John Stanley Andreas was born in Schenectady, N.Y., on March 3, 1958, and passed away on Oct. 31. He was the youngest of the three children of Ethel and Porter Andreas.
When he was young, his parents moved to Clearwater, Fla., to raise their children. When John graduated high school there, he trained to become a commercial diver and a certified EMT. John got to travel the world and then settled down to be a builder in Florida after marrying and having children. He then went on to start a small over-the-road trucking business, which is how he passed through Pagosa one day and fell in love with this small town. So, John, his wife and son, Dustin, moved here to Pagosa. Dustin graduated high school here. He and his dad were able to spend time here fishing and hunting and just enjoying being here in Pagosa. John also volunteered at the Humane Society animal shelter here, which is where his wife Elizabeth works. Always willing to lend a hand, John was appreciated by his friends and enjoyed spending time with them. He will be remembered as having something funny to say and bringing a smile to your face.
After a long battle with ALS, he was robbed of what would have been wonderful retirement years here in Pagosa.
Surviving in addition to his wife are his sister, Susan Thomas; his son, Dustin Andreas; daughter, Rachael Balog; and many nieces, all of whom live in the Clearwater, Fla., area. A celebration of life will be held for him in the spring with family in Florida.
