Andrew (Andy) Machristie, Jr. of El Paso, Texas, passed away on July 22, 2020, in the presence of his family.

 

Andy was born on August 6, 1953 in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, son of the late Andrew and Anna Machristie. Andy is survived by Debbie, his wife of 48 years, his daughter Jessica, and his son Jason and daughter-in-law Mary. Andy is also survived by his brother Larry and his wife Pat, and sister Andrea and her husband Ken, along with his late brother John, in addition to numerous nieces and nephews.

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Andy spent his childhood traveling around the country with his family who was in the armed forces, before settling in El Paso, Texas. Once in El Paso, Andy spent most of his time outdoors. There wasn’t a time where you wouldn’t find him out in the desert chasing snakes, lizards and horny toads. At the young age of 16, he found his passion for cars. 

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While attending Parkland High School in El Paso Texas, he met the love of his life at Crystal Pool in June of 1970, and from that moment on Andy and Debbie were inseparable. Andy and Debbie wed on March 25, 1972 and whisked off to Washington, DC, where he became a fingerprint examiner for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Andy and his wife Debbie lived there for two years, before returning to El Paso, Texas, where both of their parents resided.

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    Andy worked for the El Paso Fire Department for 21 dutiful years before retiring, and then he went on to spend an additional 12 years with the Ysleta Independent School District. Andy was a driven professional with an unmatched work ethic, as well as an avid mechanic in his spare time. He always taught his children how to properly take care of their vehicles with the right products. His motto was “a clean car always drives better”. He also loved his family and dogs (Sky and Nugget) with all of his heart. Andrew always put everyone before himself, even strangers. On so many occasions he would stop to help those in need regardless of the situation. 

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    Andy and Debbie spent 48 blissful years together, where they raised 2 beautiful children. His hard work and dedication not only shined through him, but resonated within his children as well. Andy was an incredible man. He loved life and loved his family time. He would teach his son how to fish, ride a bike and play basketball. He also taught his son to love the outdoors just as much as he did, by taking him along on many adventures in which they would catch snakes and skinks. Andy’s son could tell so many stories of catching wild lizards in the Franklin mountain nature trail, especially when they found a pair of skinks that challenged their tracking skills. Moments like these will always bring a smile to his son’s face. 

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    Andy was the definition of greatness and his family will miss him terribly. His family loved the time that they spent together, whether it be learning to swim down at the community pool with Gus and Goldie, fishing, family road trips or just spending quality time together. There were always lessons to be learned. He was the greatest man we ever knew. He was an incredible teacher and taught his children so many lessons in life. He taught his children that no matter the circumstance, you’ll always be able to overcome any obstacle.

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    Andy always gave more than one hundred percent not only as a husband but as a father. Because of his work schedule with the fire department, he was able to be actively involved in getting his daughter ready for school. He would braid her hair and curl it and pick out the perfect dress (which always had to be purple). His daughter’s favorite memory is being perched on her dad’s shoulders in the streets of Disney watching the fireworks together as the day would set. He was his daughter’s best friend and those memories she will always cherish.

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    If you were to ask Debbie what is the one thing that never wavered about her life with Andy, she would tell you his constant support, willingness to help and his steadfast and unconditional love for her. Debbie always said I have met my soulmate.

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The life lessons he taught his children made them the strong and independent people they are today. Andy will be missed terribly by friends and family alike. The world has lost a bright and shining light, but heaven has gained another angel.