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Andy Rush Obituary

February 5, 1954 - May 17, 2014 Andy Rush, producer at KSWD "The Sound" and former disc jockey for KROI, & KZAP (Sacramento), KFOG & KRQR (San Francisco), and KNX-FM, KMPC FM & KCSN (his hometown, Los Angeles). He was also a teacher at L.A. Broadcasting. Known for his sarcastic wit as well as his extensive L.A. tour guide skills, Andy passed peacefully after a heart attack. Andy loved his dogs; please adopt or donate to a shelter to remember him. Andy was who he was without apology, and will be missed by more than he could ever imagine. Drinks will be raised but services will be private.

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

Published by Los Angeles Times from May 30 to Jun. 2, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Andy Rush

Sponsored by Barbara Bassett.

94 Entries

Wendy Nobuhara Kushner

November 3, 2024

I am so sad to hear of Andy´s passing
10 years ago. Andy was in my home room at John Burroughs Jr. High School. We had a great time exchanging ideas and he was funny.
He asked me to be his date at our
graduation dance. We had a nice time. He went to Fairfax High and I went to LA High.
One day I went to to Farmers
Market after graduating from high
school and heard my name being called.. it was Andy, and we chatted.. it was great to see him.
I always thought I would run into him
again and talk about old times and catch up on our lives.. now, maybe in
heaven.

Laura Burton

January 6, 2024

That star, it was your favorite and you wore it so well. Oh Andy, you were a star in so many ways.

Laura Burton

May 24, 2022

Andy was a big part of my life from age 17 to 28, and his charm and character influenced me in so many positive ways. Thinking of you my friend today as I do on many days. I pray that one day we will have a final heartfelt talk.

Marty Read (Johnson)

May 27, 2021

Andy...I'll always remember you as one of the nicest, funniest guys in the business. I always felt comfortable around you and always enjoyed our conversations. You added fun and value to my life at that time...we forget those sometimes...thank you my friend Andy!

Lena Chaney-Pendleton

February 11, 2021

Andy missing you. Time has passed so fast, but I still wait for your call to make me laugh...Friends Always..Len

Laura Burton

February 10, 2021

Thought of you on Feb. 5th and smiled remembering your birthday in 1984 and how upset you were to be turning 30.

June 1, 2020

Dreamed of You this am, You asked me what Your Title was, I said Host, Friend, DJ yeah DJ I was really excited to see You, perhaps You reminding Us to keep listening to music no matter what happens Love Ya Kid!

Lena (Chaney) Pendleton

May 25, 2020

Andy: Missing You So Much...Always Lena

Dan Sulzer

May 17, 2020

I was a student of Andys at Los Angeles Broadcasters from 1988-1990. I still miss his raw, off beat sense of humor - and more importantly, his extremely generous donation of his time to help me with my demo tape, which me get a job at KZTR. Miss you Andy, cant believe its been 6 years. RIP...

Bad hair and Bobby. We both miss you.

Barbara

November 15, 2019

Roslyn Rice

July 12, 2019

I worked with Andy at KROY. He did a ten minute news story when John Lennon died that he was so proud of. I just listened to it again, because I saved it and I was thinking what a great voice he had. Then I looked him up, as we did not keep in touch and I am sorry to see he is gone! Ros

February 8, 2019

Missing you Andy.......Lena

February 6, 2019

Think about you often, oldest friend. You're one unique individual!
We met in Kindergarten 60 years ago and by 2nd grade they wouldn't let us sit together cause we had too much fun. Remember, every high-speed chase down here is done in your honor.
Hope to be meeting up for beers with you again eventually, so tighten up your act and let those one-liners roll off your tongue...
Bob M.
P.S.-That's what she said.

HOLLIE MEYER

February 6, 2019

Andy, I still think about you often. I still have the cassette tapes you made for me. I miss you. Happy Birthday. Mine coming up in a few, too. You always remembered. xoxox

February 5, 2019

Happy birthday Andy, thinking of you today.

Lena Pendleton

July 28, 2018

Missing you Andy.......Love...Lena

April 19, 2018

With Bobby and Liz, one of my favorite pictures. You loved that striped shirt.

April 19, 2018

Ahhh, Los Feliz, such a happy time for a time. Think of you often Andy.

Laura Burton

March 29, 2018

Laura Burton

March 29, 2018

The apartment on Los Feliz, so, so many years ago.

