Suttons Bay - Richard L. Andrews, 62 of Suttons Bay died at his home on January 15, 2013 due to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig's disease.

Born on November 7, 1950 in Lansing to late Henry and Doris (Gingway) Andrews. He graduated from Eascanaba Area High School and from Michigan State University in 1973 with a BA in Business Administration. On October 13, 1997 Richard married Kathleen Marie Harris in Las Vegas.

He lived and worked in Lansing for many years including working during the Governor William Milliken administration for the Michigan Commission on Indian Affairs. As an independent voter, he was able to work with all Michigan Legislators to get the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver Bill approved. He lived in Suttons Bay and worked at the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians in various capacities and the GTB/EDC as the Chief Financial Officer until retiring in April 2012.

Rick was a proud member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians and worked tirelessly to help make the tribe a success.

Survivors include wife Kathleen, son Michael and daughter Sarah, nieces Amy of Saginaw and Emily of Lansing, special cousins Christine Gilmore, Michael Reed of Mears, Beverly Clay of Fort Worth, Texas, special friends Dave and Sharon Brown of Mesick, and several other family members and friends.

Rick was preceded in death by his father Henry Andrews, mother Doris (Gingway) Andrews and brother Ronald Jon Andrews.

A celebration of life service will be held on February 2, 2013 at 2:00 pm at the Cherryland VFW Post #2780 on Veterans Drive in Traverse City. Cremation has taken place. Burial will be at the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians at a later date.

A special thank you to our family, friends and the VFW for their help and support in making this a memorable day for everyone.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Cherryland VFW Post #2780.

Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and memories with the family.

The family is being served by Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.