Obituary of Andrew James Mekis

Andrew J. Mekis 1920-2011 Andrew (Andy) Mekis passed away peacefully, at the age of 91, with his wife Audrey at his side on August 20, 2011. Andrew was born in Watsonville on March 4, 1920, the oldest of three children born to Marko and Kate Mekis, both of whom had immigrated to Watsonville from Konavle, Croatia in the early 1900s. Andy was born at home on the corner of Ford and Rodriguez Streets, and grew up in the center of Watsonville's thriving Croatian colony. Croatian was his first language, as he spent his childhood cutting apricots, building apple boxes and helping his parents in the apple packing business. Andy learned English quickly at school, and taught his parents the language at home in the evenings. He maintained his fluency in both languages throughout his life. Andy was a 6'2" basketball star through Watsonville High School, graduated in 1938, and continued to play in city leagues for more than a decade. He was a member of the Santa Cruz team chosen to play against the touring Harlem Globetrotters. During high school, he was first exposed to the auto parts business while working for Levin's Auto Supply on Main Street, and after graduating, he was hired as a switchman for the Southern Pacific railroad. Andy met his beautiful wife Audrey (a nurse from Missouri who was working at Watsonville Hospital), while dancing at Deer Park Tavern. They were married at Valley Catholic Church in Watsonville in 1948. Andy's friend Henry Mello played the piano with his band at their reception. Andy and Audrey just celebrated their 63rd anniversary. Shortly after getting married, Andy decided to risk opening his own business, and in June 1949 Andy's Auto Supply opened at 819 Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz (now the location of Zachary's restaurant). As Andy's Auto Supply grew, so did the Mekis family, with Andy and Audrey raising their six children in Santa Cruz. Andy was well known for his outgoing personality, and his automotive assistance. For many young men in Santa Cruz in the 1950s and 60s, Andy's Auto was the first business to allow them to open a charge account, thus helping them to establish credit (and credibility) in those days before credit cards. One of the things Andy was also known for was bartering - he was always willing to exchange a car part for a box of artichokes or a roof repair. And if he didn't have the part you needed in stock, he could get it for you overnight (this was long before FEDEX). Andy's Auto continues as a thriving Mekis family business at 901 Pacific Avenue today. Throughout the years, Andy was a member of Elks, Forty Thieves, Native Sons, and Knights of Columbus. He also served as a member of the Santa Cruz Parking Commission. In 2010, Andy was voted "Old Timer of the Year" by the Santa Cruz Old Timers organization. One of the things Andy was most passionate about was seeing the world, and he and Audrey traveled extensively throughout their lives. Beginning in the 1960s and continuing through the '90s, they traveled independently throughout Europe, China, Japan, Africa, Mexico, the Middle East, and of course North America. In addition they made at least ten trips to visit his family in Croatia - once, in 1998 with his entire family in tow. Andy took enormous pride in his children, following every detail of all of their lives right up to the end. He loved achievement, particularly against-the-odds achievement. He also continued to be interested in what was happening in both Watsonville and Santa Cruz, following local news, especially business news, on a daily basis. He took pride in understanding local business and political issues, and knowing who the players were. Even if you didn't know Andy, he probably knew you. Andrew was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Nick Mekis, and his son-in-law, Morton Marcus. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Audrey Mekis; his sister Helen Ostoja of Hollister; his six children, Jim Mekis (Sara Cordell), Kathryn Miller (Marshall), Michael Mekis (Paula), Donna Mekis, Paul Mekis and Lisa Mekis; his nine grandchildren, Ann Mekis (Justin Beachler), Damian Miller (Yesenia Gutierrez), Marcella Moran (T.J.), Philip Mekis, Daniel Mekis, Katie Mekis, Nicholas Galli (Jennifer Yee), Dominique Mekis and Dalton Mekis; and his three great-grand children, Jacqueline, Josie and Cash Moran. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Cross Church, 126 High St. in Santa Cruz, Monday, August 29, 2011 at 11am. A reception will follow. A visitation has been scheduled for Sunday evening, August 28, 2011 at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga St. in Santa Cruz from 6pm to 8pm. In lieu of flowers, please write to the Regional Transportation Commission at 1523 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95060, sccrtc.org/ to support the immediate widening of Hwy 1. Andy believed strongly that a better connection between Watsonville and Santa Cruz would significantly benefit both the communities he so loved.