidge, and had a tough time getting through the days without tears of sadness. Andy was the one who helped me through that. I told him then, "Andy, I cannot imagine not having you here with us at Rand. I prayed to God to keep you with us because I just could not bear losing you too." Andy response was, "Don't cry tears of sorrow for me when I leave this world. Cry tears of joy because I will be a much more beautiful place with God." God answered my prayers of not letting the cancer take over at that time. But now Andy is with the Lord. I guess God gave us all time to prepare for what was to happen... we needed that time to prepare our hearts for such a heartache of not having Andy with us. I weep for our loss. I weep for his family's loss. Andy was such an inspiration of how we should all face life and death. I will miss Andys hugs, humor and tremendous faith everyday for the rest of my life. I would like to thank Andy's mom and family members for allowing us to visit Andy whenever we wanted. My very deepest sympathy to Andy's wonderful family.
Rex Abrahams
November 15, 2013
Andy was a great co-worker and a lot of fun to be around. Our conversations about what great cars the Hudson was will never be forgotten. I remember Andy playing the piano at Cowtown long before I ever got to know him. He was a hoot at the piano then and a hoot in real life. We will miss you Andy.
My deepest sympathies to the family.
November 15, 2013
Andy was bright, funny and truly his own person. He always had a great attitude during his illness. He will be missed greatly by all of his many friends. Sharon Schlegel
Tracy Harwood
November 15, 2013
Handy Andy keeps the beat, When his hands get tired he'll use his feet. Just one of the lines that we sang about him at Cowtown. Andy you were the glue that held is all together. So dependable, and always there for us. Cowtown is a little quieter but everyone in heaven is tapping their toes to all the rip roaring tunes that you played for us all these years. I hope you will be playing Can Can when I get to heaven. You brought so much to so many.
Tracy Harwood Durango CO
Devin Henley
November 15, 2013
Andy was one of kind. I loved hearing his stories. I grew up having and loving technology and always wondered how could anybody live life with out a TV or a cell phone. After working with Andy I soon realized that not only can you survive but he enjoyed life more then most will ever know. Andy was a very special man I will miss him greatly.
Karen Newton
November 15, 2013
My best buddy for over 30 years. Helped me through many a heartache. Now I have one I have to go through without him...I love ya Andrew. You're in my heart forever. The best of the best you were...and the most unigue person I ever met.
Pamela O'Neal
November 15, 2013
Andy made working at Rand Graphics a sheer delight. When I went back to school, it was tough to find a bigger supporter than Andy. I will miss him dearly.
Ann Robertson-Spradlin
November 15, 2013
My one of my best friends --- be at peace!
November 15, 2013
I always enjoyed seeing Andy walking into work, he always had an encouraging word, often comical! On the cold days he would come in with his long wool coat, his knitted stocking hat with pom poms dancing at his chest, and carrying his little Clifford lunchbox. What a picture :)
Andy's quote from Abraham Lincoln,
"you're about as happy as you make up your mind to be" says it all.
He was a dear friend.
-Vicki
November 15, 2013
Through Andy's illness it was his desire to let his light shine and be a witness of Jesus Christ.
Andy, we have all seen your light. You fought a good fight, you kept the faith, and you finished your course. Now you can receive your reward.
I'll see you in Heaven.
Your Friend,
Brother Don
Lida Adv. Ski Trip
Janelle Brake Halstead
November 14, 2013
I'm sure I speak for all the former co-workers at Lida Advertising when I say Andy will always be "Our Piano Man." Andy made us laugh with his quips and wit. Keep the heavens rolling, Andy!
Lindy White
November 14, 2013
Reading of Andy's passing just broke my heart! How brave both he and his family were these past few years throughout his health struggles. Andy was such a delight to know and his mother Elizabeth is truly a joy in my life. Simply put - I adore her and am praying for peace that passes all understanding at this sad time. Lindy White
Janelle Halstead
November 14, 2013
Janelle Halstead
November 14, 2013
Piano Man
Janelle Halstead
November 14, 2013
Janelle Halstead
November 14, 2013
Brent Knott
November 14, 2013
Andy was one of my favorite students, God bless!
Melissa Smith
November 14, 2013
I will miss Andy's fun spirit, great smile and superb sense of humor. Anyone who knew him loved him. He will be missed.
M. Foley Dime
November 14, 2013
I wish to send my deepest sympathy to the entire Illidge family. Andy and I enjoyed being classmates at Blessed Sacrament and Kapaun. His smile, music and artistic talent will always have a place in my heart. Heaven has a new Angel~
November 14, 2013
I met Andrew briefly back when I was a student at WSU. His father, Bob, was chair of the journalism department. Bob was a gentle, kind man — and I expect that Andrew was too. My sincere condolences to Elizabeth and other family members.
Kristi Mohler
November 14, 2013
I had the honor of meeting Andy years ago when I joined the Dixie Lee Saloon Girls group at Cowtown. He made every practice and performance we did so much more enjoyable and entertaining with his wonderful musical skills and his unique sense of humor. Everyone who knew Andy loved him. He was one of a kind. Andy - you will be missed!
