Jeffrey Schaefer Andrews, 63, passed away on June 5, 2012 in Helena, succumbing to a heroic battle with acute leukemia.
Jeff was born in Helena to Altha Schaefer Andrews and William Baker Andrews, a prominent Helena banker. At Helena High he was a standout student leader and Varsity MVP cager for the Crimson Bengals. You could also find him at Bill Roberts, barefoot, hitting the links with his best friends.
Jeff graduated from UM Missoula with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics/Sociology, preparing him for a very successful career in the sport/beverage business. Attending college in Missoula in the 1960’s would influence anyone with a heart and Jeff had a big one.
He was a man of dignity with a calm, quiet, modest manner – a gentle giant. With Jeff what you saw was what you got. He liked golf, fine cars, music, travel, and intellectual stimulation. He could throw a golf club farther than you can, and had an infectious sense of humor.
How many among us can say that we provided the visitor, the traveler, the newcomer, the bored, the lonely, the convivial, and the thirsty warm places to go and something to do? There was always room at the inn, and everyone was welcome. Jeff was also extravagantly generous to others (you know who you are).
He was preceded in death by his parents, and nephew, William Jonathan Andrews. Jeff is survived by his son, Nick Andrews of Los Angeles; step-daughter, Ashly Holland of Livingston; brother, Jon Andrews and sister, Joan Andrews both of Helena; and his spiritual yang, Lisa Swanson of Helena.
Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, June 17th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. with a reception to immediately follow at Bowsers Lucky Dog Casino, 3140 Dredge Dr. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family condolences.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Barbara Evans says
Very shocked and saddened by the news of Jeff’s all-too-early demise. I always found him tremendously funny and his brand of sarcasm is right up my alley. What a loss. He had a unique take on things. Jeffy was always a sensitive soul and had a generous spirit–but don’t tell anybody (he wouldn’t want that out there!). He was one of my favorite characters from home and, I am sure, will be sorely missed. A note to the author of his obituary: I think Jeff would have approved! So sorry for your loss, Andrews family.
Carolyn K. Pelletier says
To Joan and Family, Very sorry to read about your brother’s passing. I am sure that you have many wonderful memories that will help you through this difficult time. Please know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of others. My very deepest sympathy.
Dawn and Scott Barnes says
Our sincere sympathy to you. Even though we are neighbors we had no idea Jeff was battling health problems. If we can help, please let us know.
John & Linda Cameron says
Our condolences to the family. We were saddened to hear of Jeff’s passing. We have many fond memories and good friends from Jeff’s old place on Last Chance Gulch. R.I.P. Jeffrey
Ken Dunham says
Jeff was one of those people you just liked to know. We spent many an hour on opposite sides of the plank discussing art, history, politics and whatever was happening in Helena and the world. Janelle and I offer our condolences to all his family and friends.
Linda D. (Tootell) Thomas says
Jeff has been on my mind for much of the recent past, from the unspeakable news of his leukemia to his untimely death. Those thoughts have included quite a little walk down memory lane (even to a Roger Whitaker concert he & I attended probably forty five years ago…hard to believe!!). Please accept my heartfelt condolence regarding your great loss. Jeff was a one-of-kind, bright, funny guy and someone whose company I enjoyed immensely. The world was a better place with him in it…’tis a sad thing, his passing. May innumerable great, fun memories and the love & support of family & friends help to sustain you during this time.
Peace & love to you all…
Your old friend,
Linda Tootell Thomas
Nancy Schroeder Morgan says
Joan and Jon, So sorry to read about Jeff. May your fond memories get you through these difficult days ahead.
PAT DAWSON says
Dear Jon, Joan and Nick — So sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing — It comes a shock to us. Many fond memories of Ffej Swerdna, and your Grandma’s ’50 Ford, for sure. Words don’t quite cut it right now. Hope to see you this summer. — Condolences and love from Pat, Liz, Julia & Madeline.
Sasha Joseph Neulinger says
Unfortunately I never got the chance to meet you, but I did have the pleasure of getting to know your son, Nick. You helped to create an amazing human being, and your light shines through him.
Thank you for Nick, and sharing all of your beauty with him.
Sasha Joseph Neulinger
Steve Mackey says
I knew Jeff in High School. I was fortunate to become a friend with him my junior year as manager of the Bengal basketball team; Jeff was a senior forward/center. I remember Jeff never said a bad word about anyone; we shared a wry and skeptical sense of humor. Many of my best memories of my time with the team involve Jeff. He always made me feel welcome and one of his friends. To this day I remember some of the humorous
Many years later after college and law school, I was in Helena and dropped in to his bar(Jeff’s Place?)in the lower level of a historic building on the downtown mall, hoping more that Jeff would be there than for a drink (although I did buy a few). He was there, and we struck up our common background immediately. Jeff is someone whom I will always remember fondly. His passing is a significant loss to me, and many others, I’m sure. Really, a big loss. If there were more people like Jeff in the world, it would be a much better place. Having known him enriched my life; learning of his loss saddens me.
Rest in Peace, Jeff.
Suzanne Hackett-Morgan says
I’m glad you found happiness in your later years, Jeff. Thanks for the adventures we shared. Rest in peace.
Suzanne LaSalle Jespersen says
Sorry to hear of your loss. Jeff and I went to Helena High together and I always remember him fondly.
Tom Doering says
Jon,Joan and Nick,
Please accept my deepest symathies and regrets that I won’t be able to attend the services.I will be in London and will toast the fond memories of Jeff with a Guiness or three from a pub of course.His humor and warmth got me through the most boring classes at the U and made every round of golf we played together enjoyable no matter how bad we played.A part of Helena’s lore has left us and he is greatly missed.
Tom Keegan says
Jeff was truly one of the good guys. I was devastated to hear of his death. My heartfelt condolences to his family. Unfortunately I will be out of the country on June 17th, but am sure he will receive a proper sendoff.
Tracy Mabry says
I am so sorry to hear about Jeff. I know he will be missed!
Tracy Mabry