Andrew Thomas Mead

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Andrew Mead Obituary

MEAD, Andrew Thomas - Aug. 31, 1957 - Nov. 30, 2005 Andrew Thomas Mead, a San Francisco attorney, and resident for more then 20 years, died Wednesday afternoon, November 30, 2005, from AIDS-related complications. His death followed a struggle of more than 25 years to defeat his HIV infection. He was 48. Andrew was born August 31, 1967 in Nashville, TN, the son of the (late) Richard Thomas Mead - then a divinity student at Vanderbilt University - and the (late) Carol McGaughey Mead, a native of Harrison, AR. Andrew attended the Nashville public schools, including historic Pearl High School, between 1963-76. He attended Harvard College and Harvard Law School, receiving his A.B., cum laude, in 1979 and the J.D., cum laude in 1983. He practiced law as an attorney with the San Francisco firm Heller, Ehrman, White & McAuliffe between 1984-94. From the early years of the AIDS epidemic Andrew was actively engaged In providing critical support services to those affected. In 1984 he became a volunteer attorney with the AIDS Legal Referral Panel, joining its Board of Directors in 1988. Between 1998 and 2002 he devoted many volunteer hours providing nationwide information and referrals through the HIV/AIDS treatment information hotline operated by Project Inform. He served as a board member of Community United Against Violence between 1989-93 and as chairperson of CUAV's Board of Directors in 1992-93. Most recently, he was an active volunteer and supporter of the Academy of Friends, a fund-raising organization and its annual gala. Andrew lost innumerable friends and loved ones to the epidemic, most notably Anthony O. Stone, who died in 1996. In addition to these loved ones and his parents, he was predeceased in 2004 by his brother, Lt. Col. Lawrence Richard Mead, who was then an active duty Army reservist serving with the U.S. Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, VA. Andrew is survived by Mr. Eddie Hall; by two sisters, Rebecca Mead of Marquette, MI, and Victoria Mead; by three aunts; his uncle; and seven cousins. He was gregarious, intelligent, immensely capable, fun-loving, and intensely devoted to those he loved. A Memorial Service with scattering of ashes will be scheduled for a later date; friends may RSVP to 880 Wisconsin St., SF 94107 for final details. Please direct gifts in Andrew's name to AIDS Legal Referral Panel, 1663 Market St, SF 94103.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Dec. 6, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Andrew Mead

11 Entries

Paul Fishman

December 11, 2005

Though I spent some time at South House freshman year, I don't remember meeting Andy until we both wound up at Mather.

What I recall from Mather days is getting to know Andy slowly and not ever all that well. We had some common ground, but for the most part I felt like we were inhabiting different planets in a vast universe. He was helpful to me at times in dealing with my first big gay love relationship and after college he guided me to find work at 1270 (he had the better deal as bartender there, but I managed to earn a few dollars as a waiter; though I quickly discovered I did not like being pinched by strangers, even tipping strangers, it was fun to be in the same space with Andy working together for those few months I lasted there. I felt like I was checking out his planet, one on which he seemed very comfortable, very much at home. I can see him now mixing drinks in the corner bar, the disco music playing loud. I'm glad I visited, but I never did find a home there like Andy did. I admired and envied him for it.)

Nevertheless, from my world to his, I always felt an intense fondness. We shared a lot of laughter, especially at sophomoric jokes, some of these lasting into junior and senior years. I recall the word "scandalized" being used often. Though I think the fond feeling was mutual, we didn't hang out much after college, even though we lived in the same cities for most of the last 26 years. The only time I was at his home here in SF was for the backyard picnic Nancy Eng mentions in her entry. It was a lovely afternoon we spent together. I think we had him over here for dinner only one time after that. Otherwise, it was paths crossing on few occasions in the neighborhood with a quick hello and check in, a reminder and renewal for me of my connection with this brother from another planet, then being out of touch again for months or years. It was so delightful to be with him at the reunion, to see him so happy with Eddie, to be with him with others with whom we came of age. Andy added so much joy to our worlds with his wit, humor, generosity and kindness. And now it is so sad that his light has gone out. I am grieving with you.

