Olon Eugene Andrews Jr.

On December 26, 2014 Gene Andrews tragically lost his life doing what he loved most; worshiping God in the great outdoors ice fishing on his favorite lake in Eastern Oregon. Gene was born on March 9, 1947 to Olon Eugene Andrews and Arlene Andrews in Wauseon, Ohio. He graduated from Wauseon High School in 1965, and Lewis and Clark College in 1969 with an English degree. He then completed two years of study at Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Gene married Maryanne on June 8, 1968 and just celebrated 47years of married life. He is survived by his wife Maryanne and his six siblings: Marietta and Ray Roy, Violet and Merle Gerig, Annie and JB Foote, Al and Charmaine Andrews, Kathy Andrews, Gordon and Maria Andrews; his children Brenda and John Knox, Lisa and Glenn Ness, and Kevin and Kelli Andrews; six grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Gene grew up in Wauseon, Ohio on a small farming community in NW Ohio. He was very active with his church youth group in high school and even then had a very strong love of nature and the out of doors. He hunted, fished, rafted rivers and whatever he could do to draw closer to God and nature. His work career began in high school learning his father’s trade in the family drywall business, Olon Andrews Inc. Gene and Maryanne, along with their young family, moved from Oregon to Ohio so Gene could work with his father and brothers in the family business. They remained there for two years until Gene’s passion for the Oregon outdoors brought them back to the northwest. He continued working in the drywall industry until God opened the door to becoming a sales representative with Thoro Industries. After 6 years, a new work opportunity arose with Wind Associates. It is in this role as a manufacture representative where Gene remained 20 years. Gene was truly dedicated to helping others every day. He took pride in making sure his customers were treated with kindness and respect. Gene will be sorely missed with his infectious smile, his can do attitude, and his looking at life with a “glass half full” (not half-empty) positive perspective. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at Cedar Mill Bible Church in Portland, Oregon. Remembrances in lieu of flowers to CMBC Royal Family Kids Camp in Gene Andrews’ name.