Uncle Andy

My uncle, Andy Caire (above), died September 1st. He died in his sleep after a brief illness. Andy was the youngest of three boys, my dad's youngest brother. He was an artist, most accomplished with sculptures, I believe. He was a marksman, connoisseur of rifles and southwest history. Lived for many years in Lubbock, Texas. Most recently he moved to Williamsburg, Virginia, where he worked as a smith in the historical village. Andy was a big guy, deep voiced, wore a very long ponytail and a mustache with curved handlebars. He was a lover of dogs. In Williamsburg he often sat on his porch with his dog, Wally, as other residents passed walking their dogs and gave out dog treats to them. One of my earliest memories of visiting Uncle Andy was seeing his St. Bernard named Buck, and we were small enough to ride on Buck like a horse. As I mentioned, Andy was an unofficial historian of southwest U.S. history. He had an incredible personal library dedicated to the subject. He was a member of rifle team in college at Texas Tech, and I remember visiting his home in Lubbock and seeing his personal awards for marksmanship, such as a seven of hearts card with one heart in the corner shot out from something like 50 yards. In my apartment I have several small desktop sculptures that he has made throughout the years. Uncle Andy always remembered our birthdays, sending us a yearly check for $20, written with his distinctive small handwriting. And he always gave my mom such beautiful Christmas gifts to make her home more beautiful, even after the divorce.

I must say I feel a certain kinship with Uncle Andy, being the youngest of three boy, single, and kinda artsy at times. In fact, my dad will sometimes accidentally call me Andy while talking. I think I carry on his sarcastic and sardonic sense of humor, as well as perhaps an extended bachelorhood. Unfortunately there is much more to him than I will know. And his life ended fast and early, though relatively painless and easy given the circumstances. Please remember my grandparents, my dad, my Uncle Beau, and the rest of our family in your thoughts, as well as all of Andy's friends and coworkers in Williamsburg.