July 20, 1923 ~ May 23, 2015
Andrew Hess was born July 20, 1923 in Abilene, Kansas.
Andy attended the University of Kansas and University of Pennsylvania prior to entering the WWII Naval Midshipmen’s Program. He finished his undergraduate studies at the University of Washington, earning a BA in Political Science. Andy continued graduate studies at the UW working on a Master’s Degree in Economics. Prior to completing this degree, he entered public service as a state legislator. He was a longtime member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, KU Chapter.
Andy served as a Lt. (jg) United States Navy, C.O.U.S.S. on different vessels. He was the Executive Officer on the Subchaser 1326, Pacific Theatre, and was the Commanding Officer when this ship was decommissioned in Seattle, WA at the end of WWII. There, he met his future wife, Dorothy Fields. She had also served honorably during the war as a flight nurse with Medical Air Evac Squadron 804 in the Southwest Pacific. They were married June 14, 1946.
Andy’s public and professional career included Boeing Field/King County Airport, Manager; Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Director Seattle Area Office; Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Director Region 10; Washington Children’s Home Society, President; and Washington State Representative and Senator (Seattle). As a Senator, he wrote legislation and chaired an interim legislative committee with 75 citizens statewide in a year-long study of education in Washington. This resulted in many improvements in the education system and operation, and opened the way to a statewide system of community colleges.
An active member of St. Elizabeth Episcopal Church, Burien, WA, Andy served on the Vestry. Upon moving to Vancouver, WA, the family began attending the Church of the Good Shepard in 1979.
He was appointed by the Governor to the Higher Education Coordinating Board established by the Washington Legislature, charged with an ongoing review of state higher education. Most notable result of these efforts was the establishment of new branch campuses for the major state universities offering a system of junior and senior year level coursework, plus graduate degrees, greatly expanding availability and access statewide. Andy was a key figurehead in the placement of WSU in Vancouver.
He was active in the Democratic Party throughout his life. An avid golfer, Andy was a past member of Oregon’s Senior Tour, Royal Oaks Country Club and Rainier Country Club. He played and won a variety of local tournaments across the Pacific Northwest.
Andy was the Founder and Director of Finance of Sterling Properties, LLC, a real estate services company that provides management services, in addition to owning and operating manufactured housing communities in Washington and Oregon.
His awards included: Bishop’s Cross – Episcopal Diocese of Olympia; Edwin Pratt Award – Seattle Urban League; and Distinguished Service Award – United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
A friend said it best, “Andy has been elected to a higher office – helping God try to straighten out this mixed up world. If anyone can do it – Andy is the one.” This speaks to Andy’s character in life.
A devoted husband and father, Andy is survived by his wife of 68 years, Dorothy Hess; daughters, Wendy Hunter and Susan Hess-Logeais (Olivier); son, Scott Hess (Mari); grandchildren, Justin Hunter, Bjorn and Erik Hess and Charlotte and Oscar Logeais. He was predeceased by his parents, Andrew and Mildred (Sterling) Hess, and his only sibling, Robert Hess.
A private service was held in remembrance of Andy. The family would like to thank all who have expressed their sympathy and condolences. One of Andy’s greatest passions was for future generations to honor, love, respect, and enjoy the beauty of our natural world and the creatures residing therein. Remembrances may be made to the Nature Conservancy in Andy’s honor.
Guestbook: www.brownfh.com/tribute/
Published in The Highline Times Section of The Westside Weekly June 5, 2015
