Stephen Paul Andrew, 32, son of Archpriest Thomas Andrew, Chancellor of the Diocese of Alaska, and Matushka Taisia Andrew of Kenai, AK, perished in a midair plane collision near Russian Mission, AK on Wednesday, August 31, 2016.
According to a story that appeared in the September 1 edition of the Alaska Dispatch News, the pilot and another passenger on the aircraft in which Stephen was traveling also perished in the crash, as did the pilot and passenger of the other plane.
Steven was born in Bethel, AK on April 6, 1984. He had lived in Fairbanks, Nunapitchuk, Emmonak, Marshall, Pilot Station, Kodiak, Anchorage and Bethel before moving to Kenai. Since 2007 he had been employed by Ravn Alaska Airlines.
“We are grateful to Bishop David, Dorothy Gray, the parishioners of the Holy Assumption Church in Kenai, all the relatives and friends, the Ravn Air family, our Lower Yukon relatives and friends, Blaine Elder and everyone else who has been supporting us in our time of need,” the family wrote. “May his memory be eternal.”
In addition to his parents, Steven is survived by two brothers, Nathan P. and James D. Andrew, and one sister, Rebecca D. Andrew, all of Kenai.
The Divine Liturgy and Panikhida were celebrated at Kenai’s Holy Assumption of the Virgin Mary Church on Monday, September 5, while the Funeral service and interment took place in Marshall, AK the following morning. His Grace, Bishop David and other members of the clergy officiated.
Donations in Stephen’s memory may be sent to the Diocese of Alaska, Steven Andrew Fund, 1106 Mission Ave., Kenai, AK 99611.
May Stephen’s memory be eternal!