Norm
November 14, 2013
Thanks for playing the piano at Cowtown for so many years. R.I.P. Handy Andy You will be missed.
Jeannie
November 14, 2013
He was my North, my South, my East and West,
My working week and my Sunday rest,
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song...
He is the star for which all evenings wait - shine brightly for us as you praise before the very throne of God.
Nancy Hill
November 14, 2013
My sympathy to the Illidge family. I haven't seen Andy in years. I will always remember him as a very kind and gentle soul. An Angel.
Janet Martin
November 14, 2013
I worked with Andy for several years at Lida. He was very talented and funny. So sorry to hear he is gone.
Marty Deemer
November 14, 2013
I had the privilege of knowing Andy at Cowtown. What a wonderful person, so kind and caring. He will be missed.
Sheri Gaskins
November 14, 2013
I feel blessed to have been able to know Andy. He brought so much joy to the thousands of people who were privileged to hear him play. Andy will be missed greatly, by those of us fortunate enough to call him "Friend."
November 14, 2013
On my walks through College Hill Park I would always see Andy with Bella, having the best time playing fetch with his dog and living so carefree. Heaven is so blessed to have him now, much love and prayers for the Illidge family, Andy will be greatly missed.
Much love and prayers to a wonderful family, Pinky
Star Jackson
November 14, 2013
Andy will be greatly missed. He was always there for us girls in "Dixie Lee". He was so talented and all around just a great person. My condolences to Andy's family.
Karen Newton
November 14, 2013
We met at Wichita State while working on our art degrees. I was 21 or 22, he was 18 or 19. He was crazy about the Go Go's and I was a diehard Stray Cats fan. I'll never forget the time he melted down a conte crayon and dyed his hair bright pink and Orange. He didn't know that it was so permanent he had to wait until his hair grew out to get rid of it (in those days bright pink was not so usual). He used to smoke in those days and I have such memories of the time he lit his cigarette on a gas stove and burned his eyebrows off! He drove a big pink car with fins. He came over when my dog got hit by a car and drove me to my parent's house. He and dad buried her in the backyard together. He took me , the day my mother died, to see a litter of pups and I picked out Noble. (I named that dog for my mother because of how "noble" the nurses said she had been.) He and his mother came to the funeral for my mom, sister and brother. He was there when my heart was broken twice by two different relationships with men that never deserved that kind of pain in the first place...but HE was there. He found my house for me and lived only a few blocks away. We had plans to be that old couple at Braum's one day. We took bets as to which one would drive when we were well past the point we should have been driving at all. We were supposed to get to do that.......
He played the piano at Cow Town for over 30 years. He was a member of the Hudson club since he was a teenager. He owned two different 49 Hudson's and wanted to have Driving Miss Daisy played at his funeral. His wardrobe consisted of wing tipped shows, an old pocket watch and fedora's (isn't that what those wide brimmed hats were called?). Didn't own a TV but instead spent his evenings listening to either his player piano, old radios or his Victrola. His house looked like a museum and he was the family archivist. He knew where every stick of furniture came from and who was in every single family photo. He loved the Lord more than any person I have ever met. Even as a young man his Catholic faith was a huge part of who he was. There are some people in this world who try to be unique and one of a kind...he was the real deal. There simply won't be another person like him.
Brian Johns
November 14, 2013
Goodbye Andy. You'll be missed!
Ann Maley
November 14, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss of Andy. I keep all of you in my prayers.
-Sarah Ball
November 14, 2013
My favorite quote from Andy: "Some days have a little more kink than smooth." We will miss you!
Marilyn Gray
November 14, 2013
Dear Elizabeth, so sorry to hear of Andy's passing. You and Bob were so special to Kerry and me.
November 14, 2013
Forgot to list my last name and location. Marvin Hamlin / Wichita, KS
November 14, 2013
"Handy Andy"... What a blessing to have worked with you at RAND Graphics. I will cherish all the wonderful old car stories we shared. Happy Trails buddy! Marvin
Tanja Hollingsworth
November 14, 2013
Andy has been and will forever be my beloved friend. I will truly miss him.
Elaine Horacek
November 14, 2013
I am so sorry for yours and our loss of Andy. Rand will not ever be the same without him. Andy was the kind of guy you told others about. I was always telling my family and friends about his funny stories, and his many talents, and his unique sense of humor. Our dear lord must have needed him in heaven! He will be dearly missed.
patty lane
November 14, 2013
I knew Andy from my saloon girl days at Cowtown. I can still picture him at the piano in that hat. What a sweetheart! My prayers and sympathy to his family.
Diane Parrett
November 14, 2013
Andy was such a sweet gentle soul, and such a fantastic piano performer. I had the immense pleasure of working with him off and on over the years with the saloon girls, and I always appreciated his support and talent. I know his presence will be sorely missed there as well as in all the other interests and hobbies he pursued. My deepest sympathies to his family, co-workers and fellow volunteers at Cowtown.
Laura Sullivan-Bachtel
November 13, 2013
Andy is truly an inspiration and will be missed greatly!
November 13, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. Andy was a great guy and will be missed.
Jan Northcutt Costello
Denver
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