Everett (and the NW’s) Favorite Singing Cowboy, Gerry Andal Passes Away.

Northwest legend and all around good guy Gerry Andal has died after complications following heart surgery. He was 68 years old. My wife and I had just seen Gerry at his restaurant in Stanwood last Saturday night and he mentioned he was going to have heart surgery this week. He had a good attitude and came out of the surgery okay on Wednesday. I understand he was walking around his hospital room last night but complications set in and he passed away early this morning. Andal was born in Canada, went to the University of Washington and after graduation worked at Ford Motor Company before opening a Lincoln Mercury Dealership in Burien. Ever the showman, you may remember the live Cougar in Gerry’s TV commercials. Andal’s true passions were horses and country music, (followed closely by watching, talking and playing hockey). He opened the Longhorn Saloon in the U District, had his own TV Show on local cable and opened Gerry Andal’s Ranch Restaurant in Everett. He went on to open two other locations in Auburn and Olympia. Andal also had used car dealerships in Everett but in 2009 went back into the restaurant business, taking over Blazing Saddles in Stanwood. He leaves behind a wife, two sons and a daughter along with several grandkids. He also leaves behind an entire region who will miss his warmth and generosity. I’ll let you know when memorial services are scheduled.