Obituary of Andrew Sterling Hess

Andrew Sterling Hess was born July 20, 1923 in Abilene, Kansas. He was married for 68 years. Andy is survived by his wife Dorothy Hess, daughter Wendy Hunter, son Scott Hess (Mari), and daughter Susan Hess-Logeais (Olivier). Grandchildren include Justin Hunter, Bjorn and Erik Hess, and Charlotte and Oscar Logeais. He was preceded in death by his parents Andrew and Mildred Hess, and his only sibling Robert Hess. Andy was a devoted husband and father. He attended the University of Kansas, and University of Pennsylvania prior to entering WWII Naval Midshipmen’s Program, and finished his undergraduate studies at the University of Washington earning a B.A. in Political Science. Andy continued to further his Graduate Studies at the University of Washington toward a Master’s Degree in Economics, prior to completion he entered public services 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, and 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 a Medical Air Evac Squadron 804 in the Southwest Pacific. They were married on June 14, 1946. Andy’s public and professional career included being Manager Boeing Field - King County Airport, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) - Director Seattle Area Office, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - Director Region 10, Washington Children’s Home Society - President, 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, many improvements in education systems and operations and opened the way to a statewide system of community colleges. Andy was active member of the St. Elizabeth Episcopal Church in Burien, WA, including serving on the Vestry, prior to moving to Vancouver, WA. They 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. Andy was an avid golfer and past member of Oregon’s Seniors 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 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. The family would like to thank all those who have expressed their sympathy and condolences, a private service was held in his remembrance of him. One of Andy’s greatest passions was for all future generations to honor, love, respect, and enjoy the beauty of our natural world, and the creatures residing therein. Remembrance can be made to the Nature Conservancy in his honor.