Reverend Andrew "Andy" Warren Abbas, 64, of Hanford, CA passed away in the early morning hours of Tuesday, May 31, 2011 surrounded by his loving family.
Andy was born in Oakland, CA on April 1, 1947 to Paul Andrew and Margaret Ruth Abbas. He graduated from Hoover High School in Fresno in 1965 and continued his education at Diablo Valley College, Stanislaus State College, Denver Seminary and Fuller Seminary.
On July 18, 1970, Andy married JoAnn Elaine Thompson in Turlock, CA and shortly after began his journey as a youth pastor. From Turlock, his ministry took him to Colorado, Minnesota, and eventually back to the central valley in 1990 where he became Pastor at Lakeside Community Church in Hanford, CA, and also served as Police Chaplain for the Hanford Police Department. Andy felt passionate about sharing the Good News and helping those in need through his ministry at Lakeside. His love for serving others was also reflected by his missionary work in India, Africa, Central America, Mexico and Arizona, as well as his work with the youth camps at Mt. Hermon, Sugar Pine and Camp Victory mentoring young people.
He enjoyed the company of others, whether driving his three sons to 7-Eleven for late night snacks, talking about cars, doing a ride along with an officer, or meeting at a favorite restaurant…always with a desire to help others work through life issues. He said a cup of coffee went a long way when you had someone to share it with.
Andy leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, JoAnn of Hanford; his sons, Timothy Andrew Abbas and his wife Gina of San Diego, Stephen Paul Abbas of Hanford and Jonathan Mark Abbas and his wife Kristin of Orange; his sister, Peggy Abbas Morrison and her husband Stan and their daughter Meaghan of Benicia, CA; his grandchildren, Joshua, Jenna and two forthcoming; extended family and many friends.
Andy was preceded in death by his father, Paul in 1989 and his mother, Ruth, in 2010.
A service in celebration of Andy's life will be held on Saturday, June 4 at 11am at First Presbyterian Church in Hanford, CA. Reverend Dan Schauer will preside.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Lakeside Community Church Youth Camp Scholarship Fund, 16942 10th Ave., Hanford, CA 93230.
Condolences may be offered at www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com.
Arrangements entrusted to People's Funeral Chapel, 501 N. Douty St., Hanford, CA 93230. (559) 584-5591
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
June 22, 2011
Hope Morikawa
He was a most genuine, sweet and humble man. We could all take a lesson from how he lived this life.
Prayers for his family...
June 9, 2011
Dear JoAnn and Family,
A bright light that was there to comfort so many of us when the days were dark, no longer glows. That light was Andy. No matter how tired he was, if anyone needed him, he was there. For our family, the time and love he extended to us when we lost our beautiful daughter, will always be remembered. His love for family and community will last forever in the hearts of all who knew him. Our prayers are with you.
Judy and Alex Horn, Jr and Family
June 5, 2011
Pastor Gary Neilan
On behalf of the First Baptist Hanford family and myself we extend our deepest sympathies and prayers for the entire Abbas Family. Andy was a friend of Fbh and provided wise counsel to me and our church over the years and in paticular during the early years of my ministry,during the loss of Tracie Rene. Thankyou Andy for your smile,warm greeting and love.I truly Praise God for putting you in my life's path
June 5, 2011
rick and cindy houk will always remember the comfort you gave us in those first brutal hours after the loss of our son Tanner...........our loss his gain.....
June 5, 2011
Karin Sajdak
Dear JoAnn
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. We knew Andy during the Minnesota years. He was such a wonderful pastor and had such a good influence on our lives when our lives were just beginning to take shape. He was the pastor that married us 26+ years ago so that has always made him extra special. You and Andy were also the first pastoral couple that we really got to know on a personal level. You were good role models for us. We have now been in ministry 18 years. We are praying that God would give you his peace in this time of loss.
June 4, 2011
Sheila Dougherty-Kurtz
I texted Andy, not knowing he had passed that day. I wanted to thank him, as June 1 was the one year anniversary of loosing my dad - Andy coordinated my dad's services and supported my family through a very difficult time. His kindness brought us strength. Andy was a wonderful person that I truly am grateful I had the pleasure of knowing. My thoughts and prayers are with the Abbas family and I hope you are comforted by knowing you are in many thoughts and prayers.
June 4, 2011
Aymee Sheppard
Mr. Andy Abbas played short but profound part of my life, I will cherish the talks and time I was lucky enough to have with him. To his family and friends: please remember the good times and know that God has taken his angel home, but they will be waiting in heaven to see you again. Love Always, Aymee Sheppard and the Ornellas family.
June 4, 2011
Kristen Farrah
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your boys, Joann. Andy was such a gift and a blessing in my life just as he was for so many people. I still have the notes he would leave in my office if he stopped by and I wasn't there. I would find them on my desk or computer or stuck in drawers... they were always a special, encouraging surprise. Andy has won the ultimate prize, and for that I rejoice. But know that my prayers will be with you and your family during this time of loss.
June 3, 2011
Joann, John and family we were so blessed to call Andy a friend. He was one of the most sincere friends I have> May God bless you in the coming days and we will meet up with him again!
Love, Jerry, Mary Jane, Jeremy, Shandra & Brian Fagundes
June 3, 2011
Joanne and family my heart goes out to you. You are in my prayers. Margaret Hamilton
June 3, 2011
Joann and family our hearts and condolences go out to you and your family Andy was a special friend to me for many years He helped me through a lot of hard times in my life He was always there no matter what time of day or night it was I have a lot of happy memories being with Andy you are all in our prayers during these difficult days and times a head of you and Andy will for ever be in my heart Sue Livesey and Family (Hanford Ca )
June 3, 2011
Pam Chin
May God Bless the Abbas family at this time of their loss. Andy was a great man and helped so many people in this community. His smile would light up the room as he walked in and his heart would radiate love and kndness to everyone there. He was there for everyone and it didn't matter who you were or where you came from. Andy Abbas has left a legacy on this community that will never be forgotten. My deepest sympathy is with each of you.
June 3, 2011
Guadalupe Sicairos(Valdez)
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
June 3, 2011
Stacey W
My condolences! Andy was a sincerely heartfelt man and helped a lot of people, Including me. I would come home to my porch covered in groceries that he gathered up from the church people for my family and the boys I was caring for at the time. He cared so much for those boys and would do ANYTHING for them. Rest in peace Andy! You were a wonderful presence in our lives.
June 2, 2011
jennifer lake craig
my condolences go out to jon and family. ur dad was a good person
June 2, 2011
One always remembers the kindness of others during a trying time. Andy was with us at the hospital the night our son died 11 years ago. He was there, praying with us, until our son was air lifted to Fresno. We will always remember his humble strength and we appreciate to this day his presence. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Abbas family. Ken and Kittie Coplin
June 2, 2011
Faye Forrester
Many wonderful memories of Pastor Andy and Lakeside. Know that you are in our hearts and prayers.
June 2, 2011
Mike & Kaye Reed
JoAnn, Stephen, and the rest of your family: Do know we are thinking of you during these difficult days. Andy was truly a special friend. It was my delight and honor to "fill in" for him at Lakeside while he was ill until we had to leave for "The Holy Land" (Texas). With Andy, one always felt like, "what you saw was what you got". Genuine transparency was one of his many admirable traits. I shall miss him terribly, but our loss is heaven's gain. We will be praying for you as God brings you to mind. Take care and know you are in our thoughts. Gratefully, Mike and Kaye Reed
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more