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The Rev. Richard “Rick” Andrews died suddenly from a heart attack July 3, 2013, while working in his garden. He was the senior pastor of Mill Creek Parish UMC in Derwood. A memorial service was held at the church July 10, attended by Bishop Marcus Matthews and retired Bishop Joseph Yeakel. Participating in the service were District Superintendents JW Park and Vivian McCarthy, the Rev. Mark Derby and the Rev. Martha Maxham, the church’s youth choir and the Sanctuary Choir. His son the Rev. Daniel Andrews, sang and played a guitar In attendance were more than 70 clergy.

Richard Willard Andrews was born March 17, 1958, in Carlisle, Pa., the fourth of five children, to Evangelical United Brethren pastor, the Rev. David Andrews and Grace Andrews. The family moved often and by the time they lived in Frederick, where his father was United Methodist District Superintendent, Rick found a church home at Brook Hill UMC, which laid the groundwork for his call to ministry.

Growing up, the Andrews family made many camping trips. Andrews became interested in editing and was editor of Thomas Johnson High School’s newspaper. He attended Frostburg State University, studying philosophy and English where he was active in the campus ministry. While in college he married Patsy Brooks; they both graduated in 1980, two months before the birth of their first child. Shortly after graduation, he and his family headed to Duke Divinity School.

During seminary, Andrews served at Ca-Vel UMC. After graduation in 1984, they returned to Maryland where he began his first full-time pastorate, as associate at Chevy Chase UMC. In 1989, he was appointed to a Mission church in Germantown and went on a leave of absence in 1990. In 1992, he was appointed to Brooklyn UMC in Baltimore and served there for 13 years. In 2005, he was appointed to Mill Creek Parish, where he was at the time of his death.

Andrews served on a District Committee on Ordained Ministry, and on the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry.

Andrews had many interests including all kinds of music. He sang tenor and played an acoustic guitar. In later years he was a modest golfer. He loved reading.

“The joy which poured forth from him testifies to his deep relationship with God through Jesus Christ, said his daughter, Sarah Schleikert. “(It) echoes John Wesley’s statement, ‘The best of all is … God is with us.’”

Survivors include his second wife, Susan macDCG Andrews, whom he married in 2005; daughters the Rev. Sarah Schlieckert and Elizabeth Andrews, and sons Pastor Daniel Andrews and Jordan Andrews; step children Lev Galitzin and Jesse Galitzin; his parents the Rev. David Andrews and Grace Andrews; and two grandchildren.

Condolences may be sent to Susan Andrews, 10 Horizon Court, Derwood, MD 20855-1347. She will move to Asbury Village in Gaithersburg Oct. 1.

Memorial contributions may be made to Rick Andrews Appalachian Service Project Fund, c/o Mill Creek Parish UMC, 7101 Horizon Terrace, Rockville, MD 20855-1355.