Andrew Paul Black was born on January 14, 1978, in Rexburg, Idaho, to D. Kim and Janita Black. He was the sixth of eight children and had a fun, adventurous childhood. Andrew loved horseback riding, camping, fishing, and hunting with his dad and brothers. He cherished the time spent exploring the mountains. Growing up in a musical home, he developed a strong appreciation for music and played the trumpet throughout his teenage years.
As he got older, Andrew found a love for the outdoors-especially rock climbing, skiing, and hiking-which he enjoyed with many friends from college and high school. At age 13, he was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease that would affect him throughout his life. Despite this challenge, he faced everything with quiet strength and determination without complaining.
Andrew served faithfully as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Mission. He remained an active member throughout his life and took on various roles including Sunday School teacher, Elders Quorum member, Primary leader, and most recently as part of the Ontario Oregon Stake high council. Andrew had a deep faith in Jesus Christ that guided every part of his life. His faith brought him peace and purpose as he followed the Savior’s example of love and service. He often shared powerful but quiet testimonies about God’s influence in his life and found comfort in knowing that challenges could lead to growth while bringing him closer to Christ.
While attending college, Andrew met Becky Anderson who would become his wife. They became fast friends before dating for a year and eventually marrying in the Idaho Falls Temple. During their courtship period, Andrew learned that his kidney disease had worsened enough to need a transplant. After some time on dialysis, his sister Janine gave him the incredible gift of life by donating one of her kidneys. Because of her kindness, Andrew was able to marry Becky and start their journey together.
Andrew attended Ricks College then Idaho State University where he earned a degree in Biology. Just before finishing his studies their first child Kimball was born. The young family then relocated to Des Moines Iowa so that Andrew could attend Des Moines University to study podiatric medicine. While they were in Iowa they welcomed their daughter Hazel who quickly stole her father’s heart. Their time there was filled with happy memories along with lifelong friendships.
After completing medical school along with residency rotations Andrews finished a three-year residency program in Salt Lake City Utah while working at the Veterans Hospital during this busy time when their son Henry joined the family. Once training wrapped up Andrew took on a position at St. Alphonsus Health System moving his family back to New Plymouth Idaho where they hoped to settle down.
A few years later Andrews transplanted kidney began failing again forcing him back into dialysis treatments alongside surgery. His brother Randy stepped up offering another precious gift-a second kidney donation. Not long after Wilson their youngest son came along completing their family.
For fourteen years Andrew worked as a podiatrist serving Ontario Fruitland communities through St. Alphonsus Health System earning great respect from colleagues while being beloved by patients-not just for skill but also compassion showing genuine care towards others. He had an exceptional ability making people feel heard often sitting down chatting kindly visiting grieving widows or elderly individuals needing company during tough times.
Living by “I work hard so that I can play hard” motto , he enjoyed spending free moments rafting fishing rivers alongside brothers hiking new trails camping trips shared together creating lasting joyful adventures around nature showcasing passion passing it onto children alike making countless treasured memories filled laughter joyfulness during exploration outings.
Music held another important place within Andrews’ heart resonating deeply appreciating quality sounds saying simply “music is religion.”He maintained selective tastes enjoyed educating family members what counted as “good music.”Hazel especially connected becoming concert buddy sharing excitement enthusiasm together bonding over favorite bands artists exchanging ideas through lyrical discussions; his encyclopedic knowledge surrounding musicians songs genres became legendary amongst peers leading playful banter jokingly teasing each other when playing tunes operating surgeries bringing out upbeat atmosphere along sides humor connecting everyone involved!
Recently Andrews greatest joy came from spending precious moments alongside Becky enjoying weekly temple dates discovering new places enjoying adventures traveling like Hawaii becoming favorite destination taking memorable trip Italy alongside ‘kidney siblings’ making unforgettable experiences those remain close forever!
Sadly after suffering cranial hemorrhage complicated years battling health problems due ongoing kidney issues , Andrew returned home towards Heavenly Parents leaving behind devastated loved ones yet grateful thankful heartfelt enduring legacy showcased through unwavering example displayed courage kindness leading lives positively affecting everyone touched until final breath taken peacefully away! In honor spirit generosity chosen continue legacy by donating organs giving same precious gifts experienced blessed years bring forth light hope help others living well beyond earthly realm!
Andrew leaves behind loving wife Becky Anderson Black children Kimball Hazel Henry Wilson also survived mother Janita Black siblings Dalton (Peggy) Brent (Charlene) Janine (Nathan) Mo‘o Randall(Chandra) Karna(Jared) Kunz Thomas(Torri).
Preceded death father Darvil Kim Black brother Bryan Black.
Family finds comfort knowing someday will reunite promise resurrection eternal love Savior Jesus Christ.
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