Andrew 'Andy' Knox

9/8/63 – 1/1/23

Over the course of his 59-year life, Andy was a son, a brother, an uncle and an all-around nice guy who was a friend to anyone lucky enough to meet him or, better yet, if you got the chance to know him.

Andrew 'Andy' Knox was born in Toronto, Canada on September 8, 1963. The youngest of five boys, he was born with cerebral palsy and required the use of crutches throughout his life.

He was known for his kindness and his strength to overcome his disadvantage. A sister-in-law, Sandee, recalls a story where she nearly reprimanded him for parking in a space reserved for those with disabilities, not realizing that he was so entitled. You could hang around with him and he'd make you forget he had any limitations.

Moving from Canada at just 4 years-old, he grew up in Santa Barbara and then later in Southern California. He would graduate from Costa Mesa High School in 1983 and go on to study and explore his interest in photography, with a keen interest in black and white.

In his youth, Andy loved to ski and became very good at it. With his skis loosely connected at their tips, his crutches turned into outriggers with their own small, retractable skis for balance, and only his upper-body strength, he was able to race down the slopes that were typically reserved for just the best skiers. Unlike when he walked, he was able to enjoy the exhilaration and freedom of his speed and skills on the snow. Several trophies and awards for competitions were found among his treasured belongings. During his years of competing, his mom was quoted in the local paper saying, "He's one tough cookie. He's a lot braver than I am and he's not afraid of anything." His oldest brother, Paul, tells of skiing with him and, struggling just to keep up with his youngest brother, was even more impressed with the respect Andy had earned from his fellow skiers on the hill. "Seems like everyone who worked and skied seriously on the mountain knew him. And that everyone loved him. He was inspiring. I remember kind of bragging that he was my brother!"

One friend for decades, Steve, remembered Andy "always had a smile" and also had great memories of skiing together at California's Mammoth mountain while another local friend, Randy, said "I will miss Andy and cherish our friendship" and that "Andy will always be in my heart."

A niece, Cindy, mentioned how happy she was that she recently "got to hang out with him" and noticed his laugh, which he was always eager to give. Another niece, Katelyn, was very close to him and remembers" How positive he always was, even If he was having a bad day, and that he was always ready and able to make me feel better about mine. He could always find some light in the dark, no matter what."

Andy died in Newport, Washington on January 11, 2023 after a brief illness and is survived by his brothers Paul, Arthur, Kevin and Hugh, as well as his two nieces and six nephews. His beloved mother, Marie Cliff, and stepfather, Wade Cliff, as well as his father Hugh Knox, predeceased him.

He was a Legend. A strong, stabilizing, and inspiring force for the five brothers and extended family and will be missed every day.

Rest in Peace our dear brother, uncle and friend, Andy.

Sherman-Campbell Funeral Home in Newport, WA is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are welcome to visit their website at www.shermancampbell.com