To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Kristofer Baylis
April 7, 2007
ANDREW BROWNLEE!!! How many times I shouted that name. Especially when he was driving me crazy! God bless him! My family's deepest sympathies go out to the Brownlees.
I have so many wonderful memories of Andrew. Memories of New Years Eve parties. Memories from Chicago. Andrew in the Windy City was a sight to behold. It is "his" city! AND always have a GOOD umbrella! Memories of Andrew in New Orleans. Thanks for rescuing me from "that" place. Years and years of hanging out in SFLA. I always knew you had my back BABALOO. All the memories of Andrew in his shows and then drinks at the hotel bar. So many wonderful memories. Were it not for Andrew I would not have the friends I have, I would not have the experiences I have, I would not be the person I am today. Thank you Babaloo.
Lorian Brownlee
April 6, 2007
This beautiful letter came to us from Andrew's favorite doctor at the cancer clinic in Seattle.
Dear Lorian and Jerry,
I'm very saddened to receive the news of dear Andrew. I have thought about him so much over the past several months. I'm not sure if you noticed, but he was my favorite patient. He was so inspiring to me. Every time I entered his room, he had a smile from cheek to cheek. Even through the persistent nausea, GVHD, etc....
He has been in my thoughts so often..... the days that I have felt challenged or frustrated, I've thought about Andrew and all that he had been through. He was such a fighter and he fought with a smile, kind words and the sweetest disposition. Often times when people get as sick as he was they take it out on their family members and/or the medical team. Andrew NEVER did this. It was truly a treat to have him on my team. He touched my life and changed the way I personally take on challenges. I am very thankful to have met him. Even for the short time I met him, he changed me forever.
You, Jerry and your daughter and all the other friends I met were so strong and supportive. He also was very lucky to have you in his life.
Judging by the description of his service, Andrew is a legacy.... loved by many people. He will be deeply missed, but fondly remembered. My heart and thoughts are with you, and the rest of your family.
With sympathy (and with thanks for having the opportunity to be touched by your familly),
Shauna Riley
............
Ben Messmer
April 4, 2007
Andrew possessed the power to change people's lives. He was truly one of the most inspirational people in my life. Andrew had a power that one only hopes to posess. His empathy for his friends was deeper than anything i've ever seen. He was nothing short of a Guardian Angel.
Jerry and Lorian Brownlee
March 22, 2007
Reflections on Andrew, by his sister, Amy (spoken by her at his March 10, 2007 Memorial Service)
First, my entire family thanks all of Andrew’s friends and family that are here today. Many of you traveled far to be here to celebrate Andrew’s life and we appreciate it. Thank you to: Father Tom for being here, Andrew’s friends who helped put together this service, Mace and the choir Andrew loved singing with and the Daughters of the King for their help. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the people who took such good care of Andrew while he was sick. Dr. Neal Rothschild has been Andrew’s oncologist for the past 15 years. Dr. Rothschild is the most caring, compassionate and wise doctor I have ever met. He always made time for our family as well as for Andrew. I always noticed that when talking to Andrew or walking around his bed he would touch Andrew's head lightly or squeeze his foot affectionately. He really is a great doctor who is made better because he is a good man. Dr. Kenneth Ness is another doctor who has been with Andrew over the years that we are very grateful for. Also, thank you to all the nurses, techs and other staff at Good Samaritan Hospital and at the Palm Beach Cancer Institute for caring so well for Andrew.
Andrew and I were born only a year apart so I cannot remember a time he was not with me. My earliest memories include my brother. We grew up together, were teenagers together (actually, he taught me to drive which might frighten some of you here who have ever driven with him) and we became adults together. I can easily say that Andrew was one of the most optimistic, loving, funny, loud and generous people I have ever known. To me he was a larger than life figure, the kind of person you don’t forget; that you instantly like when you meet him. People wanted to be in his life and it was easy to understand why.
First, he was always smiling. It is hard to find a picture of him where he is not looking straight into the camera with a smile on his face. While still a baby he seemed to know where the camera was and even then he would play to it. That is one thing that never changed. No matter how bad things might have been for him he was always optimistic, always smiling that gorgeous smile of his - the kind of smile that made you smile back.