Laura Burton

March 29, 2018

So many pictures Andy, so many memories. I know there are no "do overs" in life but I still wish we could have spoken at least once in the last 22 years. One day we will.....

Lena Pendleton

March 29, 2018

Well Andy....always looked forward to hearing your voice this time of year.... missing you my friend...❤❤❤

Laura Burton

March 28, 2018

Laura Burton

March 28, 2018

Laura Burton

March 28, 2018

Laura Burton

March 28, 2018

Laura Burton

March 28, 2018

Laura Burton

March 28, 2018

Laura Burton

March 28, 2018

Andy..miss you...

Lena (Chaney) Pendleton

October 5, 2017

Missing you Andy....Lena.♥

HOLLIE MEYER (warren)

October 3, 2017

Andy, every so often you pop into my mind. I'm so sorry you're not here, but you are in my heart and mind. Hope to see you when it's my time.
HOLLIE

Another year, another tear, life is not the same without your here ... Say hi to my mom while you're up there, will ya ...

August 23, 2017

mags

May 18, 2016

i couldn't find words yesterday. was sooo emotional, i just couldn't find it in me to go to this page. even after 2 years, it is too devastating to come to terms that you are really gone. my heart still aches and tears still come. you are much loved and missed terribly everyday. all there is, always...all ways

Jim Simmons

May 17, 2016

Wow, two years. It's hard to believe. Still missing you my friend....

Victoria Collier

February 12, 2016

Hello, my name is Victoria. My dad called Stephen Collier said that he had an American relative called Andy Rush and was wondering if it was the same guy. God bless him and I hope I can find out some information about distant family, many thanks

Lena Pendleton

February 8, 2016

Happy belated Birthday my friend...so miss our times together and conversations...miss you...Lena

Jim

February 6, 2016

Noted your birthday yesterday Andy, you sure are missed....

Barbara

February 5, 2016

Once again, it's your birthday and I'm consumed with memories of you. I love you and miss you so much.

Always liked this shot of you Andy.

Jim Simmons

January 4, 2016

Bob Stein

December 11, 2015

Andy, I missed you the past two Thanksgiving dinners. You always brought the cheer and a bit of acerbic wit to our family dinner. From the other messages here, you clearly touched a lot of us.

The KRSZ aircheck (from when you were 17) remains one of my prized audio files.

Bob Mercer

December 10, 2015

Hope a high-speed chase is on the big screen, a cold beer is in your hand, and you're trading sarcastic remarks with John Lennon in a better place...that still feels a lot like your City of Angels.

Lena Pendleton

November 26, 2015

Miss you my friend. Still expect the phone to ring and hear your voice...i know you are looking down on me...i feel your presence.. Happy Thanksgiving.
Always..Lena

Nov 2007

James Simmons

June 7, 2015

Listening to KCSN this weekend and thinking about how good you would sound there now. Wish I had airchecked you back then, you had some good shows. I really miss you Andy...

Andy goes Hawaiian

James Simmons

May 23, 2015

Lena Simmons-Pendleton

May 18, 2015

What can I say Andy..but miss you so very much.
my heart aches when I play your Cds..44 years of friendship..what can I say...but love you Andy..always
Lenae

maggie merrill

May 17, 2015

well...42 1/2 years. thats all i got . i was trying to think of how i would spend this awful day . i turned on sirus radio and started to bake a blueberrry pie and "our song" came on.I stood and cried . 7 minutes later it played again and 3 songs after that it played again and 30 minutes later it played again. the dj said they were having some unknown computer problems...i thought sirus was all automated . i know in my heart it was you. the song was never a top 10 and not even on the charts long , but it was us. it was 1 of 5 songs u always put in the tapes or cd's u made me. so JIMMY,:) just always remember, MARYANN loves you too. all ways ,always. mags, and yes, you were my everything and i still have "the ring" . miss you terribly.

With the coolest of cars...

James Simmons

May 17, 2015

Well here we are Andy, exactly one year later. I can sort of remember leaving the hospital that afternoon. One of the longest walks I've ever taken. 48 hours before that we were talking on the phone, something we did almost every day. To say that losing you changed my life would be an understatement. But then, it was a year of major change and loss. It hurts, and it's painful to think of all the things you had planned that will never happen. But I have a lot of good, funny memories, 38 years of memories. Working on the air together at not one, but two radio stations, working as a team to produce commercials as well as the many projects you dreamt up over the decades, not to mention our act for the waitresses at the various restaurants that we frequented. So many adventures, and what feels now like so little time.

