I miss my dear friend Andy.  A recent trip through the parking lot of his store brought back a flood of good memories.  We had so many good chats and so many good laughs when I would stop by - even if I bought nothing.  I can hear his voice in my head, always calling out COach Bob.  I miss our talks.  Andy was a friend like few others, always willing to listen, always taking time to engage in real talk - or well-meant kidding.  I miss our friend.  And I again extend my deepest condolences to Jean and the rest of his loving family.  We were all lucky to be some small part of Andy's life.  Andy was incredibly fortunate to have your love and friendship.

Coach Andy brought my life to shine. I first met coach Andy back in November 2018 at my high school track where he would host Monday night track at Austin High School every week for $10 and I would go as much as I could. Ever since then I became a lot faster in running and eventually made it to the collegiate level. His passing comes as a shock to me as I was unable to attend his services since I was in college and out of town. I truly miss coach Andy, but I will never give up in running no matter how old I get. I will keep running for coach Andy.

To Jean, Lyn and Steve, I am so sorry that I was not able to attend Andy's memorial service.  I simply didn't realize that it was happening on Dec. 11.  I want you to know that Peter, Mike (our other cousin), and I all are so sad at Andy's passing.  Having gotten to know him better through Fort Bend Fit, he brought me such joy, and he obviously always had a fabulous laugh and wonderful smile.  No on had a bigger heart.

Know that you are all in our prayers.  Love and hugs, Bette Branch Lehmberg XXXOOO

Andy was a wonderful source of information and always stood ready to answer questions any runner had.  He was a terrific coach to many youth in the greater Sugar Land area.  Andy will be missed by many as he rode his bike behind his runners on Saturday morning along the trail of Oyster Creek Park and Lost Creek Park.

Andy was the best cheerleader for every runner! Andy came to my wedding where he got to see how goofy my husband (Tyler) can be. Any time I would go speak to Andy’s youth running camp on anxiety in sport, Andy loved sharing how I married someone to balance me out and keep things light. Andy loved to share a sweet memory from our wedding with the kiddos that I otherwise may have forgotten. Andy ALWAYS saw the best, most special pieces in every moment in addition to seeing the best in every person. His kindness was contagious and his impact he has had on so many is a reflection on just the kind of incredible person Andy was. 

Forever missed,
Cali

I ran with Andy in the late 80's and early 90's until kids and relocation got in the way!   I reconnected in the past couple of years visiting Andy at the store - one of my biggest accomplishments was being a FLS runner of the year - I could tell Andy loved coaching by the way he bragged on his 'kids' on FB.    I hope they all know how much he loved them as well.   
Andy is at peace now but I know his family and extended running family will miss him dearly.

As I write this, I hear Andy calling out to me as he always did, with a big smile on his face and a hearty COOO.........ach Bob!  Not Coach Bob, always COOO....ach Bob.  Each time he called out I knew that I was about to have another visit that would involve hearty laughter and a few good stories.  I will forever miss those visits.  
My life, like so many others, was enriched by Andy's friendship.  He reminded me to laugh, but more importantly; that a person's success is measured by his character, not his financial wealth.  For this, I can think of no one that set a better example of this creed than Andy.   For that I am thankful.
COOO....ach Bob

Andy was a family man.  We remember how he took care of Aunt Jean and how he loved and respected his mom and dad.  Andy was a good man,  a good person.  He was a friend and helper to many, a giver, not a taker.  He was smart and funny.  His wife, daughter, Steve and Lynn will especially miss him as will his friends and the entire Houston area running community.   We haven’t seen Andy much in the last couple of years but even so, we miss knowing that he is among us.  Rest In Peace, Andy.  
                                                                               Tom & Mary Anne

My best memories of Andy are the weekly workouts, Tuesday nights, held all year, at the nearby high school.  I am retired after working 41 years for Fluor, and it was a great way to make new friends at Andy's track workout.  I especially remember that my younger son Jeff, started working our when he was in his early teens - and on one particular evening, Jeff soon learned that eating before running intervals around the track is not the thing to do. . So on this particular nite, he was sprinting to the finish line after several intervals, and puked orange cantaloupe, away from his other runners - thereafter being dubbed the 'Cantaloupe Kid'.  Jeff thanks Andy for the opportunity to be part of Strake Jesuits track club, and I thank him for keeping me healthy at an older age.  We really enjoyed his Christmas parties at Andy's house. .   However, I personally am not getting older - very proud to be entering the 75-79 age group!  Thank you so much, Andy.   We all miss you.  My family sends our regrets for being out of town the weekend of your memorial service & not meeting friends/family of Andy.  I will continue to proudly wear my Finish Line Sports Shirt - at the Houston Marathon 5K this January. . and all other fun runs through the year!  Rest in Peace, Andy. . .

