Andrew was an incredibly brilliant person with a passion for science and engineering.  He developed many amazing test systems in his career and shared a lot of his knowledge along the way.  I could go on forever about his professional achievements, but his friendship was the best quality I got from him.  We collaborated on several test systems at work and we also built things together outside of work.  I loved working with him because we were very much in sync.  Our talents complemented each other and our dynamic was entertaining.  We spent most of the time laughing and enjoying ourselves as we worked through critical processes to accomplish whatever was at hand. Regardless of how stressful something might have been, our dynamic always made it fulfilling and fun.

From 3d printing, to circuits, to competitive shooting, we shared a lot of interests.  We talked all the time and about everything.  We shared our successes, our failures, our struggles, our happiness, and our sorrow.  We sought each other out for advice on life, day-to-day activities, interpersonal issues, you name it.  I learned a lot from him. And I believe he learned a lot from me.  We asked each other tough questions with an unspoken understanding that we were working to better ourselves. He helped me through some very tough times with my chronic pain condition and I could never thank him enough for just listening.  He was a good listener with a great, cynical sense of humor.  It helped a lot in tough times.  I will sorely miss his humor and perspective.

Andrew was a big family man.  He was always talking about his kids and Evgeniya.  He loved to watch them grow, loved to support their interests, and was always very proud of their talents and successes.  It was clear that one of his biggest passions was to ensure that they had what they needed to succeed.  We discussed parenting and family life often and it was very helpful to have his insight on this and many other topics.  Andrew always spoke of how talented and strong his family was.  I have know doubt that this is true.  

We were always there for each other.  There to help with car trouble.  There to help with work issues.  There to lend an ear when we needed someone to listen that we knew shared a common life philosophy.  There just to pass the time and unwind.  During the pandemic, Andrew and I began talking almost daily, just to cut the solitude that was brought on by remote work.  I think it was very helpful for both of us.   I looked forward to shooting the breeze with him, discussing issues, solving problems, and debating nearly everything.  Sometimes we didn't see eye-to-eye, but that didn't matter.  We just poked fun at each other with a common understanding and respect.  We were never there to tear each other down.  Only to build each other up. 

I will always remember the time I spent with Andrew on projects in the lab, projects at NIST,  personal projects, hobbies, going to the range, spending time in WV, and just passing time.  What I'll remember the most is the joy that it brought me to have such a great friendship and  knowing that our presence in each others lives made us both better. Happier.  It's rare these days to connect with a person on such a level and with such great confidence in one-another.  

All in all, Andrew was an outstanding person.  I'm sure he's one of the best people I'll know in my life.  He has changed me for the better and there will certainly be a huge void in my life moving forward. I feel as though I've lost a close family member, a brother, and I will continue to think of him as I carry on, until I see him on the other side.  

Rest in peace my friend.  You are forever in my heart.