Obituary of Andrew John Farkas

Andrew John Farkas Andrew John Farkas unexpectedly died in his sleep this past week at his home in Boulder Creek. he was 72 years old. Known for his gentle smile, service to others, and tenacity. Hardships and experiences he overcame explain his sense of gratitude, compassion for others, and work ethic. He was born-- May 20, 1941--during the great depression to John Joseph and Mary Agnes Wilhelm Farkas in Longview Washington. His family homestead initially lacked electricity and indoor plumbing but his family tirelessly sustained their farm. When Andrew was ten, his mother died from breast cancer. His father was unable to maintain their household without their mother's help so Andrew and his younger sisters, RoseAnn and Theresa were taken in by various family and friends and performed chores to support their foster families. Many summers, they harvested strawberries and other crops to purchase clothes. In high school Andrew became a liberated minor. He worked as a mason's apprentice and his electrical skills earned a state fair science award. Upon graduation, he served in the Army and excelled in electronics and was an expert marksman. His engineering skills helped him gain aircraft and software positions at Boeing, TRW, and Fairchild, among others. He met and married his first wife, Teresa Viramontes while at IBM. When their children, John, Catherine, and Misty were young Teresa was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and given six months to live. However, she survived ten more years, mostly bedbound as he cared for her, worked, and parented. He met his latest wife, Colette Marie McLaughlin, more than a decade later. Prior to his second marriage, both lost their jobs, Andrew retired and spent his remaining years volunteering; he has rescued flood/earthquake victims, supported clean-ups, and provided food services for the hungry. Sisters RoseAnn Sands and Theresa Whitney (Dave Whiteney-husband), his wife, their combined six children and 14 grandchildren survive him. Viewing/Rosary: Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga St. Santa Cruz, CA at 4:00 p.m./7 p.m. Th. November 7 2013. Resurrection Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael's Catholic Church (13005 Pine St. Boulder Creek) 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 8. A burial service at Teresa Viramontes Farkas' grave site at Calvary Cemetery in San Jose at 1:30 p.m. If desired donate in Andrew's name to Valley Church United (9400 Highway 9, Ben Lomond, CA 95005)