Monday, April 13, 2026

Monday, April 13, 2026

Today’s post was written by Kathy Birkland, a college friend of Andy’s.

It was August of 1983, I was 19 years old and had just transferred to Northern Illinois University to begin my sophomore year.  I didn’t know many people, and starting over felt overwhelming.  My boyfriend at the time was Andy’s roommate, so that’s how I first met Andy.  I still remember it so clearly— he greeted me with one of his giant “Andy hugs”, a huge smile and about a hundred questions because he genuinely wanted to know me.  He had this incredible way of making you feel like you belonged within minutes.  He always seemed to have an arm around someone’s shoulder and a grin on his face.  He introduced me to his girlfriend Kim (who would later become Nikki & Alex’s mom, 🥰) and she was just as warm and welcoming.  She included me at parties at her dorm where she introduced me to the rest of the college “gang”, Sue & Dave, Robyn & Jim, and TyAnne & Brad and many others.  That was the beginning of my college family — Andy’s circle that quickly became mine too.  As a transfer student, I had felt completely out of place.  But Andy and Kim took me in and made me feel like I was part of something.  And it wasn’t just something small. — it was something lasting.  Forty-three years later, we are still all friends.  FFL (Friends for Life ♥️)

One memory that always makes me smile is from a college tailgate.  Andy was always up for fun — and if there was beer involved, you could absolutely count him in.   My parents had driven up for the game and brought my little sister, Heather, who was about 9 years old at the time.  They also brought what felt like a mountain of food and drinks — so of course every hungry college student within sight became interested in our tailgate.  Heather happened to be selling Girl Scout candy for her troop, and Andy immediately volunteered to help.  The two of them set off together, walking from tailgate to tailgate, chatting people up and working his magic.  Before long, they had sold every box.  That was Andy — always ready for a good time, but just as ready to jump in and help, no matter how small the task.  He made a little girl feel important, made strangers smile and turned a simple afternoon into a memory I will never forget.  

The most amazing twist to this memory came about 18 years later.  By then, my little sister was grown, out of college, and working.  She became close friends with a coworker named Cindy.  Heather reached out to me about Cindy, who she thought was a truly wonderful person.  She asked if I knew anyone kind and special enough to date her –  and without hesitation, I suggested Andy.  —- and the rest is history.  I will let Cindy share their story.

It still amazes me that the little girl Andy once helped sell Girl Scout candy would grow up to play a part in introducing him to someone so important in his life.  His kindness created connections that lasted decades and touched more lives than he probably ever realized.  Andy had a gift for making people feel welcome, valued, and included.  Whether it was a nervous transfer student, a shy nine-year old, or anyone lucky enough to cross his path, he showed up with warmth, humor and a BIG heart.  

I will always be grateful that our paths crossed.  I know many of us are better for having known him.  He will be deeply missed.

Remembering him today with love and a smile.  🥰

Kathy Birkland