Andy Stephenson lost his fight with cancer last night. He was a great fighter but, apparently, this was one he couldn’t win.
I only recently got to know Andy over the past year, but he instantly became a friend. As if I’d known him my whole life. I know there are thousands out there who feel the same about him.
He was a great supporter of this blog, of The BRAD SHOW (he helped us get our first show on the air, and appeared as a guest that night) and was one of the original advisors at Velvet Revolution.
His loss is a tremendous blow to the Election Reform movement, and to America.
He will be missed…but he will never forgotten.
Godspeed, Andy…
UPDATE 7/11/05:
Just before he passed, Seattle Weekly outlined Andy’s battle against cancer and the despicable folks that challenged the credulity of his illness even while he was under the knife and fighting for his life.
Seattle Weekly’s article on Andy’s passing. Including information about the memorial for Andy to be held at Town Hall in Seattle at 1119 Eighth Ave., on Saturday, July 16, at 2 p.m.
Some moving words of tribute to Andy by William Rivers Pitt.
Some well placed rage from William Rivers Pitt on the loathsome Freeper ghouls who helped push Andy into his grave.
Attorney Paul Lehto, who, with Andy, was part of our original “Divestiture for Democracy” campaign team at VelvetRevolution.us, eulogizes and rages as well.
The BRAD SHOW tribute to Andy [MP3] from last Saturday night’s show. (Last half-hour of the MP3 file)
This is soooo sad. Andy was a hero of the cause and inspired many of us to begin fighting for honest elections. His death only makes us all stronger.. one of my activists in Georgia wants to know…
Dear Phylis,
Thanks for letting us know about Andy. Last we heard he was on the road to recovery. We are so sorry. He was one of the good guys. If there is anything being done in his name please, let us know.
God Bless You Andy!
Andy was one of the most genuine people to ever grace this earth.
Sad day beyond words.
Phylis – I hope to put together a tribute to Andy on tomorrow night’s BRAD SHOW…
Beyond that, I’ll try to keep folks upped here for any official memorials etc.
Thanks for continuing the fight, Phylis.
Thank you for this beautiful, heartfelt tribute…
Andy represents all that is good in the world.
You are free, my dear friend. Guard and guide us as we move forward in search of truth and justice. Your spirit will live on and I will honor you by continuing to embrace truth, community and service. I’ll keep my promise, Andy. You have my word.
I love you, sweet angel. Peace.
Andy will forever bring strength to our fight for free, fair and open elections.
While we grieve for our friend, we also know that Andy will always be at our side as a warrior for truth.
Condolences and best wishes to Andy’s family and to his many friends.
Andy, we won’t ever give up the fight! Your spirit lives on in the hearts of all you inspired. Thank you!
We can never forget how Andy’s passion and bravery and wit and intelligence helped push our Election Reform and Voting Rights movement ahead in one of our nation’s darkest hours.
Now Andy has passed the torch on to us, and we must carry on and forge ahead more than ever. Not only for our Democracy, but for our friend Andy.
VOTER-VERIFIED PAPER BALLOTS. For Andy. Never Give Up.
Andy, you are Electoral Patriot of the highest order. I am now, and always shall be, your Friend.
With love — from MB in Pennsylvania
The Andy Stephenson Memorial Blogathon. How does that sound?
Andy, I just talked with you a few days ago, and you of course, offered to do something important for VelevetRevolution, and I said, "Get well first, and then we’ll talk about it. Just then, you said, "Brett let me call you right back ’cause my doctor is calling on the other line." But you didn’t call back, and I kept thinking that I should call you back. But I knew you would soon call since that is the way you are, always thinking of the other person. My friend, I will miss your calls, your heart and your boundless love for humanity. I promise you that we will carry on with your passion and vitality for the good of everyone. Thank you for touching us and thank you for being Andy Stephenson, a wonderful human being and a true inspiration for me and so many others. Brett from VR
I wish I had known more about him. I want to do whatever I can to help too. http://vvlobbydays.blogspot.com/
Thank you so much for all you do! You are all heros.
One aspect of Andy’s story that is so cool is that he was -superficially- just an ordirnary guy- until he noticed something was VERY wrong, and then threw himself-body and soul into helping to make it right.
There are those on the right who will miss Andy as well! Those who knew him before his activist days.
When the world was as bad as it could get, Andy was always upbeat and never down for the count!
I new Andy before his activist days, I am his older nephew one year, we grew up together, when he had his mind set on something it was set for life, just like his love for his family and friends. Andy I will always have u in my heart.. Your memory will live on with me, my little girl, and hers and on, I will try to continue the fight you fought just like when we were kids. I love ya, miss ya, Anthony.
I miss you Andy. You were my sweetest and best friend with the biggest heart the world has ever seen.You were also the bravest. I will never forget you and your memory will live on throughout time.
As well as your legacy the real fight for freedom.
I’m an attorney who was told about circumstances by Andy’s nephew. What needs to be done?