Andrew Steven Lenz

Andrew (Drew) Steven Lenz of Stanwood, died peacefully from a snowboarding accident with his friend, Jake Amancio, on Mount Baker, November 12, 2017. Drew was twenty years old. He was born to Steve Lenz and Jane Lenz of Stanwood on April 2, 1997, and attended Cedarhome Elementary, Stanwood Middle School, and Stanwood High School, graduating in the class of 2015. During middle school, Drew began to develop his interest in snowboarding, and it became his passion for the remainder of his life. We are comforted to know on the day of the fatal accident, he was doing the thing he loved most. Drew was a die-hard Seattle sports fan, and he was always ready to provide stats and scores from the Seahawks, Mariners, and UW Huskies. He loved his family and friends wholeheartedly, and he had a special knack for making people feel important and loved.

Drew is survived by his mom, Jane, dad, Steve (Marcie), brothers Bryce, Karl (Jessica, adored nephew, Carter), Alan (Kaylin), and John (Teresa),  maternal grandpa Leigh Nold, aunts Claire (Jeff) Nold-Glaser, Lynn (Alex) Barashkoff, uncles Bill (Nancy) Lenz, Tom (Cindy) Lenz, Doug (Denise) Lenz, aunt Suzanne (Paul) Christianson, and numerous cousins and extended family throughout the area. Drew is also survived by many friends and well-wishers, all for whom his family is deeply grateful. Drew was predeceased by maternal grandma Marilyn Nold, and paternal grandparents Jack and Beverly Lenz, all from Stanwood.

The family would like to publicly express sincere thanks to the Bellingham Mountain Rescue team under the guidance of Chuck Foster, Whatcom County sheriff deputies, Mark Jilk and Mason Stafford, and the US/Canadian Border Patrol, who all donated so many hours of their own time to help in the search for the past eleven months. We would additionally like to thank all the friends, family, community members and businesses, as well as non-local people who helped search, offered prayers, fixed meals, and donated their time to lend support.  Our hearts are full of gratitude for all the effort provided by so many. Special thanks to the Amancio family for their continued support following the retrieval of Jake.

A Memorial Mass for Drew and Jake will be held at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Stanwood, 26900 78th Ave. NW, on Saturday, November 24, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a light lunch and memory-sharing in the church social hall. A family graveside remembrance will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of Gilbertson Funeral home in Stanwood.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Bellingham Mountain Rescue (a non-profit, volunteer) search group who assisted every step of the way.

Bellingham Mountain Rescue

PO Box 292, Bellingham, WA 98227, or [email protected]

Rest in snowy peace, sweet Drew. We will miss you and your extra special hugs forever and a day.