Andrew was also generous with everything and everyone in his life. He was generous with what he owned as well as his time. He didn't know how to say no to a friend. He was first admitted to the hospital with leukemia the day before Hurricane Katrina went over South Florida. He had a doctor’s appointment in the afternoon but spent all morning helping people get ready for the hurricane. His doctor put him in the hospital that day and could not believe he was still walking around. He was also generous with money – when he had it. I always said that when he had money, everything was his treat until the money was gone. Then he was back to, as the saying goes, relying on the kindness of strangers and family and friends.
If asked to use one word to describe Andrew it would be loud. My mom once told him that he made entirely too much noise for one individual. She was right. In high school I could hear him singing inside the house as I walked up the driveway. And what a singer he was. When I listened to Andrew sing, it could bring tears to my eyes. His voice was just beautiful. And he sang all the time. In the shower, in the car, walking through the house, in public, anywhere. As his friend Nick Buzzek wrote "He is probably already the loudest angel in the choir." As teenagers, it might have been a little embarrassing at times, but he was definitely not shy when it came to entertaining others.
But more than anything Andrew was kind and loving. He would do anything his friends or family asked of him. He hated to see others unhappy. I can remember one Easter when I was probably about 7 and Andrew was 8. We were doing an Easter egg hunt at our church and I could not find any eggs. All the other kids were running around making excited noises about finding all the hidden eggs. I was so upset. Andrew came over to find out what was wrong. He not only gave me all the eggs from his basket but then walked around with me and put every egg we found into my basket. That’s how he was. He loved his friends and family more than anything. And I know how much his friends loved him in return. He woul never wanted to be a source of unhappiness for them.
And because he was all this things it is so hard to believe that Andrew is gone. That such a bright, shining, beautiful and larger than life person is no longer here. But he would not want us to be unhappy (at least not for long). He would want us to celebrate! To celebrate what he was to each of us, and he'd want us to sing and shout and drink and eat and laugh and, most of all -- most of all, Andrew would want us to smile.
Sandra (Hart) Frint
March 17, 2007
I met Andrew in high school in the chorus. We quickly became friends and hung around together. We saw Rocky Horror, and sometimes I would just taxi him there. We had many, many laughs, hugs, talks, walks, and even shared a tear or two. I have not seen him in about 20+ years, but I have thought of him often.
I offer my prayers to his family and friends for strength of heart and strong memories. He is in perfect health, now, and probably haunting us all.
I luv ya Andrew!!
Arline Kiselewski
March 14, 2007
Our deespest sympathy to your family.
Sincerely,
Arline and Don Kiselewski & family
Rick Puig
March 14, 2007
Andrew and I were in swing choir in high school and senior year we made a trip to U of Miami for honor choir there. We were couped up in this van singing blues down to our shoes until we couldn't stand it any further, laughing our fool heads off the whole time.
The other memory that comes to mind is his playing the major general in the Pirates of Penzance. He came back for an encore to sing his already quick tongue twister of a song twice as fast. It was truly one of the most amazing things I've ever seen on stage.
He will surely be missed on and off stage and my sincere condolences to your family.
Miss Jenny
March 12, 2007
Babalu
From the moment we met you captured a piece of my heart. I feel so privileged and blessed to have spent so many life and loved filled years as your friend. You are forever a piece of my heart!
joanne hes
March 12, 2007
Andrew and i went to pbg high together even though i did not spend much time with andrew i the please of hanging out with his brother matt, my prayers go to the entire family. andrew will be miss not just by me but many class mates, God bless joanne
Faina [Woodman] Sigala
March 11, 2007
I am very sorry to read of the loss of your son, Andrew.
