Andy Irvine, 14

Andy Irvine, 14, passed away on June 23, 2007, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He was surrounded by family 'as he was welcomed into the courts of heaven. He has heard the words of his saviour, 'Well done, good and faithful servant.'

'Andy is in heaven because at the age of 7, he asked Jesus Christ to come into his life, forgive him of his sins, and be his leader in life.'

Andy was born on June 26, 1992, in Chicago. At the age of 3, Andy's family moved to Alaska. It was there that he experienced the joy of salmon fishing with grizzly bears, flying in float planes, and walking to school in the dark.

In September of 2000, Andy's family moved to Kalispell to serve at Glacier Church.

Andy was always grateful for the way the 'Russell Gang' welcomed him as a friend. He enjoyed playing football, Rotary basketball, and baseball with his buddies. As he progressed through Linderman, Stillwater Christian, and Kalispell Junior High schools, he was blessed to have an expanding circle of friends who cared for him.

The defining activity of Andy's life was his love of music and his love of percussion. Andy was happiest with a set of sticks in his hands, laying down a rhythm. He took lessons from Jack Waller and had a special connection with his Pep Band director, Mr. Barr.

He was a regular member of the worship team at Glacier Church and will be greatly missed.

Andy is survived by his parents, Hal and Karen, and brother Billy, all of Kalispell; grandparents Leonard and Nell Chaney of Fayetteville, N.C., and Robert and Norma Irvine of Riverside, Calif.; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins in North Carolina, Arizona and Canada.

It is the family's deepest desire that Andy's passing will cause others to come to know Jesus Christ.

A celebration of Andy's life and the hope of the resurrection will take place at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 29, at Easthaven Baptist Church. The service will be officiated by the Rev. Dr. Daniel Lambert, the Rev. Dr. Lloyd Pierson, the Rev. Drew Buckner, and the Rev. Dr. Hal Irvine. Burial at Glacier Memorial Gardens will follow the service. A reception will be held at Glacier Church following the interment.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Rome is caring for the family.