While we were at Wahlert in the same class, I always felt I should have known Andy better. My dad had coached his amazing, talented brother Ted in the 70s, and the Burgmeier name was known to me from my earliest memories. I knew Pat and Jack my whole life, and I felt I knew the Burgy clan.  

By the time I got to Wahlert, I was a teenager and didn't expect to know a Burgy since I associated that family with my early girlhood and my dad's coaching career. But there was Andy!  He was handsome, charismatic, and talented, and everyone loved him! He was truly out of the ordinary, truly uncommon. I don't use the word "charming" very often, but Andy was surprisingly, magically charming. 

In the decades since high school, I didn't have much contact with Andy, but I have known about him and his big wonderful family. My older brother Doug is part of the Holy Family community, and I am aware of how significant the Burgmeiers are in the school and beyond. I understand how the loss of Andy is almost inexpressible. 

I hope that words and stories about Andy might ease the pain, at least a little. But I also know the pain is immense. I am honored to know the Burgys, and my thoughts are with the family, today, and always.