Caren Cupp
March 10, 2007
We met probably close to twenty years ago now, and I’ve often thought that if I didn’t live so far away, we would have been great friends- I know we would have. After all, we shared the same love, the same best friend, and the same birthday :o) Every time I think of Andrew I see that relentless smile and I have an overwhelming feeling of warmth and love. And I truly believe that goofy sense of humor had healing properties- it was food for the soul. So go my friend, take a long deep breath, look into the sun, run with Mojo, sink your toes in the sand, and sing at the top of your lungs. You will always be here in our hearts because that’s where you belong
Todd Carr
March 10, 2007
For Andrew,
I will always carry the sentiments of Andrew with me during the coarse of my Life. Much of my life code has been heavily influenced by his presence. He had charm, brains, and gusto. His laughter genuine. His smile sincere, and all the while refusing to dismiss the 80's trend of popping the collar of his pink Lacoste shirt.
Andrew had the ability to charm, infuriate, and soothe within the matter of a few sentences. I never laughed so hard. He had this wondrous ability to connect
with people, to push the edge of an evening and create memorable moments. He was the first person to teach me that it is "easier to ask for forgiveness, than to ask for permission". I absolutely love that lesson, it makes sense! I
learned a few more tid-bits; like his belief that the three non-guilty items you can spend money on are 1. a good pair of shoes 2. a quality bed and 3. a reliable umbrella. I was always laughing around him.
I had no idea what a treasure Andrew would be to me when I met him. I had no clue that while we were having fun and experiencing life, he was looking out for
my own good. So often Andrew would mentor me, and I would brush him off saying that he had his own problems to work on. Andrew cared and love me and I am forever grateful. I love you Andrew!
Emily McDonough
March 10, 2007
Andrew loved his people, you could see it in his smile. It seemed like he was always smiling or laughing no matter what he was going through. I always thought Amy talked about him being such an awesome person just because he was her brother...I was wrong. After I met him I remember telling her that I wish he lived in Gainesville so I could make him my friend. I only knew Andrew for a couple of years but that was enough to see how great he was. I am so sorry for his family and friends' loss. Andrew, you will be missed forever.
Todd Allan Carr
March 9, 2007
For Andrew,
I will always carry the sentiments of Andrew with me during the
coarse of my life. Much of my life code has been heavily
influenced by his presence. He had charm, brains, and gusto.
His laughter genuine. His smile sincere, and all the while
refusing to dismiss the 80's trend of popping the collar of his
pink Lacoste shirt.
Andrew had the ability to charm, infuriate, and soothe within
the matter of a few sentences. I never laughed so hard. He had
this wondrous ability to connect with people, to push the edge
of an evening and create memorable moments. He was the first
person to teach me that it is "easier to ask for forgiveness,
than to ask for permission". I absolutely love that lesson, it
makes sense! I learned a few more tid-bits; like his belief
that the three non-guilty items you can spend money on are 1. a
good pair of shoes 2. a quality bed and 3. a reliable umbrella.
With him I learned the value of setting priority and looking to
cater to one's self. I was amazed when Andrew would suggest
walking routes that would only include the sidewalks that were
only illuminated by the sun; up until this point I was under the
impression that getting from point A to B was the only way to
go. Andrew stressed quality of life. I thought it was so funny
when Andrew negotiated with his boss that his mo
rming start time be moved to 10am because the morning rush hour
was too crowded and hectic on the commuter trains. He had a
point! That was the thing with Andrew, he always had valid
reason. I'm not sure where these reasons came from but they
always made sense, no matter how far fetched his idea was. He
was a complete joy, I was always laughing around him.
A few more memories I'd like to share:
1. Andrew had this crazy obsession wth the VW Bug. I remember
having to stand in line for 45 mins at the Chicago Auto Show
only to get a little blue plastic VW Bug pencil holder. There
was this machine where you could witness the liquid plastic
running through the lines and into a mold, and at a certain
cooling point you would see your personal pencil holder slide
down a stainless steel ramp. Andrew was sold!
