Andrew Dennis "Andy" Lloyd, 32, left us far too soon on February 18, 2016. Born May 18, 1983, Andy was an answer to the prayers of his parents, Dennis Vaughn and Barbara Sue Lloyd. Andy was a sensitive, gentle soul who enriched all of our lives with his kindness and wit.
Andy grew up in Holladay, Utah and graduated from Cottonwood High School in 2001. That same year, he met Ashley Pavao and the two soon realized they were perfect for each other. They were married on July 31, 2004 in a wedding worthy of their fun-loving nature and edgy style. Andy loved and cherished Ashley, who was his perfect complement.
Andy worked in the IT department at Workers Compensation Fund. He started as a high-school intern and worked diligently all the way through the final hours of his life. As a sixteen-year-old, Andy immediately showed an incredible aptitude for technology. He advanced quickly through the department, improving systems and processes all along the way. Persistence was his hallmark; he thrived on tackling complex, difficult problems and applying his patience and technical genius until he solved them. His incredible memory and love for learning made him a formidable technician. He took great pride in his work and never settled for mediocrity. He was always willing to share his gifts by mentoring others and helping them see the better solution.
There was no technology that Andy couldn't bend to his will. His reputation for solving challenging problems led many friends and co-workers to enlist his help when their computers failed them or their smart phones outsmarted them. Andy's generous nature was never more evident than when he spent countless hours solving intricate technical puzzles for other people ‚ and he did it often, never asking anything in return.
Those who knew Andy recognized his mischievous grin as subtle evidence that he was miles ahead of everyone else in a conversation. His sharp intellect often found its outlet in smart, understated humor and biting sarcasm. His brilliantly crafted nicknames for the people around him were proof of his unparalleled perceptiveness and insight. He always displayed genuine caring and concern for others but he reserved a special love and adoration for his sister Emily, sister-in-law Kim, and niece Jaela. He loved his parents dearly and always looked to his father as a source of personal and professional wisdom.
Andy was an Eagle Scout and a man of classic style, which was obvious from his straight-razor shaves and ever-changing hairdos. His appreciation for both technology and design attracted him to all things Apple. Inspired by Apple's combination of simple beauty and functionality, Andy was never satisfied with simply solving a problem ‚ he always worked till he found the most elegant possible solution.
Andy lived his life by a punk-rock ethic. An accomplished bass-guitarist and drummer, the music of Rush was a huge part of his life's soundtrack. Hard-driving melodies proved the perfect counterbalance for Andy's modest, reserved nature.
While Andy was seldom boisterous, he was intensely principled and always stood up for what he believed in. He was a man of deep integrity, whose zest for life was matched only by his humility and loyalty to those he loved. If you were Andy's friend, you were his friend for life. His family was his whole world and that family included his three pugs. Something about Andy's love for his dogs revealed the purity of his heart and innocence of his soul. While Andy loved to travel, he was always happiest at home, with his family nearby, his dogs at his feet, and Ashley by his side.
Andy felt life more deeply than most and we will forever miss his infectious passion and zeal. In the words of Rush, "Different eyes see different things; different hearts beat on different strings."
Andy is survived by his wife Ashley, parents Dennis and Sue, sister Emily, beloved niece Jaela, sister-in-law Kimberley Pavao, in-laws Bill and Danielle Pavao, and pugs Oscar, Sophie, and Ava.
Friends and family can visit to celebrate Andy's life between 6 and 8 pm on Thursday, February 25, 2016 at the Larkin Mortuary in Riverton, Utah (3688 W. 12600 S.). Memorial services will be Friday, February 26, 2016 at noon at the same location. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Neuroworx pediatric program.
