Link: Obituary - Andrew Gerrard

Andrew left his earthly body to be with our Lord in Heaven yesterday morning on Pentecost. He is fully healed and completely at peace in the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ. A true miracle. I am certain he was welcomed home by a host of angels and with open arms by all our loved ones who have gone before him. 

Andrew absolutely shined in his roles as son, brother,  and brother-in-law. Truly among the best and most loyal there ever was…  entirely selfless in the amount of patience, time, and love that he devoted to each member of our family throughout his entire life. He was goodness personified. 

The legacy he leaves as an uncle and godfather out-rivals even the greatest of them. He forever impacted the life of his niece who he spent the past three years loving and teaching. They were mutually the brightest spots in each other’s every day. 

Most importantly, the unwavering faith in God that he exhibited throughout his life was a consummate gift and example to us all. As he told me & John this past week, he offered up all his suffering for the salvation of souls. There is zero doubt that God has used every ounce of it. Thank you, Andrew, for your willingness.

He was incredibly intelligent. The first person that any one of us called with a problem to solve. He, without exception, was always eager and willing to help. He was a lover of trivia, traveling, movies, reading, and food - all of these things we enjoyed right alongside him. 

His humor and quick-wit, just two of many, many endearing attributes, will be greatly missed as he had the ability to lighten all situations and make us laugh on both the easiest and hardest of days. Also, his love of music will always stay with us as he was notorious for providing the perfect song for any occasion often evoking laughter at the spot-on lyric and timing. 

He taught us innumerable lessons about friendship, gentility, compassion, and what it truly means to be a peacemaker through his lifelong example. We are eternally better for having just known Andrew let alone having the honor to call him ours.

He never once questioned his illness or complained about the first symptom. Rather, as his doctor very recently said, he fought valiantly for over three years. A kind nurse told Andrew this past week that he was special, and his reply, “Yes. Yes, I am special, but I don’t consider this rare diagnosis to be part of that. I consider it to be because of my family and all the good that has happened to me in my life.” We could not be prouder.

He was and will forever be so exceptionally special… remarkable in every way.

It was the privilege & blessing of a lifetime for our family to journey with him. The bond that each of us share with him is unbreakable as I know he will continue praying for and helping us each day. (I am sure he will for you, too, if you ask for his intercession and prayer.) 

Jesus, we trust in You.

I had just started a praise and worship song when Andrew peacefully passed into paradise.

Yesterday evening, I was in the car with Lee, and had just started that same song as Lee said, “Look Shelly! A rainbow!” Hi, Andrew! We love you!