Andrew Greendorfer

(March 19, 1950 - August 3, 2015)

Andrew Greendorfer (Andy), loving husband, devoted father, brother and friend, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 3, 2015 in Seattle. Andy, born in San Francisco on March 19, 1950 to Bernard and Leona Greendorfer, never stopped loving his home town by the bay. As a young man he lived in Anderson Valley, California; traveled extensively through Europe, and then moved to Seattle in 1979 to attend graduate school at the University of Washington's School of Social Work. At UW Andy met his wife Linda Sorensen and they began their married lives together in 1981. Andy was a highly valued Marriage and Family Therapist, assisting countless numbers of individuals and couples find happiness in their relationships and lives. He was recognized as a skilled Gottman Certified Therapist, advancing the practice of couple's therapy. Andy loved music, walking, and was rarely without his camera, always with an eye to those moments of beauty so easily missed. Andy is survived by his wife, Linda, his children, Elias of Seattle, and Hannah of San Francisco, his step-son, Justin Williams of Seattle, his brother, Jeff Greendorfer and nephews Daniel and Michael of Novato, California. An online guestbook can be found at www.dignitymemorial.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Doctors without Borders. Andy was so beloved and will be deeply missed.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times on Aug. 16, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Andrew Greendorfer

Sponsored by The Family.

19 Entries

May 3, 2016

How we miss you...

Dan Richman

May 2, 2016

I knew Andy as a trusted, wise therapist. He was uniquely warm and humorous. As others have observed, he was a real mensch. I am so sorry to learn only now of his death. The world is a poorer place for his absence.

Carrie Connolly

October 11, 2015

Over the years, I had the pleasure to assist Andy and his family with their audio and video purchases. I felt like he was more than a client. He had such a deep love for his family, a great sense of humor and was a really good human. I was fortunate to have met him.

Keith Spiegelman

September 10, 2015

A cherished friend from childhood, a friend that never stopped being a friend and a friendship where time mattered not... I shall miss you dear Andy, always...

Live and Namaste,

Keith

Ginna Wall

September 8, 2015

Dear Andy, I didn't really know you well...I wasn't a close friend or a colleague or a client as are many of the others who've written a memory here. But this I absolutely knew for sure: you had a loving, happy wife. Linda was loved by you, and you were loved by her. Together you were an amazing couple. I pray God's blessings on you in Heaven and on your dear widow on Earth. How hard it must be to be separated!

Marcia Avila

August 24, 2015

I was a friend (a close friend) of Andy's at Lincoln High School and City College in San Francisco. I was googling him to try and reconnect when the work obituary came up. I am stunned and so sad. We talked a little throughout the years (last time we became friends on facebook). I know he loved his family and I know what a wonderful, adorable person he was. I have missed him for a long time...and now I'll miss him forever. My best to his family.

August 20, 2015

My wife & I used Andy's services for a number of months. For us his great gift was gently probing conversation that eroded barriers, gave us tools with which to work and frequently had us all three laughing. We traded books to read and in our final sessions I think Andy was more friend than counselor and we knew it was time to do the work on our own. Thank you, Andy.

Tom Whitaker

Frank Schumann

August 17, 2015

We were clients of Andy's for about a year and, while such sessions obviously brought on a certain amount of dread as they approached, I oddly did find myself actually looking forward to see a "friend". Andy had such a wonderful openness and ease of communication. Professional to a "T", but drenched in warmth and caring.

James Bederaux-Cayne

August 17, 2015

The world has lost a marvelous Mench. Goodbye brother. I think of you always and will think of you always on our shared birthday.

August 17, 2015

I got to know and rely on Andy while a school counselor at several area independent schools. Andy was a steady thoughtful resource for me and more importantly was a wise and strategic therapists for the adolescents he worked with. I could always rely on Andy for guidance and support. He approached complex family systems and challenges with sensitivity, humor and grace. I was lucky to have him as a professional resource. My thoughts are with his family. Peter Berner-Hays (Seattle)

Laureen Light

August 17, 2015

Andy was a friend and colleague. He was always warm, caring and funny. I'll miss having him in the world. I am so sad to read of his passing. My deepest condolences to his beloved family and dearest friends. Andy was a gem. Laureen Light & Steve Rolfe

August 16, 2015

Andy was so much fun to work with! Even though it's been years since I saw and last worked with him at Seattle Children's Home, his name always brings a smile to my face. I still have the crystal chandelier pendant he brought back from Paris for me and now I'll cherish it even more:) We've lost some good energy in the world, but it will continue to spread through those who knew him and his wonderful smile. Tori Benz-Hillstrom, LICSW & Kevin Hillstrom

August 16, 2015

I worked with Andy at Seattle Children's Home for a number of years. He was such an asset to the agency and their clients. A very caring person.
I am deeply saddened that he has passed on. I know he has helped many families.
Margaret Rehnstrom

Clifford Gomes

August 15, 2015

Andy helped my wife and I in our marriage and he was gracious and kind while doing so. We sat with him and put our troubles on the table. We shared our commitment to growth, both within our relationship and as individuals, and asked him for his help. It was intimate work and Andy made it easy to accept his presence in our relationship because he clearly cared for us and we got the sense he was cheering for us and expected us to make it. I always felt like he expected us to win, to overcome our troubles, to grow and to stay together in love. We did Andy, and we're in your debt for the helpful part you played in our lives. All of our best and with love, to you Sir. Wherever you are now please hear this warm prayer of appreciation and gratitude for all you shared with us. Bless you Andy and thank you.

Katie Marconi

August 13, 2015

I had the pleasure of being Andy's barista for 8 years. We talked a lot about our favorite things- family, food and beautiful places. He was so proud of his kids. He often brought these hat shaped croissants from Le Reve and I would bring him homemade cinnamon rolls. We'd talk about the beauty of nature and our love of the Oregon coast. He was a wonderful soul and I will cherish the laughter and friendship we shared.

August 8, 2015

I/we are really really going to miss Andy, my cuz. Actually, already miss him. We shared so many memories, especially during the last few years. A reminder to stay connected with those you love. Love, Reenie (alias, Maureenie) and family Sasha/Yaniv, Julia, David.

Robert Atkins and Lisa Reddick

August 8, 2015

We loved Andy. He was our therapist, held us together as we built our relationship, a dear, sweet, wise, lovely man -- with a hug to last for days. We saw him last in September, when he told us of the medical news -- we are glad he had a few more months than they predicted, and hope they were as loving and peaceful as possible. Andy we love you and miss you. Lisa and Bob

August 7, 2015

I am very saddened by this news - a void will exist on many occasions that arise and remind me of visiting with Andy. Better for having known this really wonderful man. - David Meyer, friend and client (Seattle, WA)

Michael and Laura Friend

August 6, 2015

Andy was such a wonderful friend, neighbor and human being. He will be sorely missed but often remembered, and always with a smile.
- Michael and Laura Friend

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results