I have a ton of audio that you are a part of, and I listen often, keeping you alive in my mind and heart.

So know that later today I'll raise a glass to you and toast your life. I miss you buddy, and I always will.

Your friend, Jim

Kiki Wow

May 10, 2015

I was in my car rustling through CDs I hadn't heard in awhile and there were several "Rush" CDs with various names. I'm a huge RUSH fan anyway, thinking I was going to get Geddy, I got Andy's hand selected CDs - just for me - songs he thought I would like - and a few introductions in his DJ voice/style - and it was like he was in the car with me, excited about music like I am - and its still so special to me, that he went through the effort to turn me on to some of his favorites, and ones he knew I'd love. Connected through music - we are.

We had more fun on that roof than should be allowed.

Barbara Bassett

May 8, 2015

Well, we're coming up on a year, Andy. It's been the hardest year I've ever had. You're with me every day, I can still feel you around.

You are not forgotten...just the opposite. We talk about you all the time.

New song came out just in time to post before we hit the mark. Yeah, it's a country song (Trisha Yearwood), but you know me...lyrics mean everything - like when you told me about Against All Odds...

I Remember You

I can picture you, like a photograph
I can see your smile
I can hear your laugh
No, I don't have to look back
I remember you

When I'm all alone
You're all around
I tell you things; yeah, I talk out loud
Ever since you left the ground
I remember you

You can ask the sun
You can ask the moon
Every day that goes by
I remember you

And even when
I close my eyes
Like a dream, you come back to life
I can't escape your love, your light
I remember you

And I know some day
Only God knows when
I'll touch your face
And I'll breathe again
And life goes on, so until then
I remember you
Yeah, I remember you
Every day that goes by
I remember you

our last night together

Barbara

February 5, 2015

Happy birthday, Andy. We're all remembering it today, and you every day. I love you and miss you.

Lena Chaney-Pendleton

October 2, 2014

Just thinking of you my friend..And missing your voice so badly....

Candace Pedro-Johner

September 28, 2014

This was always one of my favorites of Andy.

Candace Pedro-Johner

September 28, 2014

Rest in Peace Brother

Kiki Wow

August 13, 2014

I met Andy when I DJ'd "The Dylan Hour" at KCSN and he was so helpful to me as this was my first radio DJ job. He cracked me up, he was kind an knew so much about music, loved his wiener dogs, and quick witted for sure. He wrote me well after I left there and moved to Carmel Valley. Bless his big beautiful voice and heart. Amen.

Lena Chaney-Pendleton

August 3, 2014

Missing you more and more Andy as days go by...

Victoria Branch

July 24, 2014

I met Andy at KCSN in summer 2007, about a year after I began working as a substitute host during the station's (long-gone) 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekday classical music programming. It was probably on a Saturday morning, because that's when I would visit the studio to select music for my next subbing stint, and sometimes I asked Andy's advice on technical matters. We had a couple of good conversations, but were unable to stay in touch -- mostly because my life was just too crazy-busy. Of course, I always assumed that we'd be able to "catch up" at some point. Reading all the Guest Book entries makes me more sorry than ever that I didn't try harder to make that happen, but also thankful that Andy offered me his friendship. Thank you for inviting me to "sign in."

Cris Sylvain

July 14, 2014

I met Andy towards the end of his life. He was original, interesting, witty, ornery, and yes, a bit jaded. But he was always so kind to me. I am aware how fortunate I am to have to have known him even briefly. Rock on, Andy!

July 12, 2014

A Toast to Andy

July 12, 2014

Jeffrey Leonard

July 12, 2014

Enjoyed working with Andy at L.A. Broadcasters (The LAB) and our continued friendship after that. It is so sad to lose him at such a young age. Rest in peace, my friend.

