Michael P. Andrews
Obituary's Biography:
Michael Phillip Andrews (Mike) of Grayslake Illinois was born August 20, 1955 in Chicago Illinois. He passed on September 20, 2020 after a brief illness at Highland Park Hospital, at the age of 65. He is survived by his wife Joan (Schur), his brother George (Kathie Till) Andrikokus, his sister Catherine Andrews, his sister Mary Andrews, several nieces, several cousins, and many friends and colleagues. He was preceded in death by his parents Agnes (Maher) and Gus Andrews.
Mike has “Gone West”. He was an accomplished pilot who first soloed in 1999 and earned his Private Pilot-Airplane certificate in 2000. He was the proud owner of a Piper Cherokee 235 airplane (N284M). He created and co-hosted the Pilotcast, the first successful pilot podcast, by and for pilots in 2005. Mike was a founder of Pilots of America, an online pilot community which led to friendships world-wide. He was a member of the EAA and AOPA pilot associations. He was the Campbell Airport (Grayslake) AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer.
Mike worked at AT&T for 25 years as a Senior Technical Architect and Systems Network IT Infrastructure Engineer. He used his IT expertise extensively in his aviation endeavors as the FAA moved an ever increasing amount of pilot information and control systems to the internet.
Prior to working for AT&T, he owned a security alarm business.
Mike worked for Steve Fossett (the record setting balloonist) in a data managing capacity for several of Steve’s businesses.
Mike was a great friend and mentor and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He had a love for hats of all sorts as well as a love of any techie gadget or computer. He also supported animal rescues, flying rescue dog missions to new homes – and had a special place in his heart for bulldog rescues. He was Daddy to American Bulldogs Dakota and Wilbur.
He was a member of computer clubs: UniForum of Chicago, Lake County Area Computer Enthusiasts (LCACE) and Office Hours- Zoom live stream media discussion group.
Memorial donations in Mike’s name can be made to the 2×2 Animal Rescue – Merrillville IN, Making a Difference Rescue- Channahon IL, Young Eagles, EAA or AOPA.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a celebration of Mike’s life had been delayed. A memorial visitation and celebration of life will be held Saturday August 14, 2021at 11:00 am at Campbell Airport (C81) in Grayslake. A visitation will be held from 10:00 am until commencement of the celebration. Urn internment will be private.
He will be truly missed and forever in our hearts.
Blue skies and tailwinds, Mike.
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My wife and I only knew Mike for a short time through Joan.
I was impressed with Mike’s openness, honesty and ability to talk to anyone.
I am sorry that I did not get enough time to share with Mike and Joan.
I appreciate the time at Mike and Joan’s wedding, the two (2) were a happy couple, surrounded by friends and family.
I will miss u toooooo pieces mike. You were such a great friend to me!!!!!! Our 6 years of friendship was the best!!!!!!! I will miss u and Love you always. Till we meet again my dear friend. RIP.
Mike was kind-hearted, loving, self-deprecating, creative, funny, opinionated, generous, and caring. When he wasn’t able to fly himself to a pilot get-together, he’d get in the car or RV with the dogs and, later, his wonderful Joan, and drive hundreds of miles to be with his friends. He was always there with advice, parts, or a helping hand. He was perpetually on the lookout for a good deal! He was taken way too soon, as he had only started enjoying his newfound love, Joan. Our hearts and arms go out to his loving friends and family.
My heart is broken with the passing of “Mikie” I met him 6 years ago. We shared many good times together. My go to guy for his continued help with my techie issues. He will be forever missed and never forgotten. So happy he met his soul mate and love of his life, Joan. Rest in peace, my friend.
I never met Mike, but I’ve known Joan for over twenty years. Mike made Joan happy. I can’t think of a nicer thing about any man than that he made his partner happy.
We were very saddened to hear the news that Mike had passed away. Although we did not have a chance to meet Mike, from the pictures you had sent, we could tell that you were both very much in love. Thank you for sharing the kind words on Mike’s life. Please take heart in knowing that he lived a rich and fulfilled time. Our sincerest condolences.
Rest In Peace sweet brother until we meet again.