An Epic Tribute to the Epic Soul of Andrew Rainey
Family and friends of Andrew Rainey joined together at Broadway Hall in Bellingham on the afternoon of Saturday, October 16th, 2021 to share with each other their never-ending love for Andrew and deep sorrow over his unexpected loss last spring. Throughout the ceremony, guest speakers shared hilarious stories of the precocious antics Andrew was well known for, leaving everyone present laughing through their tears, and at one point, participating in something so very "Andrew" - "FIREBALL SHOTS!" The unforgettable ceremony was brought to a close with a live performance by Andrew's band mates who played a song written by Andrew himself, and followed it up with an incredible version of David Bowie's Space Oddity - Andrew's go-to karaoke song for which, I'm told, his performance resulted in him either getting a) permanently banned from the bar or b) wholeheartedly invited back ANY time. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed pizza from LaFiamma, where Andrew worked as a manager for many years, and kegs filled with his favorite beers from Chuckanut Brewery and Farmstrtong Brewing, while snacking on his go-to treats- Haribo GOLD gummy bears, Cheetos and fun-fetti cupcakes. As the evening closed, Andrew's sister-in-law shared with me that this family had been deeply dreading the day but were leaving the experience feeling overwhelmed with love for Andrew and with a beautiful memory to carry them forward in their grief journey- which is exactly what Epic Memorials wants to create for the loved ones of every person we have the honor of celebrating.
Broadway Hall
1300 Broadway
Bellingham . WA
1:00 pm
Doors open 12:30
Together with his lovely wife Kira and mother Carol, Epic Memorials is planning an epic celebration of life for Andrew Joseph Horan Rainey, who passed away at home on March 16, 2021. Andrew's family and friends will gather to honor and pay tribute to his all-too-short life on Saturday, October 16 at 1:00 pm at Broadway Hall in Bellingham, WA. We invite you to join us for pizza, beer and toasts to Andrew following the ceremony.
About Andrew...
Andrew Joseph Horan Rainey, born February 21, 1985, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in his home on the morning of March 16, 2021. Andrew was born in Tacoma, WA, and raised in Tracyton, WA. He was the ASB president of Olympic High School class of 2003, graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in Literature in 2007, and received his Master’s in Teaching in 2019.
Andrew treated life as an adventure and it was infectious to those around him. He backpacked through South America solo in 2011. Within a year he loaded a U-Haul with the love of his life, Kira, and headed for an adventure in Missoula, Montana where they lived from 2012-2019. They had recently returned to the PNW, eager to start the next chapter of their life together.
Andrew was a talented musician, lover of literature, and an outdoor enthusiast. He took his guitar everywhere and was a creative force in multiple music projects, including bands with friends and solo endeavors. He lived life to his own beat and inspired others to do the same. Those lucky enough to be around him knew his contagious joy, warm heart, impressive dance moves, and less impressive puns and jokes. He was an active community member, loyal friend, and wonderful family man. He completed his master’s in teaching and had found his calling in the classroom. He was an inspiring educator who cared deeply for his students and promoted equity in education.
He will be remembered for the laughter he inspired, the love he shared and his ability to bring out the best and the weirdest in others. The way his charisma lit up every room and made everyone around him feel included was unique and quintessentially Andrew.
He is survived by his loving wife Kira and dog Salta, his parents Roy and Carol, Barbara “Gma” Rainey, his siblings Dan, Megan and their families, and the numerous friendships he cultivated. Donations can be made in his honor at any Wells Fargo to the Andrew Rainey Memorial Fund for future projects with the school district.
