Obituary: Andrew Sterling Ashcraft

Andrew Ashcraft

Andrew Ashcraft

Andrew Sterling Ashcraft, born Feb. 15, 1984, in Orange, Calif., passed away in Yarnell, Ariz., on June 30, 2013, at the age of 29.

Andrew moved to Prescott, Ariz., at the age of 5 with his mother Deborah Pfingston, father Thomas Ashcraft and brother T.J. Ashcraft. He attended Abia Judd Elementary School, Prescott Mile High Middle School, and graduated from Prescott High School in 2003, along with the love of his life, Juliann Crockett Ashcraft.

Andrew and Juliann were married on July 22, 2006. They have four children, Ryder Sterling Ashcraft (6), Shiloh Ashcraft (4), Tate Andrew Ashcraft (3) and Choice Crockett Ashcraft (1). Andrew loved being a family man. He mastered the art of tea parties, wrestling matches, horsey rides, pillow fights, butterfly kisses, dressing up, family prayers, and bedtime rituals. He shared a unique and special relationship with each of his children. Andrew often mentioned that he had always dreamed of being a daddy.

He was a hands-on guy. With everything that Andrew attempted to do, he succeeded. He was a talented athlete who enjoyed skateboarding, baseball, basketball, golf and swimming. He was a master craftsman, often building furniture and keepsakes that are treasured around the family home. He was a gifted writer, artist, and musician who toured with his band prior to settling into life as a family man. He had a passion for learning and often found solace in reading and listening to Ted Nugent.

Andrew loved the outdoors. He enjoyed camping, fishing, hiking, hunting and kayaking. His inherent desire to be in the wilderness, coupled with his childhood dream of being a firefighter, prompted his career as a Hotshot. He joined the Granite Mountain Hotshot Crew in 2011 and was awarded Rookie of the Year. Andrew's job was not "work" for him, but rather a service that he loved and looked forward to each day. He found it an honor to wear the Granite Mountain Hotshot uniform, and he exemplified the crew's motto, "Esse Quam Videri" (to be rather than to seem to be). He worked hard to provide for his family and to teach them the value of hard work and sacrifice, consequently leaving a legacy of valor, courage, determination and heroism for his children, and his nieces and nephews.

He had a real zeal for life. Being referred to as "Treasure" by his Mom, whom he adored, was suitable and appropriate for Andrew. His name, meaning Strong and Pure, was no coincidence either. He lived every day to the fullest, bringing smiles to the faces of everyone he encountered by always wearing one of his own. That contagious smile, notorious mustache and his radiant blue eyes will be remembered by all who knew him. Although his sarcasm was second to none, so was his pure heart. Andrew was ever striving to better himself and leave his footprint on this world. He taught others to be confident in being true to themselves and to live with a grateful heart. His hands were rough and tattered from the hard work of a firefighter, yet tender in an effort to serve those in need, hold his wife's hand or wipe his children's tears.

He was a man who served selflessly his God, his family and his community. Among the last things he wrote just days before his passing were these words: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. He forgives, strengthens, nourishes and heals."

Andrew was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a personal relationship with Christ. His family finds comfort in knowing he is now in His presence.

Andrew is survived by his wife, Juliann Crockett Ashcraft; children Ryder Sterling Ashcraft, Shiloh Ashcraft, Tate Andrew Ashcraft and Choice Crockett Ashcraft; parents Deborah and Jerry Pfingston and Thomas Ashcraft; brother T.J. Ashcraft; sister Shelby Pfingston; many nieces and nephews; brothers and sisters; aunts, uncles and cousins; and friends.

Information provided by survivors.


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