2. My guess is that anyone who has known Andrew has at some
point been put on "The List". The list that Andrew kept was a
way to kept the people around him "in check". He laughed, we
laughed.........he pointed to the list.....we stopped
laughing........ life was fun
3. One of my top moments with Andrew: Outside the doors of
Roosevelt University downtown Chicago......Andrew sings "Ole Man
River!.....Ole Man River" and saying to strangers passing by
"give me a dollar, giver me a dollar" soo soo funny, we were
egging him on. Andrew was full of bravado. He was certainly
King
4. and for preferences: Andrew liked chocolate............."if
it ain't chocolate, I'm not playing" was his usual catch
phrase. and how about the his dislike for whistling "no
whistling" this was his personal Crawford "wire hanger" moment.
He would not allow any whistling. It was completely hilarious,
because there was a point when Andrew moved back to Florida,
Tiago and I stated that we could finally whistle again, "what a
wonder!!"... .........."I don't do silverware" a rememberable
statement from Andrew who was helping in the cleanup of a house
party. Andrew had particular life codes that eased him through
lifes journey. I admired him....even though I was left with a
sink full of dirty forks and knifes.
I had no idea what a treasure Andrew would be to me when I met
him. I had no clue that while we were having fun and
experiencing life, he was looking out for my own good. So often
Andrew would mentor me, and I would brush him off saying that he
had his own problems to work on. He encouraged and guided me
and invested himself with leghthy sermons on the importance of
owning a home, and following up on a civil marriage with my
partner. Andrew cared and love me and I am forever grateful. I
love you Andrew!
Todd Allan Carr
Adam Hawkins
March 9, 2007
..i'm gonna have to have a bit of time to wrap my head
around Andrew being gone.
.i was literally telling someone
just the other day, not even a week ago, about that trip to the
timeshare in wisconsin Andrew and i took and what a
wonderous time we had in the two to three feet of snow.but...what do
you say that even comes close to
expressing any tiny piece of the great onset of
emotion..
He was brilliant.
Rachael Lawrence
March 9, 2007
My name is Rachael Lawrence and I am a friend of Ben
Messmer's, who was very close with Andrew. I only met
Andrew once, but I thought I could share my thoughts
of him, since I remember meeting him like it was
yesterday, and I will never forget the impression he
left on me.
Ben and I dated for four years, and in 2000 we went to
Chicago to visit his friends from college. I was
excited because Ben spoke so highly of his buddies. I
had heard many things about Andrew but only new him as
"Bird Dog". This was the name that Ben would use
whenever talking about him, followed by a funny kind
of dog howl. I can now remember even barking back at
Ben when he would do this!
We spent a week in the city...I met Toddy and Moo, and
of course the "Bird Dog"...who never went anywhere
without his dog, Mojo. I didn't even like dogs, but
you couldn't resist the pair of them when they were
together. Especially, how Andrew would carry Mojo in a
little bag and he wouldn't make a peep! We would bring
him into stores and restaurants and no one would ever
know.
I remember Andrew's smile. I don't think he ever
stopped smiling...especially while Ben was around. I
remember his smile when he picked us up at the
airport... and his gentle way of talking. He took us
to amazing restaurants. I can still taste the deep
dish Chicago pizza. I remember him driving us all over
the city, so I could soak up everything he loved about
it. I remember visiting the Bajai temple and standing
overlooking the city skyline near the water.
I will never forget that trip, and I will never forget
what a great friend he was to Ben. I am so sorry for
your loss, and although I spent one week with Andrew
over 6 years ago, I couldn't help but feel compelled
to tell you what a great guy I thought he was. I was
deeply saddened to hear that he became so sick.
I am so glad that I had the chance to meet
him.
My deepest sympathy,
Michelle Rau
March 9, 2007
I never got to meet Andrew, but I am very good friends with his brother Matt. I know Andrew will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. My sympathy and prayers go out to all his family and friends who were touched by his love and light.
Tracey Valentine
March 9, 2007
It is with great sadness that we hear the news of Andrew's passing. What a fight he put up! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love always, the Valentine family
Carthia McClendon
March 9, 2007
My deepest sympathy to Mr. Brownlee and his entire family. My prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time in your lives.
Debbie Wood
March 9, 2007
My deepest sympathy to the Brownlee family in this time of great sorrow.
