Andrew Quirk Obituary
Andy was born in Ft. Worth, Texas on September 24, 1963 to John and Angela Quirk. The youngest of 8 children, Andy moved to Alaska with his family in the early 1970's. At the age of 16, he started working for Harold's Air Service in Galena, Alaska. By the age of 18 he obtained his commercial pilot license and started flying for Harold's Air. Andy flew for several airlines throughout his career.
Andy graduated from Galena High School in 1981 as valedictorian of his class. He married Katherine Dayton of Koyukuk on November 11, 1989. They were blessed with two (2) sons, Sheldon Gian, 22 and Jared Adam, 17, and the joy of his life, his grandson, Zidane, 2.
Andy is preceded in death by his mother, Angela Quirk, brother, Stephen Quirk, and niece, Tricia "Tootie" Wilson.
He is survived by his wife, Katherine; his sons, Sheldon and Jared; grandson, Zidane; father, John of Anchorage; brothers, John Jack of California, Mike (Monique) of China, Tim Sr. of Anchorage; sisters, Sandy (Lloyd) of Louisiana, Lisa (Vernon Sr.) of King Cove, Kate (Ed Sr.) of Galena; nephews, Warren (Lisa), Stanley (Danielle), Justin, Vernon Jr. (Andrea), Ed Jr., Matt, Tim Jr.; nieces, Carrie, Jaycee, Erin, Jenasey (Louie), Martha (Pete), Krista, Rachelle (Josh), Theresa (Josh), Morgan; great nieces and nephews, Nikki, Jared, Elijah, Peyton, Devon, Dawson, Winter, Arlin, Delany, Randy, Jasmine, Tatiana, Isabella, Elisa, Julian, and Eli.
We will always give our appreciation to US Airways for the support and generosity they gave unselfishly.
His family wrote, "We fondly remember Andy as a young boy sitting on the hillside in King Cove with his best childhood friend Corey dreaming of flying the world. We are so proud of him for the strength he showed during his battle with cancer. He was a great husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be dearly missed.
A memorial service will be held in Anchorage, Alaska on Friday May 3rd, 2013, 10 a.m., at Holy Cross Catholic Church located on Lake Otis Parkway. A light lunch will follow.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sandy
April 24, 2025
12 years, miss and love you, Sandy
Sandy
April 24, 2024
You are very missed brother...
Sandy
April 24, 2022
Miss you so much little brother, love you, Sandy
Sandy
September 26, 2021
Wow, so nice to see family and friends still putting messages to Andy on here. Thanks to American West for keeping this going for my brother Andy. You left a big hole in our family, pray you´ve found peace...
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Carrie
September 25, 2021
You are missed Uncle.
Shila Quirk
September 24, 2021
Happy Birthday Andy, we wish you could meet your granddaughters with all our hearts. We are all thinking about you today.
Sandy Magnuson
April 24, 2021
8 years since you’ve left us Andy! Miss you and always will, love your sister Sandy
Misty Winker
October 4, 2017
Your America West Airlines brothers and sisters have not forgotten you. - Blue Skies and Tailwinds Andy
Darcy Pearson
May 13, 2013
To Andy's extended family. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I too flew with Andy at Markair, and have fond memories of his love for flying and respect for his entire crew. My deepest sympathy to all of you.
Angie Black
May 12, 2013
We are neighbors of Andy's father, John, and recently learned of Andy's passing from him. We extend our deepest condolences to your family.
The Black Family
May 6, 2013
Dear Andy, you were our baby brother, we love you and are so proud of all you have accomplished, but it was no surprise to us that you would bring your dreams to life. I know we will see you again and that gives me comfort but there is no comfort for all you had to endure, that will come with time and God's healing to us. Rest in peace my brother, love Lis
Our Andy!!
Sandy Magnuson
May 5, 2013
RIP Andy... You are the baby brother of the family and will be deeply missed, you will never imagine how much. There is so many things I need to tell you since I talked to you last, a few weeks ago. All our plans, gone...RIP brother! I love you!
May 3, 2013
I am sorry about Andy and thinking of you all! He was a smart classmate and a good person. I am glad that he reached his dreams of flying and has a supportive family that stood by his side. Always, Diane
Debra Mackie
May 3, 2013
RIP Andy.
E Pitka
May 2, 2013
Rest in Peace Andy.
Joee Huhndorf
May 2, 2013
Dear John, Katherine, Family & Friends,
I am deeply saddened to hear of Andy's passing. But for one encounter in-person when I was just a teenager, I really knew Andy best through his very excellent reputation within the aviation community. His superb reputation as a very highly regarded member of the aviation community was hard earned and well deserved and did precede him. My friend J.J. and I were trying to repair J.J.'s broken Elan SkiDoo when Andy was still working for Harold's in Galena. The muffler was in terrible shape with numerous large cracks in the metal. I told J.J. I didn't know how to gas weld. He said Andy could fix it. Andy was very pleased to help. I was oh so very impressed by Andy's amazing knowledge, skill and patience demonstrated as we watched him. I guess it probably took at least an hour of his time and effort with us watching. When complete, I dare say that muffler was fit for the show room it was so neat and perfect thanks to Andy. I will never forget that. Andy was and will always be a tremendous source of pride for me knowing he achieved such greatness coming from our hometown Galena. Andy was such an inspiration to me over the years working in aviation, and thinking of his dedication and hard work helping him achieve his goal of flying passengers safely was often helpful for me trying to overcome various difficulties. I understand he is also from a truly great family and my family and I love all of you and you are in our hearts always.
Jaycee
May 2, 2013
Rest in peace, Uncle Andy. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
carrie
May 1, 2013
Rest in peace Uncle Andy.
Joe Burroughs
May 1, 2013
My wife and I are very sorry to hear of Andy's passing. Andy was as fine a pilot as he was a person. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Vernita Vestal
May 1, 2013
We are sorry to hear of Andy's passing. Our best to you and family. Kathy, Andy was a wonderful person. God bless. From both of us: Harvey and Vernita Vestal. We are traveling right now and may not be at the memorial. Love, the Vestals.
April 30, 2013
To the family of Andrew , I would like to express my condolences. May the God of all tender mercies comfort you in your times of need.
Nancy Amundson
April 30, 2013
So sorry to hear of Andy's death, Katherine. The last time I saw you, the two of you were either planning your wedding or were recently married. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Theresa Etheridge
April 30, 2013
From God we come and to Him we return. Katherine, I am so sorry.
Linda
April 30, 2013
I would like to extend my condolences to the Quirk family, I'm sorry for your loss faith can heal the broken hearted in time Ecclesiastes 9:5.
Don McCartney
April 30, 2013
I knew Andy in Galena when I was the station Manager of Wien. He flew me, my daughter and wife in his plane to Emmonak and back one day one day. Fine trust worthy young man and what a surprise to see him here. So sorry for your loss.
Brian Jackson
April 30, 2013
I'm so sorry for your loss. We didn't know Andy had been ill. Andy flew with me at Markair and then again briefly at EVA. Andy was a great guy to fly with and will be missed.
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