Andy Tichvon

As his family and friends can attest, Andrew Tichvon truly understood the secret to a life well lived. He touched the hearts of many around him in so many ways, and his devotion to his family and friends was unmatched. Andy’s strong work ethic and servant’s heart were an example to all who were near. Dearly loved, Andy will be forever missed.

It was during the decade where we elected the young John F. Kennedy as our 35th President of the United States and put men on the moon that Robert and Barbara (Mathews) Tichvon were excitedly awaiting the birth of their son. Finally, on July 30, 1961, in Lansing, Michigan, their wait was over as they announced the birth of the baby boy they named Andrew.

In many ways, Andy was a typical young boy of his generation. He was raised in the family home in Portland, Michigan, alongside his siblings, Thomas, Carol, Laurie, and Michael. His mother worked as a teacher and then principal at St. Patrick’s School while his father was employed as a chemist with Portland Plastics. Like many young boys, Andy was a rascal and well-known around his neighborhood as a practical prankster (often involving snakes). He loved camping out with his Scout troop, and his school years at Portland St. Patrick School were full of learning, fun, and mischief-- according to the nuns who taught him. He enjoyed visiting the extended family farm in Yankee Springs Township, and many of his favorite childhood memories were made there. Andy attended Portland High School where he was part of the golf team and the National Honor Society. He then went on to graduate from Lansing Community College and later attended Western Michigan University. Throughout much of his childhood, Andy worked as a paperboy and spent his teenage and young adult years working at the family owned Yankee Springs Golf Course, forming the foundation of the work ethic that would serve him well for the rest of his life.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Andy when he met the woman with whom he would share much of his life. Her name was Laurie Shannon, and the two met while working together at Great Lakes Shipping Co. Laurie was first drawn to Andy’s integrity and sense of humor. The sweethearts were married on November 11, 1995, at the Stetson Chapel, and it was a bit of a shocker for Laurie when she saw him that day as he had chosen that day, of all days, to shave his mustache!

There was nothing more important to Andy than his family. He and Laurie often went on special dates, taking drives to listen to his favorite talk-radio show Car Talk. He always said the best way to listen to that show was in the car. They loved trying different restaurants, golfing, and even skiing. Andy was thrilled to become a father later in life. His son, Colin, became his pride and joy. Andy was a den leader with the Scout troop that Colin was involved in, and the two would go fishing, to baseball games or go on Andy’s handyman jobs together, making priceless memories along the way.

In his free time, Andy loved to hang out with friends and family. Andy often spent time with his family at the family cottage on Cobb Lake. He loved jazz music and classic rock, and he always said that anything that came out after 1990 was just garbage! Andy liked western movies, especially anything with John Wayne. He remained an avid golfer, and some of his favorite nonfiction books were about golf, though he also enjoyed reading mysteries. Andy was never one to sit still for long, and his favorite activities often involved carpentry, tinkering, or other little projects whether for himself or others. He could fix anything you put in front of him. Andy enjoyed watching sports as well as playing them as he was a Detroit Lions and Tigers fan. Andy’s favorite golfer was Ben Hogan. In fact, he was such a Ben Hogan fan that he named his first dog after him! Andy was a walking encyclopedia of golf knowledge, and always had dreams of playing at St. Andrews and Augusta National.

All who knew Andrew Tichvon would agree that he was the kind of man who would give someone the shirt off his back, which he literally did on one occasion to someone in need. He was known for his incredible work ethic and his sarcastic sense of humor, and his zest for life was contagious to all who were near. Andy lived for others, doing whatever he could to cheer someone up or lighten their load, and he passed this trait of selflessness on to the son he loved more than life itself. Andy will be forever missed, but he leaves behind a timeless legacy that his loved ones will proudly carry on in his footsteps.

Andrew Tichvon, Age 59, died unexpectedly on January 28, 2021 at his home. Andy was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Barbara (Mathews) Tichvon. Members of his family include his son, Colin Tichvon and Colin’s mother, Laurie Tichvon; siblings: Thomas (Patricia) Tichvon, Carol (Matthew) Brooks, Laurie (Adam) Reeves and Michael (Lori) Tichvon; and several nieces and nephews. Cremation will take place. Visit with family and friends on Friday (FEB 5) from 4PM - 7 p.m. at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900 where a Rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday 1 p.m. at St. Augustine Cathedral with burial at Portland Cemetery. Please visit Andy’s personal web page at www.BetzlerLifeStory.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign his online guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Gilmore Community Healing Center or John Robert Amat Scholarship Fund