I remember Andy as a warm kind, and caring individual, who always greeted me with a smile whenever I came in contact with him at Finish Line Sports or other races/expos.  He was a role model and an asset to our Fort Bend community, who will be missed greatly. May his soul rest in peace . 

A few hours ago, I learned that my dear friend Andy has died.  My heart is broken and I can’t stop crying.  

I have known Andy since 1968 when we were both 11 years old.  The Stewart family lived next door for a year in Huntington, NY.  Lyn was friends with my younger sister.  Andy and I were in the same class in the 6th grade; he was my friend, and I had quite a crush on him.

Not long after he returned to Texas Andy wrote to me.  We remained pen-pals for a time, but eventually we lost touch.  

In the following years, I would constantly search the internet for Andy.  When I did find him via his dad, we became immediate friends again (and yes, we both admitted having crushes on one another in the 6th grade).

When Andy and his family came to NYC about 10 years ago, we met with both our families in Little Italy for a wonderful meal together.  It was a cold and snowy night, and I remembered how special the falling snow was to that Texan.  He was such a good man, just like I always knew he’d be.

I’ve been honored to be Andy’s friend way back then and now.  I am deeply sorry he suffered and I will miss him.  I really have loved him for so long and I know I will be forever heartbroken.  

Amen.


While I never met Andy, I knew that he had a love and passion for running.  For the last few years, I ran the Sugar Land 30k and possibly the only person from Illinois that ran it.  I absolutely loved everything about the race - the course, the volunteers and the dedication and effort he put into the race.  I pray for peace for his family and hope they find comfort in any little way possible.

Andy and I were new to the coaching profession when we coached at South Houston HS in the early 80’s. Andy loved coaching tackling technique and thought the world of Coach Oscar Cripps, who Andy played for at Stratford HS. 
I am so saddened to hear of his passing and extend heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. 🙏🏼😔

I distinctly remember working part time for Andy at the store.  When it came to working a fairly (for me) intricate cash register to ring up sales and especially discounted transactions; more than once, Andy gave me that “look” as if…..”are you going to be able to do this or not…?” I wanted to run and hide, or scream out loud. Now i just lol, hey, it wasn’t funny then🤪.

I've know Andy far more decades than I want to admit.  When I first got into race directing in the 80's, Andy provided much help.  He's always been a man who loved Houston's running community.  

His main ministry was his work in coaching young runners.  Even though he's passed, those young people and some older runners who have grown into adulthood will be his legacy.  

I was very happy to see Andy just a couple of months ago at a Skeeters game.  It had been a long time.  We had a lot to talk about during those 6 innings he was there until he had to leave to set up his running camp day.  

God, please comfort this family and all friends.  

2014 was the year I met Andy - August of 2014. I had not run in over 15 years but decided it was time to start again. Andy was always there with words of encouragement and a heart of gold. I asked him for help and he immediately drew together a running schedule within 2 days which included attending his Tuesday evening running/strength classes. It was because of his guidance that in the fall of 2017 I was able to fulfill a dream- running the Marine Corps Marathon with my daughter who was heading to Quantico in the spring of 2018 as a 1st Lt., USMC. Despite a severely inflamed knee, his support helped me finish the race. Thank you Andy for helping me have an experience of a lifetime with my daughter. 


My deepest condolences to Jean, Steve, Lyn, Caitlyn and everyone else who loved Andy.  Growing up swimming on the Sugar Creek swim team, Finish Line Sports was always where we went to buy our swim suits. Andy packed that store FULL of all of the local swim team suits, as well as running gear, shoes, and I loved picking out my cap and goggles from his selection. I felt like an official athlete and Andy was always so kind, friendly and genuinely curious about us. In high school, I worked at Finish Line Sports for a short time, helped with races, and came back from college to do the Try Andy's Tri with friends.  Andy was a constant encourager and genuine friend.  May the Stewart family be comforted by the many loving memories and incredibly positive impact he had on the community here. 

Before we knew Andy we as a fellow Tiger, he introduced my wife to the world of multi-sport with his Sugarland Duathlons and then the infamous “Try Andy’s Tri”!  She was off and swim/bike/running for the next 4 years until we started raising a family.  I was fortunate to have looked to him as a mentor as an aspiring multi-sport store owner.  He opened his business, vendors, and most importantly his knowledge to me.  It was a venture that didn’t come to fruition, but those days working with him and learning the ropes are still fond memories.  It was a disappointing conversation I had with him just over a year ago to learn that Finish Line Sports would be closing in early 2021, perhaps selfishly, as we didn’t talk often, but I made it a point to buy shoes and drive from Jersey Village when I knew he would be there and looked forward to catching up.  I write this wearing a pair of ASICS that I bought from him and only have it me pair left from our last meeting.  He has left such a positive impact on our entire family and will truly miss him, he was one of a kind!

