Gary Andreas

Gary Joseph Andreas, 52, passed away suddenly on Sunday, August 2, 2015, in Richland, WA, surrounded by his family. Gary was born on June 13, 1963 in Yakima, WA to John and Edna Andreas. He grew up on an orchard in Wapato with 3 brothers and 3 sisters. He graduated from Wapato High School in 1982. Gary spent many years working for Heli-Flight Ag Service. Some of his greatest memories were made while working for Heli-Flight; he gained many lifelong friends and had the pleasure of working alongside one of his best friends, Bill Fork. Gary spent the last seven years working for Noel Canning. He would arrive at least an hour early every day to spend time chatting with his coworkers. He loved getting to know people. Gary was a man that epitomized the expression: "live life to the fullest." He enjoyed boating, fishing, shooting, flying; but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was the life of every party, with an infectious smile and great sense of humor. His friendship was truly authentic, always fully engaged with people he was with in the moment. Gary was selfless. In a moment’s notice he would drop what he was doing to help a friend. Gary never liked to be alone. And he never will be. He will forever live on in the hearts of those who love him. Gary is survived by his oldest daughter, Amanda (Luke) Hangge of Kansas City, MO, and youngest daughter, Samantha (Robert) Fleischer of Yakima, WA; his parents, John and Edna Andreas of Yakima, WA; his sister, Lorena (Henry) Stover of Rathdrum, ID, his sister, Frances (Bill) Fork of Payson, AZ, his sister Jean Andreas of Beaverton, OR, his brother Robert (Martin) Andreas of Coral Gables, FL, and his brother Lee (Valorie) Andreas of Tuttle, OK; and his nephews and nieces, Lane, JT, Aaron, Cassie, and Tom. Gary is preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, John Jr. and Valarie Andreas; and grandparents, Emma and Julius Struchtemeyer and Anthony and Flora Andreas. A viewing will be held at Valley Hills Funeral Home in Yakima on Friday, August 7, 2015 at 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. A celebration of Gary’s life will be held at Harmon Center on Saturday, August 8, 2015 at 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers and donations, the family requests that guests bring potluck and memories of Gary to share to the celebration of life on Saturday. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gary Andreas, please visit our flower store.