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Family, friends mourn Eastman
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by Andriy Pazuniak
Wednesday, February 1, 2006
Andrew "Andy" Eastman, a University of Wisconsin student who passed away after a car accident Jan. 29, will be remembered by family and friends as an avid outdoorsman, dedicated student, and, most importantly, a loving and devoted family man.
Eastman's car was rear-ended in a four-car wreck on a Beltline exit ramp Sunday night, and later died after he was transported to University Hospital.
"He was a very special kid, gifted in so many ways," Pamela Smoler, Eastman family spokesperson and family friend, said in a phone interview Wednesday. "I think [the family] is holding things together as best they can."
A native of Monona, Eastman, 27, was a third-year legal studies major at UW, and worked as a legal assistant at Smoler's law firm for eight years.
Engaged to his high school sweetheart, Eastman and his fiancé owned two dogs together.
Both dogs were with Eastman during the accident, and one of them, "Baby," also died as a result of the crash.
"The two dogs were like children to him and his fiancé," said Smoler, who added the other dog, "Leroy," is doing well. "He took his dogs everywhere."
Eastman was an avid musician and the lead singer in a band and enjoyed doing a lot of outdoor activities, Smoler, who is also the mother of Eastman's childhood best friend, said.
A 1997 graduate of Monona Grove high school, Eastman enjoyed annual camping trips to Boundary Waters Canoe area in northern Minnesota with high school friends, Smoler said.
Family and friends plan to cremate Eastman's remains and spread them over Boundary Waters Canoe area.
"[Eastman] and his friends have remained close since high school," Smoler said. "And they said Andy had said, should anything ever happen to him, that that's what he'd like them to do."
The family will hold visitation services from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Monona.
Both services are open to the public, and Saturday's visitation will be followed by mass services at Immaculate Heart of Mary.
UW Interim Dean of Students Lori Berquam said she plans to attend the services.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with [Eastman's] family," Berquam said Tuesday. "He was really, really proud of being a Badger."
Smoler echoed Berquam's sentiment, saying Eastman was "proud to be a UW student."
But, above all else, Smoler said Eastman was devoted to his family.
"He was a dedicated student, and he loved his family," Smoler said. "Andy was a remarkable person."
Anonymous (February 2, 2006 @ 12:34pm):
I thought that Leroy passed away, not Baby. According to the Sate Journal is was Leroy.
Anonymous (February 2, 2006 @ 6:20pm):
I love you Andy!!! We'll all miss you very much! Emily
Anonymous (February 2, 2006 @ 11:03pm):
Andy you were a good friend, I'll always remember our time in MATC's College Choir God speed buddy
-Ryan
