Andrew V. Elder obituary
Andrew V. Elder, 67, passed quietly and peacefully in his home with family and friends around him. Born June 1,1952 in Lebanon, New Hampshire. He attended Lebanon schools and then pursuing his career for diesel mechanic at New Hampshire Vocational College. Andy loved working with diesel engines, from semi-trucks to lobster boats in Maine with payment of fresh lobsters. Working on diesels in the dead of New England winter was no challenge for this rugged man. When riding with him on the interstate, he would often diagnosis a problem with semi as it passed by, followed by full disclosure of how to repair it.
Andy advanced his career to parts managers for heavy duty working with few trucking businesses in New Hampshire. His last job working for Sanel’s in Concord, New Hampshire before moving to TN with his wife in 2005. Andy had never been to TN so was in for a bit of a culture shock but turned out TN was in for a culture shock from this New Hampshire man. His northern accent and sayings were enjoyed by all he met when they could understand him. Andy began working for O’Reilly’s in Murfreesboro, and advanced quickly as territorial sales manager. His strong work ethic, smiling face, impeccable customer service, always followed by a story of New Hampshire quickly increased his customer base throughout Murfreesboro and well as a large network of friends. Andy continued to network work with friends in NH to assist with issues he came across in TN. His cross reference proved to be an asset to serve the O’Reilly customers.
New adventure for Andy was being a Pepa to 3 grandsons who he adored. He would laugh, play games, chase and teach them about wildlife. He was my MacGyver who could fix anything I gave him. His loud booming voice would bring laughter within our home. Andy spent much of his off time with grandsons, summer swimming in the pool, street hockey in the driveway, and setting off July 4 th fireworks. Winter was hockey season and he hit practices, games, always encouraging the boys. He was our family fix it from his home to his sons-in-law home whenever needed.
During his illness many people from every corner of the country sent prayers, positive thoughts, cards and personal contact, indication of how many people Andy had reached out to and left his smile.
He is survived by his wife Jill Elder, sons Kevin Elder, NH, Eric and Kim Welch TN, grandson Kevin Blake Haley, Tyler Welch, and Dylan Welch of TN, sister Ruth Sernak of North Carolina, Floyd and Renee’ Armand of LA, Gary and Mary Tremblay of NH, Steven and Kristin Meola of NH and uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and very special college buddy Gregory and Vickie Saunders.
Visitation with the Elder family will be Saturday, September 7, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. until the time of a memorial service beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Woodfin Memorial Chapel.
Memorials may be made in memory of Andrew Elder to Alive Hospice,1718 Patterson Street, Nashville, TN 37203. An online guestbook is available for the Elder family at www.woodfinchapel.com.
