MY EVERETT NEWS

Gerry and his Cougar "Merlin" are remembered in a wonderful article in today's Seattle Times.

There is a great article about the life of Gerry Andal written by Erik Lacitis in this morning’s Seattle Times. To see it just click on the picture of Gerry and Merlin. Just a reminder that the public Memorial Service for Gerry Andal will be this afternoon at Comcast Arena Everett. The service starts at 2pm and will be in the Edward D. Hansen Conference Center. That entrance is on the Hewitt Avenue side at Lombard, right next to the 3C water feature.

Driving Directions
From the North
1.Take I-5 South to Exit #194 – US-2/Everett Avenue
2.Take the Everett Avenue ramp towards the City Center
3.Turn right onto Everett Avenue
4.Turn left onto Broadway Avenue
5.Turn right onto Hewitt Avenue
6.Entrance is at Hewitt and Lombard Avenue
From the South
1.Take I-5 North to Exit #192 – Broadway (exit is now on the RIGHT side of the freeway)
2.The exit will take you onto Broadway Avenue heading North
3.Turn left onto Hewitt Avenue
4.Entrance is at Hewitt and Lombard Avenue
From the East
1.Merge onto US-2 West
2.Turn slight left to take the I-5 South ramp toward Seattle/Everett/Hewitt Avenue
3.Take the ramp toward Hewitt Avenue/City Center
4.Turn slight right onto California Street
5.Turn left onto Maple Street/WA-529
6.Turn right onto Hewitt Avenue/US-2
Parking
There are numerous parking spaces within walking distance of the Edward D. Hansen Conference Center at Comcast Arena at Everett. The Hewitt Avenue Parking lot, directly across from the Conference Center, may be utilized for private functions, subject to availability.

Gerry Andal's Memorial will be next Sunday, 2pm, at Comcast Arena Everett

I came across the obituary for Gerry Andal this morning in the Seattle Times.
There is another ‘Ghost Rider in the Sky’ now as Gerry Andal, and friend to so many, passed away on March 11, 2011, due to complications from heart surgery. Born April 18th, 1943, in Melfort, Saskatchewan, Gerry’s biggest passions as a youngster were sports and music. He excelled in both. He came to Seattle on a full scholarship to play football at the University of Washington, where he also earned a degree in finance. Afterward he moved on to the University of Michigan to earn his MBA. He then worked for Ford Motor Company in Detroit and then Denver, before return ing to the Northwest where, with the help of his father-in-law, Bill Gazecki, he opened Gerry Andal Lincoln-Mercury in Burien at age 29. It was the first of many businesses both in the car and restau rant industries that bore his name. Gerry was incredibly involved in the community and lived for the opportunity to serve others. Over the years, he coached dozens of youth football teams in the Seattle, Federal Way, and Arlington areas. He was one of the founding members of Big Brothers and / Sisters of Snohomish County, and Equifriends, a program that in troduces handicapped kids to horses and /horsemanship. In addition, Gerry served on the boards of the Everett Chamber of Commerce and the Washington Restaurant Association. A talented entertainer, Gerry opened for many big acts over the years including: Johnny Cash, Reba McIntyre, and many oth ers. Additionally, for over 20 years, he hosted a few different versions of his own country music TV show. He was also known to show up, just him and his guitar, to sing at senior citizens homes, and bring joy to others. The shows, parades, fundraising events that he gave his time freely to over the years are too numerous to count Gerry is survived by his wife Rhonda, sons, Greg and Kevin, daughter Ashley, mother of his sons, Sharon, sisters Margene, Valerie, and Shirley, brother Vern, all of their families, as well as also many beloved grandchildren. Gerry was a shining star that stopped burning earlier than any one expected. Those that met him will tell you his star burned in credibly bright, with a great pas sion for life, a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone. He, too, would tell you he lived an amazing life. Gone too soon, he packed a massive life into his 68 years. Rest in peace, Gerry. The world was a better place with you in it. We all share your stardust. The family would like to acknowl edge the staff at Providence Hos pital, who worked so valiantly trying to revive him and who were incredibly kind and compassionate in our time of huge loss. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Gerry’s favorite organizations: Everett Youth Hockey League, Stanwood Thera peutic Riding, Greater Everett Community Foundation, The Bob Drewel Human Services Scholarship Fund. A public memorial will be will be held on Sunday, March 27 at 2:00 p.m. at the Edward D. Hansen Conference Center at Comcast Arena in the Grand Ball Room, 2000 Hewitt Avenue, Everett, WA 98201.

Click the picture to visit the Gerry Andal Facebook Page

More details will be forthcoming but I have learned that the public Memorial for Gerry Andal has been set for Sunday March 27th at 2pm at Comcast Arena Everett.

Gerry Andal and Rocky were both huge favorites at The Evergreen State Fair

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.