Michele Falkow

December 9, 2005

I am so sad that Andy has passed away. I am the third college friend whom Nancy Eng mentioned in her entry below, who sublet an apartment in New York with Andy the summer after graduation. Although I had not been directly in touch with Andy for ages, I always remembered his wonderful spirit. It was great seeing him on those few occasions that I did run into him, including Nancy's wedding and our 25th college reunion. I also loved meeting Eddie at that reunion; he and Andy were such a perfect match. I extend my deepest sympathy to Eddie and to everyone who loved Andy.

Susan Simms

December 8, 2005

I am deeply saddened by this news. I had not seen Andy in years but I had kept in touch through his sisters. Andy was one of my best students at Pearl High in Nashville.

Nancy Eng

December 8, 2005

I was very saddened to hear about Andy's death. I first met Andy in college where we lived on the same floor and ate together in the dining hall almost every night. I was happy to see Andy having such a good time at our 25th college reunion which is the last time I saw him.

The summer after college we shared a sublet in NYC with another college friend. Occasionally, we would see Andy on his visits back to Boston. Several years ago my family and I went to visit him in his cute little house in San Francisco where he threw us a big party in his backyard and my kids were impressed with his hot tub.

Andy always remembered to give me a call on my birthday no matter where he was. Sometimes he would leave a zany message on my cell phone or answering machine. He had a wonderful sense of humor and I will miss him. It's hard to believe that he is really gone.

My family sends our condolences to Andy's sisters and friends and wish you well during this sad time.

Nancy

Scott Murray

December 7, 2005

I only talked to Andrew after the death of his younger brother and I found him to be quite a warm and charming induvidual. I am so sorry to hear of his passing this morning. SJM

Carol Cunningham

December 6, 2005

Though my encounter with Andy was brief, I will treasure that memory. My heart goes out to you all in your time of loss.

Marty Becker

December 6, 2005

Thank you Andy for your life...your life of purpose and passion. Thank you for touching all of our lives and making this a better place to be. Your legacy will live on in all of us and in all the lives you have changed forever. You were one of the "good ones" at Heller Ehrman and in the law profession in general. You lived your personal and professional life with conviction and purpose, but always being a kind, human being first and foremost. Thank you for touching my life. Marty - former colleague at HEWM/HELGA founding member and friend.

Sabrina Titelbaum

December 6, 2005

I was very saddened to hear of Andy's passing and wish to give my heartfelt sympathies to his loved ones. I worked with Andy years ago when, I too, was an employee of Heller, Ehrman and I remember him as always being a lot of fun and a pleasure to know. I will keep him in my prayers. Sabrina Titelbaum

Cristina Komarowski Gerber

December 6, 2005

I worked closely with Andy for years at Heller Ehrman, he as a corporate attorney, I as a corporate secretary for other attorneys and as a notary public. We worked on the same floor, and together with his secretary, Ann Harker Boyd, we had tremendous fun in our work place. I helped him out with notarizations. Andy helped me out with questions relating to my own testamentary documents. He was a tremendous and gregarious spirit who laughed and shared his joie-de-vivre with those around him, he was a great human being, personable and compassionate, and it was a great honor for me to have had the opportunity on several occasions to be invited to his home and to be included in his personal social life as well. I think of Andy as being one of the most "human" beings not only around at Heller Ehrman, but in general, someone who has made an impression on my consciousness and has left a mark - his warm smile remains ever so vividly in my memory and my heart.

Kevin Docherty

December 6, 2005

Andy,

I will always remember the times we had together for these past 28 years (Boston, Europe, Florida, New York, Tennessee, San Francisco, San Diego, etc..). I loved you and will miss you forever.

Always -- Kevin

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