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Andrew Sorensen Obituary
A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Grace Brethren Church on South Birchwood Loop in Chugiak. The Rev. Grady Pennell will officiate. A reception will be afterward at the church. The family will also welcome visitors for an informal time of sharing memories from 3 to 5 p.m. today at Central Lutheran Church reception hall, 1420 Cordova St. in Anchorage. A second memorial service will be April 6 in Warren, Pa.
Andy was born May 21, 1959, in Warren.
Andy attended Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, Mass., and graduated from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania with a degree in graphic design.
Andy and Rebecca came to Alaska in 1991 shortly after their first anniversary. They were inspired by Alaska's natural beauty and found it a perfect environment to raise their family.
Andy had wide-ranging interests and was a member of several clubs and organizations, including the Alaska Fly Fishing Association and Eagle River Photography Club. He attended Grace Brethren Church. He also volunteered at Eagle River Nature Center, Bird TLC and Inlet View Elementary. He enjoyed music, birding, computers, collecting and Alaskana. He was an expert at photographing snowflakes.
People knew Andy for his strong Christian faith, integrity, sense of humor and deep appreciation for all of nature.
He is survived by his wife, Rebecca; sons, Erik and Jacob of Anchorage; parents Roger and Carolyn Sorensen; in-laws, Eugene and Joyce Coleman; brothers, Dan, Steve and Keith; and sister, Nancy Swanson, all of Warren; and many in-laws, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends throughout the U.S.
The family suggests memorial donations be made for genetic testing of Andy's children for Brugada's syndrome. An account, No. 1378033, is set up at Alaska USA Federal Credit Union in the name of Rebecca Sorensen.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Andrew Sorensen
Jeffrey Lineman
April 11, 2008
Rebecca, Erik, & Jacob -
No one needs to describe the love, compassion, joy, and fun that filled your husband/father, because you know that better than we do. He was truly a remarkable individual. I had the pleasure of meeting him growing up in PA, mostly during zone and district functions for the church. I then had the pleasure of being one of his roomates at ENC. We didn't grow up in the country, we didn't grow up in the city, we were "Woodsmen"! I have never met anyone that enjoyed nature more that Andy. After ENC we had the joy of sharing another year or so together in Kansas City where our apartment buildings were next to each other. While life has not afforded us the opportunity to see each other recently face-to-face we have kept in contact via email and exchanged family pictures. Our children know your family from the pictures.
May God continue to provide you support and comfort as you move forward! May you all enjoy the richness and fullness of life so examplified by Andy and his life!
Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you!
Jeff, Dawn, Tarrell, Paul, & James
Cindy Hayner
April 9, 2008
Andy's Family:
I met and worked with Andy...years ago, when he did a little pizza delivery in the early 90's. I always remembered Andy over all these years, because he was always positive and encouraging to those he came in contact with.
I just learned of his passing today, and pray that God will bring to your family...peace and strength during this difficult time.
Kim (MacDonald) Jones
April 3, 2008
Dear Rebecca and family,
I was so saddened to hear of Andy's passing. He was such a light in this world. I attended ENC and was in the ACappella choir with him. I hold some very special memories deep in my heart. God bless!
Mary Jordan(Vollick)
April 2, 2008
Rebecca.
I went to school with Andy at ENC, and sang in the choir with him. I will never forget his great smile and upbeat attitude. He was always someone you could count on to cheer you up. He had such a great spirit and outlook on life. My heart goes out to you and your family at this time. May God be with you in your time of sorrow.
Andy Cook
April 2, 2008
To the Family of Andy Sorensen,
I was shocked and deeply saddened when I received the news about Andy. We were roommates at ENC, and got to know each other well during this time. What I remember most about him, is also the first thing I noticed, and that was his intensity and love for life. He genuinely loved life and everything about it, especially the Creator of Life, Jesus Christ. Andy touched many people at ENC, and I am sure he continued to touch people all his life wherever he traveled. He was a gentleman, a friend, and someone people could count on. I will miss his laugh that came from a heart of gold.
