| Graduation Year | Class of 1988 |
| Date of Birth | Apr 10, 1970 |
| Date of Passing | Aug 22, 2020 |
| About | Clay, life-long resident of Montana, died unexpectedly on August 22, 2020 at Billings Clinic Hospital in Billings, MT. He was born on April 10, 1970. He is the adopted and beloved son of Patrick and Barbara Andrews. When the family first met Clay (5) and Michael (3), they loved them at first sight and within minutes of meeting each other they knew in their hearts that Clay and Michael were family. Another surprise was that Clay shared the same birthdate as his adopted Father. The family was now complete with two daughters and two sons. He is survived by his Mother Barbara Andrews (Aurora, CO); his two sisters Andi Andrews Raber (Dan) and Tammy Hernandez (Bruce); his brother Michael Andrews; his loving partner and best friend Nia ToGoThere, his two daughters Ashley and Brittany and his nine grandchildren; his uncle and aunt Bill and Darlene Keene; his cousins Julie Ussin (Jim), Doug Keene (Dory),Travis Engen, Holli (Dustin) Holama and his five nephews and one niece. He is also survived by many fellow Veterans, whom he is proud to call his brothers. He is predeceased by his father, Patrick F. Andrews and grandparents, Francis and Mary Smith, and Andy and Alice Andrews. Clay graduated from Sentinel High School, Missoula, MT in 1988. He then entered the United States Army right after graduation. He did his Basic Training in Fort McClellan, Aniston, Alabama. After Basic Training he was stationed in Fort Carson, CO for training as a Military Police Officer. He later completed his tour of duty in Germany during the Gulf War and was honorably discharged in 1991. He attended Fort Peck Community College in Poplar, MT and completed his training in Carpentry with honors. He became a skilled carpenter, a tech-whiz with computers and other media formats. He aspired to become a photographer and took a special interest in photographing all types of creatures, especially birds, animals, and even tried to get a picture of “aliens.” His favorite pastime was fishing with his Dad and Brother. His fish-tales were backed up quite often with plenty of pictures so, with this hard evidence, it was nearly impossible to accuse him of exaggerating just a tad. But we also knew that pictures could be altered, making a tiny sunfish look like a small whale! His family and friends will miss his easy smile, his big-hearted generosity, his wry sense of humor, his beautiful spirit, and his kindness and commitment to his family, friends, and his Veteran brothers. Clay and his Father will be buried at Mountview Cemetery with full military honors since both Father and Son proudly served their country through military service. Due to the restrictions of Covid19, the service is limited to family and fellow Veterans who are close friends with Clay. |
