January 6, 1965 to January 25, 2020
Andrew Emery
Andrew “Andy” Emery was born January 6, 1965 in San Diego, California. He spent a few years in San Diego, Florida and Japan as a child while his dad served in the US Navy as a Master Chief. He moved to Edmonds when he was ten and was raised by his hard working mom Sadako with his brothers. Andy was proud to be an Edmonds local. He was a devoted son to both his parents Sadako and Thomas Emery. He ls preceded in death by his brother Charles Emery (2017), mother Sadako Emery (2020), and step-mother Yoko Emery. Andy leaves behind his wife Kari, daughter Reiden (16) and son Ronin (13). He also leaves behind his father Thomas Emery, brothers Tom Emery and J Emery, in-law’s Karen and Marvin Weiss, sister in law Kirsten Weiss, brother in law Barry Weiss, nieces Melissa, Tillie, Belle, and nephews Noah, Max and Etan. Andy suffered a heart attack on November 6, 2019, and passed away peacefully at home due to an anoxic brain injury early January 25, 2020, surrounded by his loving family.
Andrew “Andy” Emery was the nicest guy. He rarely had anything negative to say and his smile would light up the room. He was a loving and devoted husband and father. Andy was a passionate teacher and crazy about his Seattle sports teams (Mariners, Seahawks, Sonics, Sounders, Reign, Storm) and Washington State University. He loved coaching baseball and softball, talking about sports, and spending time with his family and friends. Andy enjoyed all things sports related, he loved to golf, snowboard, and man the barbecue.
Andy was always there for his family, whether it be coaching or attending each of the kids events. He drove to endless practices and was always there supporting from the stands or sidelines. He took the kids to the beach, park, all over town and to the pool; Andy spent a lot of quality time with his children. He was a proud father who loved to spend as much time as possible with his kids. He was a devoted husband who manned the household when his wife worked late frequently. He supported her as she opened her own business and took new chances. He was an excellent cook in all things, but excelled at Japanese, barbecue and breakfast. Andy loved all things Bruce Springsteen and never missed a Seattle concert. Andy loved his family. He learned to snowboard just so he could take the kids up to the slopes and be with the family. He loved trips to Hawaii, Whistler and California; He loved Kauai in particular, where he could snorkel, hang out at the beach and golf. He loved the pets in our household, even when Kari kept bringing more home. Starting with Tiny (a great Pyrenees), Princess (black lab) and most recently Kotaro (Bernese Mountain Dog) our cats Scratchy, Rosie and Mufasa, and even our rabbit Bunnykins.
Kari and Andy met while Andy worked for Puget Sound Energy as a meter reader. Less than a year later they were both off to Washington State University where Andy got his Bachelor of Science in General Science and Kari got her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.
Andy had a few different careers during his short lifetime. After attending Edmonds High School he worked as a CNA, he worked for a short time for Burlington Northern as a brakeman, and for Puget Sound Energy before attending college at WSU and then getting his Master’s In Teaching from Seattle University. Andy discovered his potential in school later in life and excelled. He was particularly excelled in neuroscience and settled in at Meadowdale Middle School where he loved teaching science to his many students.
Andy loved teaching, he loved helping the students, and enjoyed the challenges that the students brought in. He loved opening their eyes to new things, helping them navigate the difficulties of middle school, and encouraged them to reach their full potential. He loved the camaraderie of his fellow teachers and administrators who deeply care for each other and their students.
Andy’s loss continues to be a shock to his family as we had hoped for a recovery for so long. He rests in heaven with his mother, brother, step mother, and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Andy will forever be missed and remembered as an amazing husband, father, Sonics, brother, friend, and colleague.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, February 22, 2020 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Meadowdale Middle School in the Commons. We invite all who loved Andy do pay their respects at this time.