Share your remembrances and condolences.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Remembering Andy Williams
Share your remembrances and condolences.
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Share your remembrances and condolences.
Share your remembrances and condolences.
I worked with Andy for seven years as a member of the Austin College faculty, and also appeared on stage with him in the cast of "Buried Child." I can honestly say that working with Andy was consistently one of the high points of my time at AC. Andy was one of the warmest and most down-to-Earth people I've ever known, and his talent and devotion touched the entire community for decades. The suddenness and shock of this are overwhelming. I send my most sincere condolences to his family and the many, many people whose lives Andy touched. To say he will be missed is a vast understatement. I will miss Andy, but am grateful to have so many wonderful memories of him.
ReplyDeleteAndy was one of the most honest, down to earth, kind individuals I have ever met. I remember so many great hours spent in his office, talking life, religion, theater, rock and roll, and just enjoying being in the presence of an incredible person. We will miss you, Andy.
ReplyDeleteI was lucky enough to work with Andy during my years at AC. He taught me the most important thing I learned in college: live life to the fullest and love. I am a better person for knowing him as a mentor and friend.
ReplyDeleteI was lucky enough to work with Andy through my AC years, appearing on stage with him in Tooth of Crime (which is where I met my future husband). Andy scared me at first but as I got to know him I discovered a real softie. He was a wise man who lived life to the fullest. I'm unspeakably sad to lose my friend but also the loss of his influence on my daughter who is a current theater student at AC.
ReplyDeleteMy condolences to Kathy and his family as well as the Austin college family. What an unexpected tragedy for that community!
Andy- we know you'll keep the party going upstairs. You will be so greatly missed. Thank you for being such a wonderful mentor to so many of us- in both life and in the theatre.
ReplyDeleteI worked in the costume shop in the basement of Ida Green for my work study all four years at AC. I loved walking over to Andy's office to talk to him - it was always a congregating point for theater students. I thought he was so cool and he treated us with such respect; he was always willing to engage with us and take what we had to say seriously. And he had the best pictures up in his office. I felt like a celebrity when he put a picture of me up there from Sideman. Working with Andy, joking with Andy, being onstage with Andy in Macbeth - those are amazing memories.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts go out to his family. He impacted so many of our lives.
The sudden death of Andy Williams saddens all of us who knew and worked with him. I remember how patient he was with me when I first arrived at the college and asked him to bring a long couch up from the cellarage of Ida Green for my first Heritage lecture on Sigmund Freud. He did not hesitate to help me—his psyche being calmer and less self-involved than mine at the time-- even though he was busy on several other theatre-related projects at the same time. In fact, he was the kind of person that would help anyone in need. In our world today, how many people can we still genuinely say this about? My deepest condolences go out to his wife and children.
ReplyDeleteWith sympathy and friendship
Roger Platizky
Andy was always nice to me despite my lack of carpentry and tech skills. When it came time for me to direct my own show, Andy showed me an immense amount of respect and support. We will always remember his open heart and love for theatre.
ReplyDeleteRobby Dullnig
For anyone involved in AC theater over almost the last half century, you immediately felt as if you became part of a family spending hours and late nights in Ida Green. None was more welcoming nor passionate than Andy Williams. His loss reaches beyond the AC community to countless families and I am deeply saddened he has left us, but more thankful I could become part of that family he loved so much for four years.
ReplyDeleteRest in Peace
My theatre education came from all the invaluable lessons I learned at Austin College in the Ida Green. Though Dub, Barb & June were the professors, Andy was the constant...with us on every show...providing us with scenery, lights and a gung ho and simultaneously easy going attitude. He was the balance needed during every production. Hard work, great spirit and cool. Yeah, just about the coolest guy I had ever met. "Groovy" to be more accurate. Andy, we shall all miss you. Deepest love to Kathy, the girls, and extended family. Greg Wise
ReplyDeleteI am completely shocked to learn of the death of Andy Williams this morning.
