Andrew 'Andy' Scott Hopper

Andrew Scott Hopper, known to most of us as Andy, passed away at the age of 55 on Saturday, November 28th with his wife, daughters, sons-in-law and grand-daughter, among others, by his side. He passed into eternity surrounded by those he loved, his hands held by his daughters and wife and kisses from his granddaughter. He took his last breath in comfort and peace knowing that his journey was complete. It is a difficult thing to try to quantify such a full life in just a series of sentences, but one thing he would want those that have survived him to know is, Don't be afraid of death; be afraid of an unlived life. You don't have to live forever, you just have to live. These words mark the life of Andy, because he lived with no regrets and he fought to have each day with his family until it was time to say, "See you soon!" Andy was a man of few words. Most often he allowed his wife, Tina, to make the decisions, not because he couldn't, but because he loved to watch her "fly". She was a flightless bird until she met her love and from that moment on he continued to give her wings to fly even at the time of his death. "Whatever you want Tina", "it's just money" or "no woman, no cry". Andy welcomed two sons-in-law into his family in 2004 and 2013 and was able to walk both of his daughters down the aisle. He gave each of them away and told Joe and Daniel, don't bring her back! He loved them both and felt at ease knowing they were going to take care of all of his girls. He laughed about their choice in Starbuck's drinks and color of shirts to their facial hair, which he later joined them on. They helped level the playing field, but the "boys" were still outnumbered. Andy's daughters meant the world to him. He taught them to work to live, not live to work, remember where you came from and always wear sunscreen. He gave them opportunities to travel the world, THE WORLD, and see places that some can only dream of. It didn't make sense in his mind to save things for later in life because he believed your days are numbered and you may not make it to that day. How prophetic. His prayer at family dinners and gatherings would always include thanking God for his prosperity and his health. Although his health declined in the most recent years, he became known as the Miracle Man because he defied the odds time and time again. From ECMO days, to his second transplant to his final fight in ICU. He was a fighter! He fought for his girls and especially his Jules. She calls him her sweet Papa. He was there the day she was born, heard her cry and cried simultaneously to hear her lungs expand. Their relationship was unique and she gave him the greatest reason to live. She was born into the "new normal" and even days and holidays spent in the hospital were like a party to her. She never shuttered at the tubes, pokes and doctors. In his final days, she kissed his hands and forehead and whispered I love you sweet Papa. He loved her fiercely and she him. Andy's transplant journey characterized the last 7 years of his life. Seven years…seems so short, but was so long at the same time. By choosing transplants, not once, but twice, both Andy and Tina knew it was a mere request, presented to a higher power, for more time. When asked why he thought he was still here, he said he still needed to save a school bus. That quote reigned true because he touched so many, many lives with his story, his fight and his love for life. The people he gave hope to could fill more than a school bus. Even through the darkest of days, the struggles to breath to the pain he endured, he said he would have never changed a thing…that it was better than the alternative. He is often quoted by his daughters saying, But by the grace of God go I… He passed with grace, honor and no suffering. He wasn't afraid to die. He knew where he was going and didn't say goodbye because he knew he would see us again. There are hard things in life we don't want to happen, but have to accept; things we don't want to know, but have to learn and people we can't live without, but have to let go. Andy was the beloved husband of 34 years to Tina (nee: Gomez). Loving father of Andreea (Joseph) Rushing and Kristeena (Daniel) Ramey. Cherished papa of Juliana Joyce-Ann. Dearest son of Joyce and the late Jerry Pat. Dearest brother of Timothy (Elizabeth), Georgia (Steven) Toigo and the late Mark and his wife Glenda. Son-in-law to Willie and Linda Gomez. Brother-in-law to Rebecca Hopkins (Wolf), Michael (the late Colleen) Gomez, Tony Gomez, Dr. Tracy Gomez and Angelah Gomez (John). Also survived by his nieces, nephews, other loving family and friends. Memorial contributions may be made via https://www.gofundme.com/thejourneyofandy that is set up to publish the book being written by Tina to share their transplant journey and to benefit other families who are going through the same journey.