Andrew Bryan Burt

Our beloved husband, father, son, brother, principal, coach and everybody’s best friend Andrew (Andy) Burt (44) unexpectedly passed away in his home in Cedar City, UT, from complications of COVID-19 on October 2, 2021.

Andy was born in Sugar City, ID, to Bryan and Lynn Burt in the early hours of the morning on March 14, 1977, after doctors refused to deliver the Burt’s third baby boy on Friday the 13th. He spent his childhood catching pollywogs and chasing his older brothers in Kennewick, WA, and moved to Westminster, CO, as a teen, where he made many of his lifelong friends.  He then attended Southern Utah University and earned a degree in English, with an emphasis in creative writing, as well as communication, with an emphasis in journalism. He collected friends, poetry, music and shoes—and continued writing throughout his life.

Andy and his wife, Jen, met on the soccer field, had their first date on the rooftop of a science building, drinking Dr. Pepper and talking about music. They spent four years dating in the bubble of their cars. Driving over mountains and across state lines, listening to music and stopping to take “photos” along the way (Andy hated when people called them “pictures”). Driving to concerts. Driving to zoos (he loved zoos). Driving to meet old friends. Driving to soccer games—his or hers—always listening to music. Driving between his apartment and hers, then his university and hers and, finally, his new home state and her old one until, four years to the day of that first date, they got married in 2003 and took a cross-country honeymoon. Their best drive yet. Always driving. Sometimes with friends and then kids in the backseat. Sometimes just Andy & Jen. Andy escaped everyday life every chance he got.

The couple started their family in Toledo, Ohio, and later moved to Cedar City, in 2007, where they raised their children but did not settle down. Though Andy lived in Cedar City as a husband, father, principal and coach longer than anywhere else he ever lived, his wanderlust kept him from calling Cedar City home forever.

Andy loved music, soccer, the mountains, friendships, Dr. Pepper, and a good laugh. He was the most devoted father and dreamed of being a stay-at-home dad. As a husband, his goal was to make Jen laugh every day. And if you became friends with Andy, you had a friend for life. He hated pretense and small talk, but would give you all the time he had if you had if you needed help or just a listening ear.  Andy had a magic way of making everybody’s day just a little better, and there is a long line of people who consider him their best friend.

Andy was incredibly gifted in his ability to understand and connect with children. Although he graduated from his undergrad studies with plans to become a writer, one tour of an inner-city Boys and Girls Club for a volunteer position changed his course, and he devoted his talents to empowering children for the rest of his life. He served as director of the Toledo and then Greater Salt Lake Boys and Girls Clubs until he moved back to Cedar City, earned a graduate degree in education administration from SUU, and then joined the administrative team of Gateway Academy in Enoch, UT. He worked as, first, assistant director and, then, director of Gateway for 11 years. He served the Gateway community with all his energy and heart, as well as lots of costumes, jokes and Swedish Fish.

Andy also devoted a big portion of his life to coaching soccer. He focused on character development as much as he did technique and strategy, and he counted himself successful more by his players’ work ethic than the scoreboard. He has coached hundreds of children in rec and club teams, high school and college soccer.

Andy’s family was his greatest pride. He was happiest when cuddled up with his children, listening to music or making them laugh with his quick wit, practical jokes and endless bank of random trivia. Andy was the idea man and ring leader of every adventure. In every way, he was the heart of his family.

Andy is survived by wife Jennifer (McAfee) Burt; their children Porter, Nora, Harriett, and June; his parents Bryan and Lynn Burt; Brothers Jeff, Chris (Lori) and Layne (Crystal); parents-in-law Steven and Jill McAfee; siblings-in-law and countless friends and relatives.

He is preceded in death by his twin sons Andrew and Benjamin.

There will be a viewing at the Cross Hollow Stake Center in Cedar City on Thursday, Oct. 14 from 6-8pm and on Friday, Oct. 15 from 11-12:30pm, followed by the Funeral at 1pm there at the Church. Interment will be at the Cedar City Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Online Condolences can be made at www.sumortuary.com

In lieu of flowers, please donate to https://www.gofundme.com/f/burt-family-fundraiser

Live streaming of services can be viewed by going to the link below:

16th Ward is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Andy Burt Funeral
Time: Oct 15, 2021 01:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/94904613329?pwd=MEtQb1dvZDlmV2h5WmEwMDdaalkvZz09