Obituary of Andrew James Cumming

A celebration of life will be held November 12th at 11:00 AM for Andrew J. Cumming, Sr., who passed away in Saratoga on October 24, 2011. Andy was 95 years old and was born as the first of three children in San Bernardino, CA on May 9, 1916 to John and Margaret Cumming of Scotland. He grew up on his family's citrus ranch in Rialto, CA and later attended University of Redlands. Andy married his high school sweetheart and "one and only," Lourene Simmons on October 16, 1938. He later served his country in the 2nd Air Division of the 8th Air Force, 453rd Bomber Group stationed at Old Buckenham, England during WW II. Andy was Crew Chief on the B-24 Liberator named "Arrowhead" (after Lake Arrowhead), which received the distinct honor of being the first plane to fly over 100 trouble-free missions! After the war, Andy joined Goodyear Tire Company and moved to Santa Barbara. He became a successful sales representative, leaving Goodyear in 1951 to move to San Jose and buy into a General Tire Dealership. Andy teamed up with Bill Henderson to form Cumming-Henderson General Tire which later moved to Santa Clara. It was a successful partnership that lasted many years and was passed down to his children in 1983. After Andy's retirement, he and Lourene became world travelers, crisscrossing the globe visiting such diverse countries as Yugoslavia, Egypt, New Zealand, and his beloved England and Scotland. Andy loved classic cars and owned an MGTF, Model T Ford, and his prized 1940 Cadillac that received many awards including "Best of Show". He enjoyed horse packing and fishing trips in the High Sierra with friends and family, and especially loved going to Kennedy Meadows! Andy and his family enjoyed summer and winter vacations at Lake Tahoe which Andy referred to as "lovely, lovely land of the El Teho". He and Lourene taught their children and friends to water ski behind their classic mahogany Chris Craft named "Just Right" and loved snow skiing at resorts all around the lake. As a young couple, Andy and Lourene loved camping in their homemade "teardrop" trailer in Tuolumne Meadows and later introduced his family to the splendors of Yosemite. Andy and his son Jim were very active in the Boy Scouts and Y-Indian Guides, where they were known as "Silver Arrow" and "Swift Arrow". Andy Cumming served his community and was a member of the Santa Clara Rotary Club, The St. Claire Club, Elks Club, La Rinconada Country Club, Saratoga Presbyterian Church and was a Director at Santa Clara Savings and Loan. Mr. Cumming is survived by his wife of 73 years, Lourene Cumming of Saratoga, his two daughters: Pamela Regan (Jerry) of Morgan Hill, Janet Pfeiffer (Craig) of Santa Barbara, and his son Andrew J. "Jim" Cumming Jr. (Wendy) of Soquel. Andy also leaves his six beloved grandchildren: Kyle, Melanie, and Kevin Regan, Kristen Pfeiffer, and Ben and Robin Cumming, along with his former daughter-in-law, Nell Cumming. He was laid to rest in a private ceremony with military honors at Madronia Cemetery in Saratoga. Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of his life at Saratoga Presbyterian Church on 20455 Herriman Ave. Saratoga, CA on November 12 at 11 AM. Please share condolences and memories by visiting www.pacificgardenschapel.com . Any kind acts of charity may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.