Marty Read

July 12, 2014

Greatly enjoyed knowing Andy in Sacramento. One of my most unforgettable friends in radio. Peace, my friend. Marty Read (Johnson) (Rocklin, CA)

Roy Teeters

July 12, 2014

I was so sad to get the news of Andy's passing. I first met Andy in 1975 in Yuba City where I arrived from Seattle for my first job in radio on KUBA-KHEX. Andy worked 6 to midnight and I was on from midnight to 6. He was always generous and helpful to a newbie in the business and also became a good friend. Some people may have been put off by his sarcastic wit but if you spent anytime with him you saw the warmth and generosity of a true friend. After moving back to Washington state we kept in touch until about the mid 80s. Then out of the blue about 2 years ago the phone rang and there was that unmistakable voice of Andy Rush. We spent many hours catching up. Even through all the changes in radio over the years he still had a passion for the business. I was hoping to visit L.A. someday and get one of his famous L.A. tours. Thank you Andy for being a true friend, you will be missed by the many people whose lives you touched.

Tina Meyers

July 12, 2014

I met Andy in1977 He was a good supportive friend. I hope you found your sister now and I will cherish the memories and pics of my dear friend. Gone too soon and never to be forgotten

Eric T

July 12, 2014

I just went to Philippe's near Chinatown to have a French Dip sandwich in memory of my friend from High School.

Andy and I lived around the corner from each other.

I remember we set up an Army telephone line, even running the wires from his house to mine and conversed for hours over this.

I remember riding our bicycles down 5th Street while he played Mission Impossible on his Norelco recorder (we were nuts).

And I remember listening to police scanners and chasing police calls in the 1960's and 70's.

But most of all I remember my friend, who EVERY year sent me Birthday greetings, who called or emailed, who always kept in touch. He remembered me, even as I was slothful in responding to him.

God Bless you Andy.

Lena Chaney-Pendleton

July 11, 2014

It is hard to find true friends,,,and Andy was my friend... My friend since eleventh grade at Fairfax High. We keep in touch with each other and his speciality was to keep me laughing which he did. Our trips were unforgetable...Andy I miss you so much..No one can ever take your place Andy. ...Friends Always, Love, Lena

Hollie Meyer

July 11, 2014

I can't believe this! I've known him since --- junior high or high school. Parted ways and just recently reconnected. I'm in that "denial" period I guess. It hasn't sunk in. He could always put a smile on my face. (sigh) Andy -- couldn't you have waite a few more years?

Lauren (Taylor) Brown

July 11, 2014

I met Andy in 1977 at KROY in Sac. I was a shy volunteer and he became my friend and one I could turn to for years. We lost touch for almost 20 years, and found each other again online. Though I lived still in Northern California, we even tried dating for a short time. We made better friends. The kind of friends who sometimes didn't talk for months, then just picked up where the conversation left off. And I've been meaning to call!

Thank you to whomever sent this announcement to me. I still use the coffee mug Andy gave me for my 16th birthday. I will miss you my friend.

Roseville 1979

Bryan (Jim) Simmons

July 10, 2014

Andy was one of my closest friends. We met in 1977 at KROI-FM. We spoke every day and I miss him so much. I will never forget you Andy, you'll always be in my heart...

Mercer Robert

July 7, 2014

P.S.-Roberta and I will post some old photos in this site, stay tuned Andyman...

July 6, 2014

I've known Andy since Kindergarten at Jefferson Elementary School in Riverside, CA. By third grade, Mrs. Adcock wisely separated us for having too much fun.

Andy loved his friends, his dachshunds, classic rock (Beatles), his Hofner Bass, high-speed chases, and showing off his city, Los Angeles. (You've never seen LA unless Andy gave you his official tour.) He easily made people laugh with his razor wit and self-effacing sense of humor. We tried to turn sarcasm into an art form.

He had a golden FM voice and from a very early age he never wanted to do anything but radio.

My wife, Roberta, loved Andy, too.

I hope Andy can see how much he is missed and how important he is to so many people.

I could write all night, but as Andy might say: "That's it for me, don't forget to tip your waitresses..."

Thank you, Andy, for 55 years of friendship.

Jeannie Jensen

June 29, 2014

Dear Sweet Andy,
We met in 1977 at KROY/KROI in Sacramento. You were such a character and had such a witty sense of humor. We had lost contact over the years, but we were able to connect again in 2009. I miss our phone and email conversations. You were my Pal and I miss you sooooo very much.

With Love,
Jeannie Jensen Crowther

Barbara Bassett

June 19, 2014

Saying goodbye to my other half is too hard to do right now. I will always love you Andy, and I'll miss you until we are together again.

