Andrew Douglas Ridge

SEGUIN Andrew Douglas Ridge was born in New Braunfels, Texas, on March 28, 1984. He died doing what he loved ? flying helicopters ? in Wenatchee, Wash., on June 12, 2012. Andrew left us far too early, but he lived with an undying curiosity and zest for life that gave him experience and wisdom far beyond his 28 years. He tried out life like he tried on shirts ? when one role didn't feel right, he would try something else, until he found one that fit. He found his fit in a passion for flying and he pursued it with a fierce determination and an inner strength that led to his certification as a commercial helicopter pilot and instructor. Andrew had many great passions in his life ? his family, his love of flying and the love of his life, Sarah Treanor. He would go anywhere and do anything for a friend and would lend comfort and a wisdom borne of his life experiences to those in need. If he wasn't in the cockpit of a helicopter, he could often be found in the outdoors, on his mother's property in Seguin or his father's in San Angelo. He was a good, loyal and fair man and will be greatly missed by many. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, MSgt. Dee Collins, USAF (retired); and his paternal grandmother, Anne Bryant Watkins. Andrew leaves behind his mother, Claudia Briell and stepfather Bobby; his father, Doug Ridge and doting stepmother, Cindy; his brother, Elliot Briell; sister Valerie Briell; stepbrother Sam Rich and stepsister Sara Cosgrove, all of whom he was so terribly proud, and his loving grandparents: grandmother Frieda Collins and grandfathers Jim Ridge and Smilie Watkins. He will also be missed by an extended family that reaches across the country. He was planning a future with Sarah when he was taken from us so early. We grieve for her loss, as for our own. His parents join in thanking the kind people of Wenatchee, who cared for and comforted him so soon after the accident. To them we send our love and eternal thanks. To all of Andrew's many friends, we can only say that we can all remember that great smile, that way of attacking life head-on with optimism and a curious and open mind and that great and caring heart that we will miss so much. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 17, at Tres Hewell Mortuary in Seguin. There will be a service celebrating the life of Andrew Douglas Ridge at 10 a.m. Monday, June 18, at Emmanuel's Lutheran Church in Seguin with Willie Spreen officiating. Interment will follow in Kingsbury Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Texas Lutheran University Andrew Douglas Ridge Memorial Aviation Studies Fund, 1000 W. Court St., Seguin, TX 78155; Emanuel's Lutheran Church, 206 N. Travis, Seguin, TX 78155; or a favorite charity. You are invited to sign the guestbook at treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155.