Andrew C. Fautheree III, 75, formerly of Roseburg, Ore., passed from this world to the next on Nov. 12 in Phoenix, Ariz.
He was born in Roseburg on March 23, 1939, to Ferne and Andrew C. Fautheree Jr., both now deceased. In 1947, Andy’s mother remarried to Floyd Andrus, who served as Andy’s stepfather until his own passing in 2005.
As an only child, Andy attended Roseburg High School before enlisting in the U.S. Navy just prior to age 18. He served much of a three-year enlistment on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Bon Homme Richard, before earning an honorable discharge at the rank of seaman in early 1963. Following an occupational stint with a Roseburg newspaper, Andy lived in California for a time before moving to Pagosa Springs, where he first worked to replicate historic muzzle-loading firearms with Don Minor and The House of Muskets.
In 2001, Andy became the Archuleta County veterans service officer (VSO), assisting local military veterans and families as they applied for government benefits for which they may be entitled. In that capacity, he received the Outstanding Veterans Service Officer Award (2004) and the Colorado Veterans Service Officer Association Louis Nardini Award (2006), both top honors in his field. He wrote weekly columns (Veterans Corner) for The SUN and served as county VSO until his retirement in 2011.
On Aug. 9, 2006, Andy and Shirleyann Larivee were married in Deadwood, S.D., while attending the 66th annual Sturgis motorcycle rally. Soon after Andy’s retirement, they moved to Surprise, Ariz., where Shirleyann still works as a nurse in nearby Wickenburg.
Andy enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life, including the building of model trains, attending black-powder rendezvous, photography and riding his beloved Harley Davidson motorcycles. He belonged to HOG (Harley Owners Group) chapters in Durango and Glendale, Ariz., and most recently rode with the Phoenix Motorcycle Riders Group.
Andy is survived by his wife; two daughters, Tami Jo Braz (Barry), Oakland, Ore., and Andrea Fautheree, Boulder; a step-daughter, Erin Larivee, Albuquerque, N.M.; and a step-son, James Larivee, also of Albuquerque. Andy’s mother, father and stepfather preceded him in death.
Following a long and noble battle with prostate cancer, Andy quietly succumbed to injuries sustained while doing what he enjoyed most. Cremation has been arranged and, per Andy’s wishes, no formal services are planned.