Gina Hollomon
April 2, 2008
Rebecca ~ I am SOO sorry that I was unable to come to the memorial service. I only knew Andy for one day and I can tell you that spending a day with him assisting in Eagle washing was enough for him to touch my heart and soul!! Hearing him talk about you and the boys made my heart sing. He so wanted to introduce them to his love of raptors when they are older. When they are older and express an interest, there are many of us at Bird TLC who will be ready to help. Andy was a powerful soul with a joyful heart and hardy laugh. My husband met him through nature photography and admired his creativity, patience and zest for his art. You are in my heart as well as my prayers.
Nancy, Dale, and Mike Swanson
April 1, 2008
Becca, There are no words to describe how we feel. Andy was such a great brother and friend. I will miss his phone calls. I ALWAYS knew it was him when he said, "Hi, Sister". It's so hard to understand why God chose to take him now, but just know how much we love you and the boys. I hope it helps to know that our prayers and support are with you.
Marilyn Stark
April 1, 2008
Our love and prayers , Rebecca, as we sorrow with you in the loss of Andy. May God constantly remind you of His presence through the days ahead. Our family has such good memories of Andy while he was attending ENC - hikes on the islands, in the Blue Hills, and meals in our home. His life reflected God in his love of nature and gentle spirit. He will be missed. Jim and Marilyn
j. Philip McLaren
March 31, 2008
Dear Becca and boys: I'm floored! (:-( I had so looked forward to another panning trip with Andy. His wonderful sense of humor and warm hospitality will not be forgotten. I caught gold fever from him and filled my soul with the beauty of Alaska he showed me. Please stay in touch and let me know if I can help. Maybe I can help teach the boys to pan gold. I know Andy would if he hadn't already. Love and sympathy from our hearts...Phil and Lynne McLaren, "Dr.Phil)
Mitch Lewis
March 29, 2008
I was looking forward to having lunch with Andy when Rebecca called and told me what had happened. His was one of the rare sincere voices of encouragement I heard as an Alaska Wildlife Trooper in regards to the work I do. I was looking forward to getting to know him better and develop a friendship he has apparently had with so many others. I am encouraged to know that will take place in heaven. I hope his boys will grow in likeness to their Dad's appreciation for creation and his love of the Creator.
Lisa, Chris, Kara and Kristen Woodley
March 29, 2008
We were so saddened to hear the news of your loss. Your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time.
One of my fondest memories of my childrens' time at Inlet View is the days when Andy would bring the boys in for a visit.
I know all words of comfort seem hollow right now, but know that you are surrounded by love and support, even from afar, and God will provide. Bless you all.
Dianna Sorensen
March 28, 2008
Andy's art work has been an inspiration to me my whole life. We are blessed to have experienced his talents. Thank you Andy,for sharing the world as you see it. I look forward to seeing your heavenly snowflakes, I bet they are awesome! And to your family, I love you all and my thoughts and prayers are with you
Andy with a 40 lb. Ship Creek king caught on a fly rod.
Jim & Ruth Lavrakas
March 28, 2008
Andy was the best kind of friend: genuine, gentle and generous. He was a true Christian who practiced it every day with everyone he met. He challenged me to be a better person without ever making me feel small. I will miss the heck out of him.
Deborah Bryner
March 28, 2008
Rebecca, it's been an honor to know you and Andy. We'll never forget your friendship and the way you stepped off the Alcan Highway and into our hearts and lives - especially in the construction of our house on Ellen Avenue. We'll miss Andy very much...but I know that he and Papa Gene-O are together now and they'll look out for each other and watch over us. May God comfort you through this very difficult time - all our love, Paul, Debbie, Kate and Rhys Bryner
Joanne McCabe (Myers)
March 28, 2008
Becca and boys,
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love and support,
Joanne
Dan & Joanne Sorensen
March 28, 2008
Rebecca, Erik and Jake. We love you and know that God loves you even more. Andy was a special person, he will be missed.
Ed Brewer
March 28, 2008
Andy will be missed, and will be thought of often. Ship Creek salmon, field trips, snow flakes, his boys,....
Mae Good
March 28, 2008
Love and support from our family, are with you and your family Rebecca.
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