Bob had other loves, the sea and sailing, reading, but “more than anything he loved his family,” said Patricia. “He was a wonderful devoted father and husband. And, most of all, he loved to walk with Mom.”“They were the original role models for togetherness, that’s how we picture Bob and Norma, walking into town holding hands,” said Cathy Barringer. “It seemed like they spent every single minute together in a very loving way.”Cathy and Carl Barringer and the Andrews worked together on numerous fundraisers for the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Paula, Blanchard Community Library and Santa Clara Valley Hospice Home Support Group, among others.“Bob’s own talent and his connections in the musical world is what made those concerts so special,” including musical headliners and top-flight sound technicians, said Barringer. “Nobody could resist helping him and Norma was always there, tying up the loose ends, a wonderful team. We never, ever could have done any of those fundraisers without Bob. His own talent was so awesome, he could play any kind of music and he was always a delight to work with, so much fun! Carl and I were his biggest admirers.”Andrews indeed had a far and wide following who were delighted with his CDs and tapes.“Dad played with a lot of artists in Los Angeles as well as in Ventura County,” said Patricia. “Everybody just loved my dad. . .he loved his home at Hillview with mom and all his friends. He was a wonderful guy, just wonderful. He was a self-made man with strong determination, steady as a rock. He set a foundation for his family and did a wonderful job.”In addition to wife Norma and daughter Patricia, sons Charles and Roger, daughter Carol, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild also survive Bob.The family asks that memorial donations in Bob’s name be made to Blanchard Community Library, 119 N. 8th St., Santa Paula, CA 93060.A family celebration of Bob’s life will be private.
Piano man: Community favorite Bob Andrews dies at 87
April 07, 2004
Santa Paula News
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By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula TimesWriter, musician, politician, newspaper owner and people lover, Bob Andrews was always upbeat, whether it was joyfully lending his talents for fundraiser success or waving happily at passing cars who tooted their horns at Bob and wife Norma on their daily walks.Bob, who with Norma was honored as Santa Paula Citizens of the Year, passed away early Saturday, April 3, 2004, at the age of 87.“He had heart failure and died at home at Hillview Estates in his own bed next to Mom; we were all here together,” said his daughter, Carol Wilson of Ventura.Born on Nov. 20, 1916 in New Jersey, Bob was a “self-made man,” she added.Bob passed away at 2:30 a.m., an early morning hour familiar to musicians, especially those who indulged their passions for jazz, but Bob loved all music and started playing piano at about age 10.Bob resembled a pixie with his bright eyes and wide smile, and no one had a wider grin then Bob when he was sitting at the piano. He often was at the keyboard for wide variety of area clubs and organizations.“Music was his whole life, he loved music, music and family,” said Patricia.Married to Norma for almost 65 years, the couple moved to Santa Paula 17 years ago, after an eclectic career that included Bob’s service as a County Supervisor representing Ventura/Ojai and as the owner/founder of the Ojai Valley News.The Andrews left Ventura County and after stints of living in Woodland Hills and Walnut Creek they returned to Ojai and then moved on to Santa Paula, first residing in McKevett Heights.An accomplished writer, Bob had a regular column in the Santa Paula Chronicle; when it closed Bob transferred his written thoughts and musings to the Santa Paula Times. A proponent of giving credit where credit is due, Bob’s writing reflected his sunny outlook and deep appreciation of the people and city of Santa Paula, although at times he might find a mild scolding warranted.“He really was a wonderful writer,” who authored “No Time for Tears,” published in 1952, a poignant but hopeful book about the polio that struck his son Charles.
