This week I wrote a blog about consumer choices and was ready to send it to Meatingplace tonight. But while at dinner, I received some terrible news: On April 27, at 6:42 p.m., my dear friend Andy passed away after a battle with cancer. I was devastated. It doesn’t matter how much we prepare for death, when a friend or loved one’s time has come, it is an awful and helpless feeling. Andy was a dear friend to me and to many in the poultry industry, and I will miss him so much.

A few weeks ago, it was his birthday. A month ago, many of us ran the Blue Ribbon Run, a virtual race to support Andy and cancer research. Today was his wedding anniversary, the same day he transitioned to his heavenly home and won his battle with cancer.

I met Andy several years ago when he came to one of our poultry industry workshops (Poultry 201). We all became fast friends and he became part of our poultry family. We started calling him Mr. StarchMan and became our superhero and our moral compass in life. He loved fast cars, he loved to laugh, he loved taking his boat out into the ocean, and he loved using his time and talent to help our industry. He joined our workshop team and loved to teach about starch. He was literally Mr. Starch and was known worldwide for all things starch. Even when he was sick, he always went above and beyond to help his customers.

I have been in this industry a long time, and it never ceases to amaze me how many amazing friendships I make along all the twists and turns of life. When the Blue Ribbon Run registration opened, my poultry bestie and I started a Facebook group (We are the IncrEDIBLES), dedicated to virtual runs to help great causes. The name is fitting as we are all in the food industry. We posted about the run to help Andy, and total strangers signed up and donated to help Andy’s Army team raise money for cancer research. The day of the race, we found out that Andy’s Army was the largest team in the race. For anyone that knew Andy, this was fitting, as he was a great man with a huge heart. Thank you to everyone that joined Andy’s team. I am always amazed at how our industry supports each other both personally and professionally when we need it the most.

My sweet, kind-hearted friend Andy may be gone from this earth, but I will forever hear his voice telling me, “You’re making memories, Christine.” Andy knew that having four kids was enough to drive anyone crazy. It never failed that every time I planned a trip with my kiddos, something crazy would always happen. There was always drama with four kids, especially when they were younger. Over the years, Andy taught me to cherish those “making memories” moments. It is now our go-to saying when something crazy and unexpected happens. My kids and I have made a lot of memories, and thanks to Andy’s wise words, I have been able to enjoy every one of them. A special lesson I will cherish forever.

Life is never easy. There are always twists and turns, ups and downs, and always some surprises along the way. Whatever the situation, I am thankful I have the support and life-long friendships from our industry to help go through the good and the bad. I am thankful Andy came into my life and taught me about making memories, and I am thankful to each of you for being my poultry family. Please keep Andy’s family and friends in your hearts and do something kind for someone else in our industry as a small tribute to a man with a huge heart, Mr. StarchMan.

Mr. StarchMan

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