Thank you for letting me be there to hold your hand and walk you out of this world. And I know you knew I would. I love you and can't help but wish you were still by my side.

I am trying to collect more photos of Andy. If you have any you want to share, please contact me. Especially the one in the woods - beautiful photo.

Andy was my whole world. No one could ever replace what we have. Rest easy and tell your dad that knowing you are there with him gives me comfort. I know that was your biggest wish.

Wendy Brogin

June 17, 2014

One thing that Andy and I would talk about was our mutual love of the Beatles.

Of course, Andy made me a wonderful magnet of the Beatles at their Shea Stadium Concert, and sent me CD's of cuts of Beatle songs he knew I would like.

This past Sunday, I got in my car, to drive to a very ethnic market maybe 5 miles from my house. I turned on the CD player in my car, and Beatle songs were playing from a CD that Andy had not given me. As I drove up the street, I saw a Mini with "The Beatles" prominent along it's rear window.

When I finally was in the market, most of the music played through the PA system was either Beatle songs or songs written by McCartney and Lennon.

One friend said that my experience reflected Andy "telling me that he is OK." I said it was his way of thanking me for thinking of him, even now.

RIP Andy Surreal So Longs, I will Look for Your Likeness, Listen for Your Voice in the Wind, See You again When I say This is My Number Where are My F

Soledad Escalante

June 15, 2014

Hello this is very Surreal, andy knew me as Marina, we met in 1989 at Los Angeles Broadcasters, and became fast drinking buddies, 25 years ago to now he was my "link" as a friend back home in LA we would meet for a drink and catch up, he was a Great Consigliere, he would Roll his Eyes like Yeah Rrrright but he would be kind it would turn into a Smile, Andy was a Mystery and Gave You Everything in a Birthday package when nobody else remembered You, he loved taking pictures, he loved his cars ARDJ, Andy Thank You for all of the talks through all of the times from when my Grown Sons were children, and I always wanted to run away from home. I Dedicate this song to You Andy, http://open.spotify.com/track/2yqPxxqHAWJk96kCGU4KQ9 Ray Manzarek Michael McClureThe Piano Poems Eagle in the Whirlpool. I found out too late You passed and want to find out where You are laid to rest. Love Always, Soledad Escalante

He loved his doxies

Samantha Kerr

June 15, 2014

Andy Rush

Samantha Kerr

June 15, 2014

Samantha Kerr

June 15, 2014

My name is samantha i've been friends with Andy for four years i just found out now that he passed away i'm in shock. I am so thankful to have called him my friend. I LOVE YOU ANDY

June 9, 2014

Stephany Gilmore

June 3, 2014

My friend Joyce introduced me to Andy, who she had been friends with for 20 years then, about 10 years ago. We loved his sharp wit and dry humor. He was always bringing little personalized gifts which meant more than he will ever know. We are both heartbroken and devastated to learn of his passing. We saw him days before, and she spoke to him the day before it happened. We just cannot believe he is gone.

Andy, we love you and will miss you until we meet again. Rest in peace.

Bob Stein

June 2, 2014

I knew Andy since high school, where he DJ'd on my bootleg radio station and we would chase LAPD calls on weekend nights.

He was a good friend, and I feel honored to have had him at family Thanksgivings several times over the past few years.

Sorry that I cannot attribute this photo.

Wendy Brogin

May 31, 2014

Andy was generous, kind, and humble. I truly was honored that he included me in his circle of friends. I already miss our quirky communications; I miss you Andy.

maggie frank-merrill

May 30, 2014

he was my first boyfriend and love .we met 3/3/73. my heart is shattered . the pain will never die . i will miss him forever

Nancy Warth

May 30, 2014

May you rest in peace Andy. Thank you for your friendship. I will miss you.

Bobby Ocean

May 30, 2014

Andy was loving, caring, and so engrossed in his life and friends that there wasn't anything else. He made his heart do the best it could and did not make excuses. If you were in his life, it was deliberate. Now, free flowing, without earthly moor, I believe AndY loves more truly, freely and completely than ever before. It is a love that grows.

SUZI SCHOR

May 30, 2014

MAY YOU REST IN PEACE, MY FRIEND......

Robert Stahley

May 30, 2014

40 years of friendship and sharing Andy's
great love for radio. Still in shock over his loss.