Andrew S. Kees

1957 - 2021

Andrew S. Kees

Dr. Andrew Scott Kees, 63, of Pensacola Beach, Florida, passed away the morning of Tuesday, June 15th.

Born in Los Angeles on August 28, 1957, to parents Wallace Lee Kees and Mary Dwenell Kees (née Yantis), Andrew spent much of his youth in the California sun with his beloved surviving siblings, brother David Kees and sister Vicky Wadman (née Kees).

Andrew attended medical school at College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific. At the age of 25-years-old, Andrew became a lieutenant, junior grade, in the United States Navy. It was at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego where Andrew would complete his residency, and later, a fellowship in cardiovascular disease. By the time of his passing, Andrew had dedicated over 36 years of diverse experience to the practice of medicine as a cardiology specialist.

Thoughts from his surviving daughters, Libby Drew Kees and Mackenzie Irene Kees:

From the youngest, Libby: My dearest daddy, you were the tickle monster to my boo-bear. I was your little girl and forever that I will be. Your favorite story to tell about me was when I explained to you that "Pink is the new black, Dad." I know just how proud you were. I would give anything to hear you call me sweetie one last time. This loss is insurmountable, and I will never stop loving you. As you always said, I love you so.

And the eldest, Mackenzie: Something the late Christopher Hitchens wrote in his memoir, Hitch 22, has always resonated with me. He said: "To be the father of growing daughters is to understand something of what Yeats evokes with his imperishable phrase 'terrible beauty.' Nothing can make one so happily exhilarated or so frightened: it's a solid lesson in the limitations of self to realize that your heart is running around inside someone else's body."

Hitchens had an easy eloquence with words that remains unmatched by anyone alive today, let alone by someone like me. But if I could have replied to Mr. Hitchens, I would have said: "To be grown daughters of a father is to understand something of unconditional love, and that heart of yours running around inside their body will break forever with your final breath." Dad, I love you so.

A celebration of life will be held Thursday, July 1st at 5:30 pm at 5 Eleven Palafox.