Andrew Martin Cross

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Andrew Martin Cross of Grand Junction, Colorado. He went to be with the Lord surrounded by family and friends, about a month after suffering a severe brain trauma. While taken from us too soon, in his 36 years, Andrew lived more life than many get to experience. He was a man of great integrity with an adventurous, playful, and wise spirit.

As the son of a U.S. Marine, he moved frequently in his early years, developing a love for God, history, and the outdoors. Andrew was a graduate of Stafford High School, Virginia, and Virginia Polytechnic University. He received his Masters of Divinity from Regent University, Virginia, in 2015 and was ordained. He pastored the youth at Beach Fellowship Church in Virginia Beach for nearly 6 years.

Andrew then moved west and became a wilderness guide, helping others find purpose and connection in the outdoors. He served at Solid Rock Outdoor Ministries in Laramie, Wyoming and Legacy Treatment Center in Loa, Utah. Andrew found who he called his "puzzle piece" and "best good friend" Evelyn Rakowsky, marrying in 2021. The couple moved to Flagstaff, Arizona, where he guided for All-Star Grand Canyon Tours and Wildland Trekking in Yellowstone National Park. During their time in Flagstaff, they were blessed by the beautiful community that was rooted in their attendance of Bridge Church. In 2023, the couple moved to Grand Junction, Colorado where Andrew became a ski instructor at Telluride Ski Resort and a guide for Sand and Stars Touring in Moab, Utah. The couple attended Canyon View Vineyard Church but quickly grew a community in Grand Junction that spanned across various corners of the Grand Valley.

In late 2023, Andrew began his YouTube channel @Desert.Drifter, exploring the rugged beauty and history of the West. It quickly grew in popularity, with over 474,000 subscribers at the time of his passing. Through his YouTube channel, Andrew made an impact around the world with his genuine awe and respect for the natural world, and his deep faith, which he lived by daily.

Andrew’s memory is carried on by his wife Evelyn, parents Lyle and Linda Cross, sister Jenna and brother-in-law Mike Spooner.

Contributions in Andrew’s honor may be made to:


Solid Rock Outdoor Ministries https://srom.org/donate/honor-andrew-cross/

Platform to Table (https://www.platformtotable.com/)