Shannon
March 9, 2007
I don't have a particular story - but I will always remember him as such a very loyal person and fiercely protective too. I remember him stage managing a show people were having all kinds of problems with and he was such a protector for us all, very caring. He looked after us, made us feel like family. He was such a great guy to be around. it's just not fair. I'm sure he was so brave for everyone around him.
Naomi Delucco
March 9, 2007
My memory of Andrew had always been of him having a jovial and welcoming energy. I remember he always had a smile on his face, you know those faces that seem like they have a built in smile even when they aren't smiling. Lovely character and kind heart.
Melanie Esplin
March 9, 2007
I remember Andrew as so friendly, always with a nice word for someone (well, for me - which was always lovely to encounter especially on a rough day), a wry comment (often worth a laugh) and always willing to go to bat for anyone.
The world seems a little emptier this morning.
Suzanne (Suky) Smith
March 9, 2007
Andrew was sunshine and rain to my soul, feeding it deeply, room for tears and laughter, deep being together. A refuge, a place to be safe, innocence welcome, tender heart open. Thank you, friend.
Kim (Watson)Brown
March 9, 2007
I met Andrew because I was friends with Matt in the late 80's early 90's...Andrew was an instant friend.My favorite memory was of him dancing and singing as we swirled around in bubbles someone was blowing...full of joy and very special is how I'll remember him.Matt(and family) I'm praying for you during this time in your lives. Love, Kim
Michelle Parker
March 9, 2007
Andrew was the truest of true and the most loyal of loyal. I believe all whose lives were touched by his, and there are many, will agree with me when I say that having known him has made me a better person. This is the legacy he leaves behind. He always called me his angel (among other things), and I am most grateful knowing that now he is with our God in heaven, an honest-to-goodness angel himself, looking over me and all those he loved. I will miss him more than I could ever express in written or spoken word. To his family, your love and laughter are absolutely life sustaining. We are blessed to have you in our lives. God bless you now and always.
Linda Barton Macapayag
March 9, 2007
My sincerest condolences on your loss and all suffered before his untimely death. You and your family will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
bob kane
March 8, 2007
In a lifetime we cross paths with hundreds of thousands of people. Most pass along the street or in a room without a second thought or glance.
Andrew was not one of these people. He was different. You could tell right away his amazement. Out of the thousands he stood apart and was remembered.
Jesse Payne
March 8, 2007
The laugh. The singing. The attitude. The smile. Everything about Andrew could fix me when things went wrong in college. He was so much a part of the happiness and fun and creativity that could be achieved back at Roosevelt. Such a big heart. You will be missed, birddog xo
Kalinin Dippy
March 8, 2007
When you were in the presence of Andrew Brownlee you knew you were in the presence of greatness. With all that southern gentility, he had a way about him that when we looked at each other I always felt that I was special. What a rare gift, for people to feel special when they are with you. Andrew had it, and he inspires me still and always.
Sabrina Reed
March 8, 2007
Andrew and I went to Roosevelt together and every morning in the dorms I'd be woken by his boisterous singing. Weather it was, Oh What a Beautiful Morning or my favorite When you Wish Upon a Star I loved it!! He was always there and always told it like it was weather I wanted to hear it or not. He really cared and that is rare. He was full of life and always made you laugh with his colorful way of putting things. There will never be another like him. He was the best!! I am so sorry for your loss. I will never forget him.
The Dead - 2003
March 8, 2007
Nicholas Buzzek
March 8, 2007
Whether it was 3 minutes or 3 decades that you shared with Andrew you were bathed in the glorious light that he was and every life he touched was better for it. I am sure he is already the loudest angel in the choir and I know some of them are already envious of him (the others just adore him like we always have).
I'll make no apologies for the mess I am going to be this weekend. He wouldn't of wanted me any other way. I am so thankful that his pain is finally gone, I just don't know what to do with mine yet. I miss my brother more today than I did yesterday, but not nearly as much as I will tomorrow.
(Keep telling me more stories, I am devastated.)