ReplyDeleteAs is evidenced by the outpouring on Facebook and on this memorial page, Andy touched so many of us profoundly. While at AC, we theatre students looked foremost to Andy to help us make the theoretic possible. We dreamed but Andy taught us how to make those dreams a reality.
Andy was a kind, honourable, compassionate man who loved life and his students. His door was always open, no matter what the issue. When things got tough, Andy was always someone who would listen without judgement and provide guidance without criticising. Andy was the calm amidst the boisterous personalities of the theatre department - students and faculty alike.
I was fortunate to get to act opposite Andy twice and tech many shows under his guidance. Even after graduation, I turned to Andy for advice and for his practical know how with technical theatre questions. He was always gracious with his time and genuinely interested and happy to help. Andy's enthusiasm for his students didn't end at graduation. He continued to encourage and cheer for his gang long after we left AC. Our successes in the theatre and in life owe a debt of gratitude to Andy that often went unmentioned and will never be repaid.
Today AC lost a piece of its bedrock and all that knew him lost a true friend. My thoughts and prayers go to Kathy, Autumn and Laurel.
Rest in peace, Andy.
What I remember with great clarity is the magic Andy could make with guitar and voice. Mesmerized we were, yes. He sang El Paso with such heart, it's hard to believe it's quiet now.
ReplyDelete"One night a wild young cowboy came in,
Wild as the West Texas wind.
Dashing and daring,
A drink he was sharing
With wicked Felina,
The girl that I loved."
Many make excuses when life comes calling. A few say, "Yes." You hollered, "Well, Hell Yeah!"
ReplyDeleteWild and kind. Calm and dynamic. A gentle man and a force of nature. You danced across the tightrope and made us feel like dancing, too. Exquisite timing, Andy. You left us wanting more.
Farewell, Brother.
Andy was an amazingly talented guy as an actor designer and carpenter. I was always struck by his humility and the ease at which his talent seemed to come. I very much enjoyed acting with him and getting to experience his craft. We are all better for it and he will be greatly missed.
ReplyDeleteWorking with Andy Williams has been one of the profound pleasures of my life. That we thought of each other as brothers and friends has been a sublime and gracious honor.
ReplyDeleteHe and I talked last year about him doing one of his favorite speeches from Sam Shepard's Tooth of Crime. It didn't work out - partially because it would have been so intense for him to revisit Hoss - but today I went back to it, and I found some echoes of Andy there.
"Yeah. It is me. Just like I always wanted to be ... Mean and tough and cool. Untouchable ... True to his heart. True to his voice. Everything's whole and unshakeable. His eyes cut through the jive. He knows his own fate. Beyond doubt. True courage in every move. Trusts every action to be what it is. Knows where he stands. Lives by a code. His own code. Knows something timeless. Unending trust in himself. No hesitation. Beyond pride or modesty. Speaks the truth without trying. Can't do anything false. Lived out his fantasies. Plunged into fear and come out the other side. ... Indifferent and riding a state of grace."
I never saw Andy Williams be mean or unfeeling to anyone, ever. But he was a Zen master at being whole and unshakeable. As well as brave, brilliant, curious, passionate ... He found such peace and joy in the people and the work that he loved so well. I will miss riding in the wake of that state of grace.
Upon learning the otherworldly news that Andy Williams had died, it finally began to dawn on me that the loss of someone who is as indispensible as they are kind should be a shock to the system.
ReplyDeleteI worked on a number of theater projects over my years at Austin College and, whether it was finding enough fake-fur for the “Guys and Dolls’” Hot Box Dancers or piecing together a costume for a Senior Scene Study of “Medea,” Andy was one of the most generous individuals, giving of both his time and his expertise, and this man was one brilliant innovator. To know Andy was to know his passion for theater – from nailing down the boards to treading on them with ease.
When I last saw him, in the Fall of 2010, it I had just stopped by Ida Green to say “Hi.” Andy was busy (of course!) working with a student on a project, but as soon as he saw me he stopped, begged pardon of the student, and invited me to visit with him in his office. He bragged on his family like the proudest of papas, talked about his continued passion for theater and for art, and he also listened. This is who Andy was, as solid an individual as you’d ever want to meet.
