Andy Sommer passed away January 10th in Scottsdale Arizona with his beloved wife, Deborah, at his side.
What Happened:
Andy had just completed a set in tennis (his favorite sport/retirement obsession) and after returning a ground stroke to his partner fell backwards on to the tennis court due to cardiac arrest. His head hit the ground and he never regained consciousness. The impact caused a subdural hemorrhage. A nurse playing on the next court provided compressions and CPR, but Andy was not breathing nor conscious. Paramedics were called and arrived on the scene with a defibrillator. They were able to restore his heartbeat, but he never regained consciousness. He was immediately transferred to Honor Hospital but the neurologist was unable to save him. Deborah was with him holding his hand as he passed away. Our dear friends, Mark and LInda Borquist, were here visiting in Arizona and were able to be with Deborah when Andy left us. Such a comfort.
Andy is survived by his wife, Deborah, his two sons, Lucas and Andrew, and his grandson, Cameron (with another grandson on the way in May). Andy has two sisters, MJ and Margaret Mary, and his brother, Joe. His nieces and nephews will miss their "Uncle Andy". Family and friends are providing much welcome support.
This site was set up to provide a medium for each of you who knew and loved Andy - or was touched by his presence - to have a place to share your stories and thoughts. Please use the " Well Wishes" link to share your stories of Andy. There are also pictures posted under "Gallery" that will hopefully bring some smiles amidst our tears. He always told Deborah he didn't want a "small" life - clearly he lived a life that was full of adventure, laughter and love.
Celebration of Life:
Details about Andy's Celebration of Life will be posted here and shared on CaringBridge, social media and email. We encourage everyone who knew Andy to try and attend that event, but we understand that it might not be possible for some, especially his friends in Arizona. We will be providing alternative ways to celebrate his life and will be orchestrating several avenues to share your support and memories for those who can't be there in person.
There is a Celebration of Life scheduled for March 16th at 1:00 p.m. at Wilsonville High School in Wilsonville Oregon - a special place where his impact was felt throughout the entire community during the nine years he was honored to serve as the high school principal. The high school he loved will provide a perfect place for us to participate in an upbeat tribute to this special man. Andy would want us to be happy, to celebrate, laugh and share stories - not grieve and mourn. We hope this event will be filled with your stories, laughter - and maybe a 7th inning stretch.
As another project to celebrate Andy's life, we will be sponsoring a Habitat for Humanity building project because building homes was one of Andy's favorite activities. Anyone who has been to "The Logs" in Oregon can attest to his love of homebuilding. To commemorate his achievements and giving spirit, we will be helping to build a Habitat home built in his honor. A home built for someone in need is the perfect embodiment of his lifelong effort to help others and make the world a better place.
For now, please hold off on donations, flowers or other contributions until we have further information.
