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Longtime Woodside firefighter dies at 71

John Clifford "Cliff" Andrews, a firefighter with the Woodside Fire Protection District for 33 years, died Oct. 12. He was 71.

Mr. Andrews was a longtime resident of Woodside. He joined the Woodside fire district as a "sleeper" in 1953, aiding firefighters with nighttime emergencies in exchange for pay and living quarters.

He became a full-time professional firefighter in 1958, and was promoted through the ranks to engine company lieutenant, and then fire captain in 1977.

When California passed a law banning outdoor debris burning, Mr. Andrews saw an opportunity and started the Andrews and Sons vegetation debris-removal service. Working with his son Matt, he had clients that owned numerous estates in Woodside and Portola Valley, family member said.

His debris-removal service turned into a valuable asset for the fire district's emergency mapping program, since his regular access to large estate properties allowed him to constantly update the maps.

Mr. Andrews retired from the Woodside Fire Protection District in September 1986, though he remained close with his former colleagues and went on annual hunting trips with them. He is remembered as well-respected firefighter with a strong work ethic and deep commitment to his profession and community, family members said.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn Andrews of Hillsboro, Oregon; his stepchildren Lisa Montealegre of Hillsboro, Oregon, Lori Alonso of Pleasanton, Scott Stoneback of Sausalito, and son Matthew Andrews of Aurora, Colorado; and two grandsons.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial donations be made to the Oregon Humane Society, P.O. Box 11364, 1067 NE Columbia Blvd., Portland, OR 97211-0364.

Posted by Sam, a resident of the Woodside: Woodside Glens neighborhood, on Dec 3, 2007 at 9:24 pm

I grew up down the street from Mr. Andrews, and remember him as a good man. RIP.