He may not have provided me with a grade for my GPA or a recommendation for grad school, but I know now that Andy gave me a far more spectacular gift – he showed me what it was to have a great passion and to follow it up with an epic work ethic and a truly helpful attitude. I will be ever proud to call Andy my friend, and I will never stop learning the lessons he taught.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Kathy and the whole family – may you feel the oceans of love and affection that all who knew and loved Andy are sending your way.
I will remember Andy for his kindness, his humor, and his humanity. My thoughts are with his wife and family. Peace to you, Andy.
ReplyDeleteHe was a man, take him for all in all.
ReplyDeleteI shall not look upon his like again.
Hamlet, Act I Scene 2
Though I participated in theater through all four years at AC, I was never a shop kid. I knew Andy then, but certainly not as well as many other theater students. But during my senior year, during tech for Dub's directing class (one-acts) I remember sitting with Andy in Ida Green and telling him what I wanted for the lighting in my show. It was such a small moment, but I remember so clearly the respect with which he treated me and how carefully he listened to what I wanted to achieve. And I saw too that he appreciated the artistic choices I was making and that he recognized in me a talent that I hadn't known, really until that moment, that I had. The confidence of that moment has stayed with me for years and manifested in ways too innumerable to count and in ways impossible to articulate.
ReplyDeleteIn more recent years, I am happy to say that I came to know Andy even better. It seems silly to say, but through facebook, Andy would drop into my life frequently. Little comments, thumbs up, and atta girls began to turn into a genuine friendship. A few years ago, I coaxed Andy into joining my fantasy baseball league, and then football. I've always viewed these things as distractions that I felt, perhaps, a little guilty about, but today I am keenly aware that they were source of daily contact with a kind, generous, and wise friend that I wouldn't have had otherwise. And though I am sad today, I am enormously grateful to have had that connection. Genuine fondness snuck up on me and turned into a true friendship.
My thoughts are with his family today and the entire Austin College community struggling with this loss. I hope the remembrances left here and on facebook and the memories I know family, colleagues, students, and alumni will all share in the coming days can begin to provide some measure of healing.
I met Andy at Austin College when we were doing the play, Purlie Victorious. He was Ol Cap'n. He, Kathy, Autumn, and Laurel have been my friends for a very long time. I've always admired Andy for his talent, and skills, but moreso for his willingness to share his gifts with so many people - non-stop. I will miss him but I feel good knowing that his spirit is out there wrapped around us all.
ReplyDeletePeace to Kathy, Autumn, and Laurel.
Sometimes, there's a man...
ReplyDeleteThe hole you leave is vast, Andy.
Loss can provide unexpected clarity. It suddenly occurred to me today that Andy was one of my best role models. I work with college students now, and the ease with which Andy maintained expertise and authority without ever making us feel stupid or cut adrift is such an important balance. And he did it all with an immense joy in living, particularly the gifts he gave out onstage. As I said on his Facebook page: flawed, funky, fully human. Wishing your family strength and peace.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me value Austin College even more that Andy was such an embraced and celebrated member of the faculty. Ya'll should rename the theater after him!
ReplyDeleteReading through these comments, memories of AC and Ida Green flooded my mind - and Andy was a highlight of so much of my time there. Andy was somebody to talk to and trust. He was hilarious and dignified, wild and wise. He treated us all with respect, care, and compassion. He made the basement of Ida Green a second home and I can't imagine that place without him. Carrie, you said it best, "Andy- we know you'll keep the party going upstairs."
ReplyDeletePretty difficult to read and write through all these tears. My most usual recent memories of Andy, are from when I stopped in at Ida Green to see an alumni week play, and at intermission, visiting on the steps by the seats, and the ALWAYS ON BIG ANDY SMILE, whenever he would see one of us come up to catch up. One fine constant, this man was. I am so glad he continued to work, and grow at Ida Green for all those who got the opportunity to know and work with Andy, always time well spent, and lesons well learned. I love ya man, and we are all shocked to be missing you so soon, what a bummer bro.