James A. Crockett
March 8, 2007
I have had the occasion to know Andrew through our affiliation and common acquaintances at the Cuillo Centre for the Arts. Although Andrew and I were not close friends, we spent some pleasant times together in both professional and social settings. I am surely going to miss his ever present smile and good nature. My sympathy goes out to his family and friends.
Holly Policy
March 8, 2007
Andrew, you were a star in every imaginable term. I will miss your laughter and silliness. I'm thankful for the times we were able to hang out. Please know I will never forget you.
Stacy Lynn Duncan (nee Gordon)
March 8, 2007
I can not find the words to express my grief and sadness over the loss of Andrew. He entered my life on roller skates in 1979, and my world was forever changed. I will hold his gift of love and friendship,a family shared, his wit, his exuberance for life, his beautiful voice, his laughter, and a treausre trove of memories always in my heart. He touched and brightened my life and I will always be grateful.
Andrew Kain Miller
March 8, 2007
Andrew had a way of livening up things and bringing laughter to everyone around him. He was a great man and good friend to everyone who knew him.
Carole Policy
March 8, 2007
Andrew--We will miss you--your happiness and good cheer--your riotous sense of humor--your love of chocolate. Rest and know you are well loved.
Carole & Jay Policy
Marta & Joe Marshall
March 8, 2007
Words cannot express the sorrow we feel at your loss. Will always remember Andrew and Rocky walking up and down our street and playing in the yard. His wonderful smile will surely be missed. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He will always be in our hearts.
Kimberly Jones
March 8, 2007
Love to you Andrew!
What a ham!
March 8, 2007
Tiki Tandom
March 8, 2007
Watching the sun come up in the Keys.
March 8, 2007
Brothers from another.
March 8, 2007
Always a smile.
March 8, 2007
Patrick Wilkinson
March 8, 2007
I just dug out a bunch of photos of Andrew that I have from throughout the years. At first it made me cry, but then I could here that loud powerful, thunderous laugh of his, and I had to smile and think of all the wonderful times we shared. I remembered the time he smacked the curb with his car driving us to a play rehearsal at school. His driving always did scare the crap out me. I thought of the time that he and Zac stayed up all night making tie dye shirts, which I watched him sell at a Grateful Dead concert screaming, "Tie dyes! get your tie dyes! Gotta get home to Chicago!!!" I remembered singing "O' Come O' Come Emanuel" in harmony with him at the Hoffman Chocolate Christmas Show or watching him in a ruffle sleeved shirt and a huge fruit hat singing Frank Lesser's "I Believe in Me" at the top of his lungs. Man, could that boy sing! I remembered laughing so hard when I heard the nurse at St. Mary's Hospital say, "Follow the smell of incense," after we asked what room he was in. Andrew was so full of life. He was such an incredible friend to us all. His blunt honesty, sincere loyality and powerful energetic spirit captured the love of so many of us. He was my classmate, my roomate, one incredible friend and undoubtably the toughest SOB I think I'll ever know. I'll miss you Andrew! I feel so damn lucky to have known you.
All my love to you and your family!
Phil Hinton
March 8, 2007
Andrew was a total gem; gentle, kind, funny and completely genuine. I am so very sorry to hear of this huge loss. We need more people like him, not less.
dorothy marcic
March 7, 2007
Andrew did costumes for the premier producton of RESPECT at the Cuillo Theatre. He was so smart, so funny, and so full of life. I still think about all the laughs we had together. He did that to people, brought sunshine into their lives. He will be missed
Valerie Velho
March 7, 2007
Andrew always made me smile. Many a good time was had with Andrew. I hope you know I thought of you fondly and often thru the years after Roosevelt. I hope you are at peace.
Angel, Evan, Rebekah & Colby Narlinger
March 7, 2007
Andrew was a dear friend to our family. It is with deep sorrow that we say goodbye to him. Andrew, you will always be remembered fondly. We love you!
Belinda Yamate
March 7, 2007
I loved Andrew. He made me laugh and he made me want to sing. He was a good friend who was honest and to the point -- no baloney! I would not have been nearly as happy at Roosevelt if he hadn't been there. I'm so very sorry for your loss.
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