Andrew Joseph Lessard, 24, son of former Santa Clarita, CA residents, Kate and Doug Lessard, passed away suddenly on Sunday, April 10, 2016 in Austin, TX.
Andy lived in Santa Clarita from July 2004 until July 2014. He attended Rio Norte Junior High School and Valencia High School, graduating in 2010. He played AYSO Soccer, Hart Baseball, and boys soccer at Valencia High School his freshman year. He loved to skateboard, and spent many hours at the City of Santa Clarita Skatepark. He also loved music and enjoyed playing his acoustic and electric guitars.
Andy had many friends and was always loved for his infectious shy smile and caring, loving personality. But, unfortunately, early in high school, he began experiencing symptoms of depression and social anxiety, which led eventually to drug addiction. His family has always been open about his struggles, always providing him with unconditional love and support in his battle with addiction and the mental illness that led him down this path. In July 2014, Andy made the decision to move to Kerrville, TX to live in a sober living home and work on his sobriety. He lived nearby his older brother, Cameron, who was married and living in the Dallas area. In July of 2015, his parents relocated back to Houston for Doug's job, and were closer to Andy, which they all were happy about.
Andy had enrolled in community college in August of 2015, studying Power Technology and was finally on a good path. He received a 4.0 in the fall semester, something he was immensely proud of. He retreated back into depression and anxiety in the spring semester of 2016, finally succumbing to a fatal heroin overdose.
Andy was happiest when he was with his family and his beloved 12-year-old Golden Retriever, Sydney. His favorite family times were the annual ski/snowboard trip to Lake Tahoe each winter and the week they spent at Newport Coast each fall. Over Easter weekend 2016, he was able to meet and hold his newborn niece, Elle Juliette Lessard, daughter of Cameron and Denise. He thought she was pretty special and they had an immediate bond.
He is survived by his parents, Kate and Doug Lessard of Houston TX; brother, Cameron and wife Denise of McKinney, TX; sister, Betsy Lessard of Scottsdale AZ; grandmothers, Agnes Lessard and Ann Kennedy; many uncles, aunts, and cousins.
Memorial Services will be held at 4:00pm on Friday, May 20, 2016 at United Methodist Church, 25718 McBean Parkway, Valencia, CA 91355. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Light of Hope foundation (
www.alightofhopescv.org).
The Signal, May 17, 2016
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