I was friends with Andrew at to Boston University in the School of Visual Arts. I want to express what a kind, innovative, and passionate individual Andrew was. I am so grateful for having known him; no matter how much time had passed since we'd last spoken, he would always be so warm and welcoming. He has touched so many lives, and his presence and work will have a lasting impact on his community and the world. He will never be forgotten.
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I went to BU with Andrew. We had a lot of great times. I remember how down-to-earth, honest, and warm he was. I can’t recall him ever having a bad thing to say about anyone. Summer of 2010, Andrew worked on this short film I directed. He was responsible for making the Couch Monster. He built it with plywood and duct tape, so basically nothing. We just asked him to work his creative magic, and we knew he could deliver. I’ll miss you Andrew Thomas, and so will the world.
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I met Andrew at the Carving studio where we both were studio interns one summer, and I’ve considered him a good friend ever since. I have so many great memories of him during our time there, he was a friendly and warm presence from day one. I remember riding our bikes around west Rutland, swimming in the stone quarry behind the studio, and of course his tire project that Kevin mentioned! I mostly remember talking about art with him and how insightful he was, he always had an interesting take on things and it was easy to end up chatting with him about art, music, life, etc. for hours. I was always impressed by his creativity too, he worked with so many different mediums; from sculpture, to video, to drawing, and more, and he had his own unique approach to all of them. There were many times when we’d share our sketchbook drawings with each other and he would have the craziest landscapes or creatures, or little sketches of people we knew that captured their essence spot on. I always found them so inspiring to see. In my head when I think of Andrew that’s how I picture him; with sketchbook in hand, scribbling away, often smiling and chatting with someone at the same time.
Our friendship continued long after we left the carving studio. We grew up in neighboring towns and would often get together to go for walks in the woods when we were both visiting home, and we took many outings to art museums and open studios together. We haven’t been in touch as much in recent years, but we would still call each other on the phone every now and then to catch up, and it always felt like talking to a close friend, regardless of how much time had passed. I will miss him very much, the world needs more people like Andrew in it.
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Andrew at his Shapeways booth at MIT.
Andrew meant so much too so many. I will miss him always.
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To Paul and Diane, and family: My condolences for the loss of your dear son and brother and nephew and cousin, who left such a mark on the world in his time here! I did not know Andrew, but as a friend of his aunt Mary, I know the strong family fabric that helped to shape his beautiful soul. Andrew, your tributes have poured in all week. YOU are a tribute to your remarkable grandparents and their offspring. Live on forever with your family, Andrew, in the unbroken circle of their love.
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I’ve known Andrew since freshman year of college when he lived right next-door to me and Ali in Rich Hall. We have some many memories from that time, both silly and serious, that I will never forget. Like Ali, we developed a relationship based on both playful banter (like calling each other “dad”) to deep conversation about art, life and politics. I’ve truly always viewed Andrew like a brother and am so grateful he came into my life at this time.
I was also one of the many who made my way to New York City after college and continued to remain friends with Andrew for all of these years. He’s always been such a constant presence in our lives; at every birthday or celebration, always inviting us to his gatherings and special events. Andrew was kind, caring and genuine person who brought a smile to everyone’s face. And his smile! One I’ll never forget.
I’m truly shocked and heartbroken by what happened, and will miss Andrew dearly. What a horrible loss to the world this is. Sending all of my love and condolences to you and the rest of your family, as well a Kayla. ❤️
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