ReplyDeleteJim Fink '79
Remember when you’d see Andy in Ida Green and how his face changed as soon as he saw you? In a split second that huge smile would spread across his face, his eyes would squint and he would start lumbering toward you to give you a huge hug. Man, I’ll miss that.
ReplyDeleteAnd I’ll miss the conversations, the scoop on what’s going on at AC, what’s going on with people we know in common, and I’ll really miss that next time I’m in Ida Green - when I’ll be looking up in the top rows or in the wings for Andy.
He was such a cool, unique person and I’m thankful to have shared good times and hard work with him.
When the still sea conspires an armor
And her sullen and aborted
Currents breed tiny monsters
True sailing is dead
Even though we can't see you we know you haven't stopped - you're just over the horizon. Keep on sailing Andy.
Jon Beller '95
There aren't too many people left at AC that I knew as a student graduating in 1972. Andy was a couple of years behind me, and I am glad that his tech theatre expertise was a part of Ida Green for so many years. I remember the opening production of "Our Town" so many years ago, and all of the people like Andy that were a part of that. So sorry to hear that he, like so many others I remember, are no longer with us.
ReplyDeleteOr as I meant to say, IS no longer with us.
DeleteI am with the National Hispanic Institute and for over 20 years now, we have been partnering with Austin College for Texas Great Debate...every first or second weekend in June. For many years, Andy Williams has run our productions for our opening ceremony. He always made sure we had a special presentation for our program and always had a huge smile on his face. He always made us feel welcome and a part of the College...even if it was just for those few days that we were there every summer. For us, things will never be the same without him. We will miss seeing him and will keep him in our thoughts always.
ReplyDeleteWe'll miss you, Andy!
ReplyDeleteFor Andy
ReplyDeleteNo longer to hear “A Whiter Shade of Pale”
No longer to reach out and touch the one you love
No longer to taste eggs benedict
No longer to smell the morning air in spring
No longer to see a Big Sky Sunset over the farm
I hear your laugh
No longer to hear the sound of the wind in the trees
No longer to rub your toes in the dirt in your garden
No longer to taste a really good ripe Texas peach
No longer to smell a rose
No longer to see the smile on each of your grandchildren’s faces
I feel your loving, powerful, full bodied hugs
No longer to hear students working late at night in the shop at Ida Green
No longer to rub your hand over a piece of wood
No longer to taste the cafeteria food
No longer to smell paint from a newly opened can
No longer to see the joy on faces as hard work comes alive on stage
No longer
And
Always…
You will be a part of ALL these things
You will always be with me my friend
In my memory
In my heart
In the corner of my smile
Michael
Class of 1973
June 2012
I'm so sorry to hear about Andy's passing. He and Kathy were so cool together. Lucky for me, I got to know them when I was a freshman at AC. I had the pleasure of working with Andy during the 70's in the theatre department. I was primarily an actor, but as part of my degree I had to do tech as well. I ran lights for a show in the spring of '75, and Andy had to "literally" design, hang, and show me how to run lights for the show. Needless to say, it was "his" show instead of mine, but I think I made him proud!
ReplyDeleteKathy, please know that I have you and the girls in my thoughts and prayers, and I know Andy is producing and directing the most awsome show above! Jan Talley Stewart
When I was at AC with Andy, there was so much that was changing, both for me personally and with the world at large. Andy was involved with all of that change just as much as I was, but he handled it with quietness and kindness. And with luck. He married Kathy Fowler and he managed to live out his life in the AC environment. I ran into him a couple of times on my infrequent nostalgic returns to AC and he seemed to have a great life there. I am sure he will be greatly missed by those close to him, I would like to think he left us believing he had led a full life.
ReplyDeleteAndy Macha, Class of 1972
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