Andrew Campbell Hebson

HEBSON On February 29, 2008 this world lost a father, brother, and a man of many talents. Andrew Campbell Hebson or Andy, as he was known by most, was a man who possessed a true pioneer spirit. His taste for adventure brought him many accomplishments in his lifetime. Master carpenter, champion Olympic weightlifter and bodybuilder, avid mountaineer, boat builder, sailor, and spear fisherman to name a few. As a young man, Andy spent a great deal of time as a commercial diver and spear fisherman. He built his personal sailboat “High Falls” from scratch and sailed it throughout the Caribbean in the 1980's. In 1996 he took the silver medal at the Sunshine State Games, Masters Division for Olympic weight lifting, only to return in 1997 and bring home the gold. He then placed third in the U.S. Masters Championship. In the world of bodybuilding, he received the title of Mr. Gainesville, first place NPC Central Division, and fourth in the World Bodybuilding classic. He has climbed many of the world's highest peaks, including Cho Oyu and Everest. Andy was diagnosed with ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease about four years ago. He fought the disease which he finally succumbed to on Friday, February 29th, 2008 to the end. Andrew was organizing an expedition to become the first man with ALS to attempt a climb on Chimborazo, a 20,000 foot volcano in Ecuador. He did not give up, even designing a wheel chair/sled hybrid that would allow him to be pulled up the mountain. He will always be remembered for his optimistic outlook on even the most daunting of obstacles and his sense of humor that got him through many a time of hardship. Andy will be truly missed by all, now joining his son, Christian, in the peace of the afterlife. He is lived on through his sons, Aaron and Andrew Hebson; grandchildren, Mia, Alena, and Sage Hebson; brother, Bill Hebson; sister, Annie Sandler; cousins, Art, Beth and Stroud Hellebusch; nieces, Leyla, Dylan and Jessica Sandler; and nephews, Max Sandler, Josh, and Wyatt Hebson, Altherton, Stuart, and Forrest Hellebusch. A Memorial Service will be held in Lexington, KY, a place of special sentiment to Andy. Feel free to contact Andrew Jr. for details at a.hebson@yahoo.com. Arrangements by COREY-KERLIN FUNERAL HOME, 940 Cesery Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32211. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com