Here are some of the memories I have of Andy:
- He was a rule-follower. In 1988 when I was 12, I ran Andy’s 30K. The youngest age group in the race was for 14-19 yr old’s. I would have placed in that division, but Andy refused to give me an award because I was too young.
- Andy loved the sport of running. For many years, his road races and triathlons drew some of the fastest athletes in the state because he offered large cash prizes. He not only awarded prizes for overall winners but also course records. There are not many races these days that are willing to spend the money to draw top talent. It was always inspiring to watch the elite athletes race at his events.
- Andy loved kids. He worked tirelessly to provide fun, educational camps and workouts for a multitude of kids. Also, he celebrated their successes. A large percentage of his social media posts were to brag about kids he coached.
- Andy was brave. As far as I remember, he was the first person to put on a race after the summer 2020 Covid lockdown. I imagine there was a tremendous amount of work that went in to getting permits, volunteers, and runners for the 2020 Turkey Trot, but his event gave people hope that races would eventually return.
- Andy loved Jesus. In his camps and Christmas parties, he often invited a local pastor to share the Gospel. That took courage and time, but he used his platform to share the good news of God’s love with others.
- Andy was generous. He worked to support para-athletes financially & logistically by including them in his races. I had the privilege to guide Brandon Adame in Andy’s 2020 5-mi Turkey Trot. Brandon’s fastest mile was the 3rd mile. After the race, we reviewed our mile splits, and Brandon’s dad, Dave, asked why the 3rd mile was the fastest. That’s an odd place to surge. I explained that Andy was standing at that section of the race and cheering his heart out for Brandon. Andy’s encouragement helped us run our fastest mile in the middle of the race!

Andy was an amazing mentor to me. He is one of the reason why I got into running and am now a coach. I grew up calling him "Uncle Andy". I have many memories of being in his running store, hanging out at his track practices while my mom worked out, but best of all, making hundreds on PB&J sandwiches for his triathlons. As I grew up and became a runner myself, I always love going to Andy's track practices. 
One of my favorite time with Andy is helping out at his kids camps. I had the pleasure of being one of his assistant coaches the first year he started his summer training program for kids. After moving to Austin, I would drive back every year to speak at his kids running camp. One thing I loved about Andy is that he knew everyone's running stats better than they remembered them themselves. At his kids campus, he pushed the kids to not only be better athletes, but also to love other things and explore other talents. He had me bring my art work to one of the practices to show the kids that they can diversity in life.

I will hold and cherish every memory I have with Andy. I wish we could have had more time with you.

The Stewarts are such a special family. I came to know Steve in 1988 and we both lived in NO in the 90’s. I came to know Aunt Jean, mom, dad, Andy and Lyn and share such wonderful  memories, running miles, queso and love. We are truly blessed to have known Andy and the amazing mark he left in the running community  and the advice and jokes he shared. He was truly a life running coach and touched so many lives. Sending lots of love and strength to Jean, Lyn, Caitlin and Steve. We are here for you. 
Kim , Frank, Molly and Marshall McConville
 

When Steve and Lyn were in high school and dating, Andy was a wonderful mix of doting older brother, major tease, and unfailing support. His love for his siblings was something to behold. And he was funny! And utterly, utterly devoted to not only Steve and Lyn, but his parents, Uncle Mike and Aunt Jean, and Grandmother Ocie. But aside from all of the family love, Andy was very, very kind. And funny!

God bless the Stewart family.

I feel so blessed to have known someone as warm, kind and friendly person as you. I’ll never forget how loving you and Steven, Lynn and your dad were to me and very helpful. I also had the pleasure of knowing your mom and worked with your aunt Jean. You will be missed .

Love Mrs Lucy

So many great memories together with the Stewarts.. Wine dinners at Sugar Creek when Andy yelled out answers to the questions trying to get us disqualified! Memories of Andy kissing and hugging Jean. Listening to Andy give Lyn or Steve a hard time. We will always remember how much Andy cared for his parents.
Memories of love forever in my heart

Joe Calzada and family with great sorrow wish to offer our deepest condolences to the Stewart family on the passing of their beloved Andy. We were devastated to hear of the passing of such a wonderful and generous person our friend Andy, everyone’s friend. May God comfort you during your times of sorrow but lighten your heart with the so many great memories he created for you and so many of us with his love, generosity and kind heart. 

Memories for me start with the day we met after a race in Memorial Park, yes they actually held race in Memorial Park 40 years ago.  He asked me to join his running club that day-then many great memories after that. Just a great 40 years knowing Andy.

OBITUARY

Thomas "Andy" Andrew Stewart

June 12, 1957 – November 9, 2021

The Settegast-Kopf Company @ Sugar Creek

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