Andrew Emil Miscovich

1961 - 2015

Andrew Emil Miscovich passed away on June 18, 2015, in Fairbanks, Alaska, in the comfort of his home surrounded by family and friends. Andy spent his last week reminiscing with friends and looking at pictures with family. He was touched by how many people came to see him, calling from around the country, even traveling from Anchorage, Washington and Arizona on such short notice. Andy was born on March 1, 1961, looking over the great banks of the Chena River at the Old St. Joseph Hospital. He was born to Andrew and Verda (Ekman) Miscovich, a pioneer Alaskan gold mining family. Andy's summers were spent at the gold mine with his parents, brothers and sisters. Andy had great memories growing up at Porcupine Creek mining with his dad, sneaking butterscotch chips from the meat house, crossing the Koyukuk River and racing for the plane that came only once per week. Andy's winters were spent in Fairbanks attending Barnett Elementary, Main Junior High and Lathrop High School. Growing up in Fairbanks, Andy enjoyed participating in baseball, basketball and hockey, during which he made numerous lifelong friends. While attending East Anchorage High School, he led his team to a high school hockey championship boldly predicting and guaranteeing a victory. Andy played for the Gold Kings and Men's A league hockey for several years. While driving through Fairbanks, Andy often told stories to his children about being king of the hill on the Barnette playground, countless winter days playing outdoor hockey at the Big Dipper, his paper route after school, then spending his money on girls at the Dairy Queen. As an adult, Andy loved traveling to Hawaii and Australia. Anyone who had seen Andy dance had a glimpse of his captivating spirit. Andy truly enjoyed growing up in Fairbanks. Andy spent most of his life mining gold from May to October. He worked out of the Operators Union Local 302 on construction projects ranging from Prudhoe Bay, trans-Alaska oil pipeline project to the Fairbanks area, to Washington state, Hawaii and Kalgoorlie, Australia. He had many memories of those adventures, the friends he worked with and delighted in sharing stories of those experiences. Andy was a lifetime member of the Pioneers of Alaska. He started the Young Pioneers of Alaska by recruiting several of his friends. He was a member of the Elks, Eagles and Moose Lodge. Andy mined many creeks during his lifetime, Clara, Dome, Eldorado, Fairbanks, Fish, Gilmore, Goldstream, Last Chance, Mastodon, Nolan, Porcupine, Twelve Mile, Twin and, most recently, Wolf Creek. Left to cherish Andy's memory is his wife, Cyndi; daughter, Eva; son, Andy; and bonus children, Myranda and John; mother, Verda Miscovich; sister, Marjorie Miscovich-Jeffrey (husband, Michael and son, Brian Tuel); brother, Mike Miscovich (Chrissy); sister, Lori Miscovich-Ellison (husband, Jeff and children, Chet and Stanalee); brother, John Miscovich (wife, Amy and children, Caitlin and Corey); as well as numerous relatives and their families in Alaska, California, Colorado and Washington. He was predeceased by his father, Andrew W. Miscovich; and nephew, Daniel Tuel. Andy's remembrance will be in Fairbanks. There will be church services at 2 p.m. on July 17, 2015, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, a procession to Birch Hill and by a potluck at 4 p.m. at the Elks Lodge. Please support the family in celebrating the life of Andy E. Miscovich by coming with your love and best stories for Andy. Condolences can be sent to 3071 Riverview Dr., Fairbanks, AK 99709. There is an account set up at Denali State Bank under Andy Miscovich's Cancer Fund and a Go Fund Me account for family support. Love & Laughter