Andrew E. 'Andy' Allard, 51

Andrew E. "Andy" Allard, 51, passed away suddenly at the family home in Sagle, Idaho, on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2006, and went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Andy was born in Castro Valley, Calif., on March 16, 1955, to Gene and Cecelia Allard. The family moved to Dufort Road in May 1966.

Andy attended Southside Elementary School and the Ninth Grade Center in Sandpoint before he graduated from Sandpoint High School in 1973.

Andy invited Christ into his heart on Oct. 18, 1980, and realized that a relationship with Christ would be the only hope for this life and eternity.

Andy married Gail Cates on Nov. 28, 1981. They have been blessed with four children, a daughter-in-law and two granddaughters.

Andy worked in the asphalt and paving business for the last 31 years, including Dockins Redi-Mix, Peak Paving and, for the last 19 years, Interstate Concrete and Asphalt.

Andy's passion for stock car racing was well known by family and friends. Andy began racing on the dirt track at the Colburn Raceway at age 14 and, at age 16, he finished third place in championship points.

He later went on to win the Super Stock Championship in 1990 at Stateline, Idaho.

Andy was happy whether it was watching a Saturday race at home with his children, or working trackside with younger brother Brad on his car for the last 16 years.

Andy, along with longtime friend Greg Mangum, resumed racing this year, winning his first main event just two short weeks ago.

Andy was a skilled mechanic, often volunteering countless hours fixing the unfixable, and repairing the unrepairable cars and trucks of his family and friends.

He loved anything to do with sports. Andy was very active in coaching his children's sports teams, including youth flag football, soccer, baseball and basketball.

He is survived by his wife, Gail of Sagle; along with four children, A.J. Allard and his wife, Dana, of Post Falls, Idaho, Britani Allard of Sagle, Micah and Brodey Allard of Sagle; granddaughter Kaylen Allard and one of the way, Amber Allard.

Andy is also survived by his mother, Cecelia Allard of Sagle; his brother, Brad Allard and his wife, Nita of Sagle; sisters, Cathy Roberts of Sagle, and Dawn and Dale Roberts of Sandpoint. He had numerous nieces, nephews and scores of loving friends.

Andy is preceded in death by his father, Eugene "Gene" Allard.

A memorial service will be held at the family home at 362 Dufort Rd. in Sagle at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, 2006. Services will be followed by interment at the Pinecrest Memorial Park Cemetery in Sandpoint at 1 p.m. Saturday. Family, friends and the public are invited and encouraged to attend.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service of Sandpoint.