Andrew J.Tlaker

On July 23, 2018, a beautiful heart that was quick to love, quick to laugh, quick to embrace adventure, quick to feel compassion and quick to forgive, grew weary and needed to finally rest.

Andrew James Tlaker was born Sept. 14, 1967, in Springfield, Vermont. He attended schools in Saxons River and Springfield. Andrew was among the first of individuals with developmental disabilities to attend public schools in Springfield, graduating from SHS in 1989. Following graduation, Andrew continued his path of ‘leading the way’ by being one of the first to take part in an Individualized Community Integration Program where he participated in volunteer and employment activities within his community. During his career in his program, he had duties at the First National Bank, Young’s Furniture, Biben’s Hardware, The Food Co-op, and Convalescent Center. In 2008, Andrew moved to Baldwinsville, New York, where he continued to be involved in an Individualized Program; he volunteered at the Beaver Lake Nature Center, library and senior complex.

Andrew was a well-travelled man. He hugged the great redwoods of California, ran like the Six Million Dollar Man on the beaches of Oregon, went to outer space at Disney, felt the mist of Niagara Falls, and Boston was ‘his kind of town.’ He was also an artist; preferring watercolor. His painting titled Blue Moon was part of an exhibit shown at the Russell Rotunda in Washington, DC. Not stopping at travel and creativity, Andrew was also a Special Olympics medalist, competing and receiving medals in basketball. He could throw the ball backwards and make his shot just about every time!

Andrew enjoyed being with people and being active. He loved music and dancing. He also enjoyed canoeing, basketball, bowling and above all, glow golf. Most importantly, he was a huge fan of Star Trek and Dr. Who, knowing how the script will run for each episode of either show.

Andrew had a way of affecting people in a profound way. He was charismatic and charming with a great sense of humor, but above all, sincere in affection. He loved abundantly and lived in the moment. He taught us so much about acceptance and caring. He leaves a great void in the lives he touched; his presence will be greatly missed.

Andrew was predeceased by his father, Erich Tlaker; and his grandmother ( mum- mum), Minnie Lefevre.

Left to mourn his loss are his mother, Jean Tlaker; brother, Norman (Martha) Tlaker, nephew Conrad; sister Anne Tlaker (Michael) Hall; sister Jane Tlaker (Peter) MacDonald, niece Jennifer and nephew Ryan.

Andrew’s family would like to thank all the extraordinary people n Andrew’s life who contributed to a ‘life well-lived:’ his support team at Advocates Inc. (Reina and Leslie); mentors Anne G., Gayle B., Maureen D., Tracy S., Veena K., Brenda C. and Todd N.; Tammy and Dan at bowling; all his special friends at Wegman’s (Karen, Dorothy, to name a few), Tops, McDonalds; and all the various “stops” along his daily routine.

Special thanks to Dr. Frank Smith and the outstanding team at Pediatric Cardiology Assocaites who went beyond all calls of duty and exhibited such love and affection for Andrew. We are left humbled by you all.

A celebration of Andrew’s life will be held on Sunday, Aug. 5, at 2 p.m. at Maurer Funeral Home, 3541 State Route 31, Baldwinsville, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests doing a random act of kindness in the spirit of Andrew’s kind and loving heart. Donations can also be made to Special Olympics or Advocates Inc.

Take wing, dear sweet Andrew, time for your soul to take flight to the Final Frontier.

  (Click on photo to enlarge)