Birth date: Sep 5, 1918 Death date: Aug 17, 2008
Mr. Thomas H. Andrews, Sr. passed away Sunday, August 17, 2008. He was nineteen days shy of his 90th birthday. He passed away at Seminole Shores Living Center in the care of his family and friends. He was born September 5, 1918 to Read Obituary
I didn't come to know Uncle Tom until I married Tim. I must say that knowing him added great enrichment to my life. We saw Tom and Meme frequently when we lived in Troy, as they were just down the road in Detroit. Great times. We saw them less Frequently when we lived in Grand Rapids, but always with joy. I will miss Tom and all of the interesting things he had to share with us.##imported-begin##Janet T. Andrews##imported-end##
Sorry to hear about your loss.##imported-begin##Al Whitlow##imported-end##
Tom & Linda,
You have my deepest condolences. My mother just called and told me.
I wish I could be in Muskegon to be there for you myself but I am stuck in Kalamazoo. I only met Tom sr. a few times but in those brief moments I know how great of a man he was he will be greatly missed by so many. If I can be helpful in any way please do not hesitate to ask.
Best wishes love and empathy Joshua Lint.##imported-begin##Joshua Lint##imported-end##
Tom has always been my favorite uncle. Through six decades, I’ve looked forward to visits with him and the amazing stories he and Meme would tell of their full lives. In every phase of his life – as a Naval officer, teacher, Realtor, mayor, government agency employee, entrepreneur, traveler and more – he found unusual and amazing situations to learn, enjoy, overcome, and make a difference. We learned from his wise counsel and his enthusiasm for life. And never tired of hearing of the situations and people he could describe in such rich detail.
Just the other day, I saw in a copy of the starting letter that became part of his memoirs, “In the beginning there was Nell and Alf, and then on September 5, 1918...” Tom’s 90th birthday is imminent. Though he will not be here for that day, I and many others will remember him then and for the years to come. Instead of sending flowers, we’ve made a donation to the USS Silversides, which like him, went to war in the Pacific, and now rides at the seawall next to the site of the Naval Reserve Center he was part of from start to finish.##imported-begin##Timothy S. Andrews, Nephew##imported-end##
I have known Tom since 1982 when I moved to Kincheloe. I found Tom to be the most people loving person I have met. He dedicated a lot of his time to community service. He had a pride in his life, family and community. It was an honor to know him.##imported-begin## Joan Reed##imported-end##
My condolences to the entire family, I only have a few pictures of Tom and lots of stories - see photos for a look at the 1918 era Tom.
Kathryn Kurtz Smith, Anchorage Alaska
Granddaughter of Bob and Fran Andrews##imported-begin##Kathryn Kurtz Smith##imported-end##
I am very sorry to learn of Uncle Tom's passing. I have very fond memories of him from when my parents and I lived in Grand Rapids in the 1980s. Every time he and Aunt Meme came through town was a treat, usually with dinner at--I think it was the Hong Kong Inn?--and always filled with great stories and a lot of laughter.##imported-begin##Ashley Andrews##imported-end##
Sorry to learn of the passing of my favorite uncle, whose stories spun with enthusiasm and detail thrilled me as a child. He talked me into joining the Naval Reserve, though regrettably several years later than he advised me to do so. The inspiration of his experiences and accomplishments, a new one or two emerging each time we visited, led me to devote a total of 31 years of my own life to that service, with memories of my own experiences to savor. His years of service, though less in total, were of much greater significance not only to him, but also to those with whom he worked, followed and led. His was a life of example, of many and varied endeavors and accomplishments, too few of which are really well known or widely remembered. He could fairly and accurately be described as Muskegon County's Mr. Navy, as West Michigan's friend in HUD and the Small Business Administration Regional Office, where for a time he served as Assistant Director for the Upper Midwest Region. He was a wealth of information as well as interesting experiences, and enjoyed the art of making a connection through a prior acquaintance or common experience. He put his mark on many places and contributed more to many Michigan communities than most who live here will ever know or understand. A great loss to family and friends. My sincere condolences to all who share in the loss. A true patriot and unwavering supporter of the highest ideals of our democracy. Nephew - Bob Andrews. Ludington, MI##imported-begin##Robert D. Andrews Jr.##imported-end##
