Ronald J. Andrews

Ronald J. Andrews, 84, longtime resident of Trenton, passed away Monday, August 6, 2018, at Southshore Beaumont Hospital in Trenton. He had been waging a battle with pancreatic cancer since early February. Born in Bay City, MI to Stephen and Anna Andrzejewski, he was a graduate of Bay City Central High School and played varsity football for the legendary Elmer Engle. Mr. Andrews, known best as simply "Coach" entered the United States Navy in 1952 and served during the Korean War. He enrolled at the University of Michigan and earned a bachelor of science degree in physical education in 1958. A lifelong supporter of the Maize and Blue, he was a football season ticket holder for more than 45 years and assisted with obtaining athletic scholarships for many of his students. After graduation Mr. Andrews began his teaching career at Mayville High School and in addition classroom duties, he coached four sports - all for the sum of $3,800 per year. One of his star athletes was Tom Wargo who went on to play on both the PGA and Senior tours. Following his marriage to Patricia Jones Andrews in November of 1960, he moved to Trenton in the fall of 1961 and began teaching physical education and outdoor education at Trenton High School. He retired in 1994. In 1961-62, he was employed by Grosse Ile Golf and Country Club as an assistant golf professional and caddy master and he later returned to the club to hold the post of pool director and swim coach, amassing an amazing record of wins in the Michigan Inter-Club Swim Association. At Trenton he coached as varsity football defense coordinator, varsity track, junior varsity basketball, boys and girls varsity swim teams, and varsity golf. His boys swim team won a Class A title in 1967 and his golf teams won numerous regional, league and state titles. Mr. Andrews is a member of the Trenton Sports Hall of Fame, the Michigan High School Coaches Hall of Fame and the Michigan Golf Coaches Hall of Fame. In retirement he was employed by Northwest Airlines and Delta Airlines and after 14 years retired again, and becoming a member of the Ambassadors at Metro Airport, a passenger service manned by volunteers. He also worked for the Detroit Tigers, giving tours of Comerica Park and working special events for the past four years. Mr. Andrews was a longtime member of the Trenton American Legion, serving for many years as its treasurer. Mr. Andrews is survived by his wife of nearly 58 years, daughters Sandra of Brownstown and Jennifer of New York City; and son, Christopher, who resides in Plymouth with his wife Tracey. There are three granddaughters, Alexandra, Alison and Alyssa. Mr. Andrews, through his airport employment, was able to travel the world and he found U of M fans everywhere including when he played the famous St. Andrews Old Course. Memorial contributions may be made to University of Michigan School of Education 610 E. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, (734) 764-9470.