Obituary of Andrew A. Barron

Andy Barron, 67, beloved husband and father passed away peacefully Thursday, January 4, 2018 surrounded by loving friends and family at St. Lukes. Andrew Ashley Barron was born February 26, 1950 to William & Fleeta Barron. He grew up in Buhl on the family farm with his sister, Susan. They farmed and raised sheep and learned a lifelong hard work ethic. The work ethic led him to transfer this to his love of sports especially football, wrestling, and track. Andy loved playing football for the Buhl Indians. He received the athlete of the year award at Buhl High School in 1968. He received a full-ride football scholarship to Idaho State University. He played center for the Bengals and was the co-captain of the team his senior year. He was named Big Sky offensive player of the year. It was at ISU that he met Mary, his partner for life. After graduating in 1973, he was able to continue his love of sports through teaching and coaching at Jerome High School, Bonneville High School, and finally Twin Falls High School. After receiving his master's degree, he furthered his love of education and sports by becoming vice-principal/athletic director at TFHS. He loved working with students, parents, athletes, and co-workers during his long career of 34 years. During the course of his career, he was acknowledged by the Fourth District and IHSAA for his contributions to student athletics by receiving an A-1 Football coaching award for the 1982 season, and the 1981-82 Fourth District Coaches Association A-1 Wrestling Coach of the Year Award. He was also recognized with the Distinguished Service Award in 1997, Fourth District Service Award in 2002, Appreciation for Service Award in 2004, Athletic Director of the Year in 2006, and the Dick Fleischmann Memorial Award in 2007. In 2010 Idaho Athletic Administrators Association recognized him for a lifetime of service and significant contribution to the activity/athletic programs of Idaho. After his retirement in 2007, he continued helping with the drug testing program in the #411 district and was always available to help with track, cross country meets, and baseball games. After this, he discovered and began another career with the Forest Service in the summer and being on fire crews. He absolutely loved being sent on fires as a driver, then as a supply and distribution officer. He traveled not only to fires in Idaho but also out of state. His last fire ended in September of 2017. The most important part of this kind and caring man's life was his devotion and love for his family. He set the bar high as a husband, father, son, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend. His family will never forget the kind, loving, unassuming role he portrayed every day of his life. Andy was the solid rock on which his family depended. He loved so many activities with family and friends, including golfing, hunting, fishing, camping, and world travel. Andy and Mary were lucky to have so many memorable trips each year with friends. Friend date nights will be greatly missed! They loved their yearly trips to southern California to visit and share good times with family. One of his favorite weekly past times was coffee with "the boys" at Java, where they solved all of life's problems! He will be loved and remembered forever by his loving wife of 44 years, his son and buddy Josh, "J" and his loving "pooh bear" daughter, Sara. He and his sister Susan stayed close all through the years especially with their daily phone calls. His grandchildren will never forget their "Papa." Needless to say, time spent with them was some of the most remarkable and memorable of his life. His unconditional love for Mary never faltered in 44 years. Theirs was a love of a lifetime, only growing stronger and closer through the years. Soulmates and best friends forever! Andy is survived by his loving wife Mary, son Josh Barron, daughter Sara Hafliger (Hank), sister Susan Jones. Also, surviving him are his dear grandchildren, Hannah Barron, Mia Barron, Jacob Hafliger, Cecilia Hafliger, John Hafliger, Anastasia Hafliger, and several nieces and nephews, Sally Colby (Jerry), June Minix (Josh), Colt Jones (Shannon), and Jim Melton (Dawn). The family would like to thank from the bottom of their hearts the doctors, nurses, and other care givers at St. Luke's for the amazing effort and care they put forth in the care of our beloved family member. Special thanks go out to ICU nurses Greta, Jen and Amanda. Thank you also for the kindness and deep concern shown by Dr. Kylan Peterson, Dr. Ball, Dr. Duff, Dr. Rosenblum, and close friend Dr. Dave McClusky. All were truly angels to our family during the stressful hospital time. We have also been overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of love and support from so many friends. We are so grateful to them during this difficult time. The family would also like to suggest in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Twin Falls Education Foundation. A celebration of Andy's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 13, 2018 at Roper Auditorium at Twin Falls High School.