George Fay Andrews, 95

George Fay Andrews, a long-time resident of Sandpoint, Idaho, died at the age of 95 on June 28, 2018.

George was born to Fay and June Andrews in Cisco, Utah, on June 27, 1923. He was the youngest son among eight siblings.

George joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 17, serving in the Pacific Theater on board the destroyer, USS Blue. It was torpedoed in Guadalcanal, with several killed including a shipmate who had been standing shoulder to shoulder with him. George and two other sailors heroically remained on board to guard the ship and retrieve valuable documents and equipment. He often pondered why he was spared and lived to the ripe old age of 95.

While stationed in the Philippines, he married “the most beautiful women he had ever seen,” love of his life, Leonora Rubio. In 1948, he returned to his hometown, Sandpoint, with his bride and daughter.

After serving six years in the Navy, George found employment in logging and construction, including the building of the Albeni Falls Dam, the Cabinet Gorge Dam, and The Dalles Dam. George retired from Northern Lights Inc., as a journeyman lineman after a tenure of 25 years.

During his leisure time he was an avid fisherman, enjoyed watching sports (especially wrestling), playing cards and he didn’t spending a little time at the casino, either.

George is survived by Leonora with whom he shared a 72-year marriage and three children, Joan (Bob) Thompson, John (Vicki) and George (Nancy). George was also the proud grandparent of nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, Nick and Matt Slosser, Chance, Elliott, Alex, Reece, Spencer, Graham and Forrest Andrews. His great-grandchildren are Nora Slosser, Kayli, Cameron and Austin Andrews.

The family will gather for a private service.

Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook, for George, at coffeltfuneral.com.

Final arrangements are under the direction of Coffelt Funeral Service.