Andrew(Andy) L. Sangray, 71, died unexpectedly of natural causes, October 2, 2014, at Benefis Hospital, Great Falls, Montana.
Andy was born November 20, 1942, to Tom and Rose Sangray, in Choteau, Montana. Andy attended grade school in Gilman and graduated from Augusta High School.
Andy enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was very proud to serve his country and he served a tour in Viet Nam. Andy began his career in law enforcement as a deputy and joined the Montana Highway Patrol, retiring after 22 years of service. After retirement he served as a security guard for the Federal Court in Helena. Andy was a member of the Air National Guard in Great Falls.
Andy married Jeanne Anderson, September 10, 1983, in Helena, Montana, where they have made their home since.
Because of Andy’s love for helping people, he ran in numerous races for charitable organizations, including competing in the Governor’s Cup. He didn’t stop running, and reached another goal by running a marathon in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, including the Boston Marathon twice. He joined the 50+ Marathon Club.
Andy loved the outdoors, spending time hunting elk and turkeys, fishing, and golfing. These times were made very special to him because of the time spent with family and friends. The stories were endless!
Andy was a member of the American Legion, St Mary’s Catholic Church and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
Happy to have shared in his life are his wife, Jeanne, daughters Teri Sangray, Helena; Michelle Sangray,Idaho Falls, Idaho; Andrea Sangray, Grangeville, Idaho. His grandchildren, Ryan Boynton, Alexandria Sangray, Austin and Ashley Wolff, Brianna Hult, Wyatt Sangray, and great granddaughter Taylah Fortin; brothers Robert(Luretta) Sangray, Ronald(Diane) Sangray, sisters-in-law Necia and Norma, brothers-in-Law Howard(Joan)Anderson and James Anderson. Also many nieces and nephews, who were very special to Andy. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jack, Dick, Tommy, Mike, sisters Rosella and Burneal and stepson Theron Votendahl.
A Funeral Mass is scheduled for 12:10 p.m. Monday, October 6th, 2014 at Saint Mary Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Ave., with a viewing to start at 10:30 a.m. at the church. Burial with Military Honors will follow the Mass at Augusta Cemetery in Augusta, MT. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Andy.
Donations may be made to The Montana Hope Project or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Monday October 6, 2014
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Monday October 6, 2014
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
After the Mass
Monday October 6, 2014
Augusta Cemetery
Augusta, Montana 59410
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Monday October 6, 2014
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Monday October 6, 2014
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
After the Mass
Monday October 6, 2014
Augusta Cemetery
Augusta, Montana 59410
Jon & Kathleen Seeger says
Jeanne and family,
We are deeply sorry for your loss. He was a loving and giving person and you were blessed to be part of his life. When I thought about Andy as I read his obituary, he was just as I thought, an extraordinary person. I thank him for serving our country and his professional service in law enforcement. I can not help but think of the poem, THE DASH, for multiple reason in relationship to his life.
Take a moment to read THE DASH , by Linda Ellis. Andy’s dash should be awesome!
God Bless You, Hugs and prayers, Kathleen & Jon from Turtle Lake, ND
Shirley Carrigan says
Sangray Family.
My heart is very sad today because we lost a wonderful friend and “running buddy.” Andy was a member of our team for the Wolf Creek Canyon Relay Run that we have done every year since the 1990’s . The Relay Run is tomorrow and we all will be thinking of our good friend and have a smile on our face because we know he is running the race with us. We will miss him so much ! I am so sorry for your loss of such a good man. Shirley Carrigan
Lynn and Anita Buchanan says
JEANNE
WE WILL MISS ANDY’S SMILING FACE ON WEDNESDAY MORNING BREAKFAST FOR THE LAST 20 Yrs. Will not be the same without you two present.
GOD BLESS REST IN PEACE.. LYNN &Anita
Mary(Sundby)Williams says
Dear Jeanne and family, So sorry to read that you lost your husband. He sounds like he was a great person and family man. Know that we are thinking of you at this time. Hope we can meet again sometime.
Monte & Mary Ellen Schnur says
Over 30 years ago, we spent a lot of time with Andy, while he worked in Townsend. What a good friend, and such fun! He even took a week of vacation to guide in our camp, while the sheriff cooked! We have enjoyed seeing him again and chatting with him at the legislature in recent years. His life was obviously a blessing to many, many people. We are grateful to be among them.
Tom Swortzel says
Rest in peace my friend.
Danny Buchanan says
Rest in piece. Was good to know Andy, my dads good friend and fellow patrolman. Sorry for your loss Jeanne and family.
Sue Taylor Williams says
Sorry this is so late, but I graduated with Andy at Augusta Highschool in 1960. I hadn’t seen Andy much since then, but did have a nice visit with him at a class reunion not too long ago. I just want to say what a NICE person he was, always so gentle and kind. I know you will miss him but keep alive the memories you have and they will give you a lot of comfort. God desires to comfort those who mourn so seek Him. An old schoolmate, Sue
Jean Thorn (f/k/a Janet Kennedy Sangray) says
My condolences on the loss of Andy. Although we were not acquainted, Andy was my first cousin on my biological father’s (Andrew L. Sangray) side. I’ve recently become acquainted with members of my Little Shell family, and have made a few connections with cousins, etc. Loving thoughts to his family and peace be with you.
Gwen Day says
I’ll truly miss my Great Uncle Andy, He was the nicest sweetest person ever, He had a great sense of humor, He would come to Hamilton to visit , it was always so wonderful to see him, he made me laugh so hard, he always had time to go X-County Running with me. I’ll be missing my Great Uncle Andy more then words can say, with lots of love now & always, til I see ya in heaven to give you a big hug, I’ll be missing you everyday.