Andrew A High, Jr.

Andrew High , of Toledo, Ohio passed away, Tuesday, November 17, 2009. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on March 31, 1931 to Andrew and Mildred (Matel) High Sr. Andy lived most of his childhood in Webster Groves, Missouri, and settled in Toledo. He received a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri, and a Master of Education from the University of Toledo. He served in the U. S. Navy. Andy met his wife, Nancy Nightingale, while covering sports for UT. He taught English at Whitmer High School for many years. He especially enjoyed teaching Shakespeare and the Jazz Club.Known for his extensive jazz record collection, he also enjoyed opera, classical, and southern gospel music. He sang tenor in the church choir, and was known to burst into random song while hiking.Andy was a golfer, bowler, and avid fisherman who often rose at 4am to catch the big one. He took fishing vacations yearly in Arnstein, Ontario, one of his favorite places on earth. Fearless when in the wilderness, this preference for outdoors was a trait he passed on to his family through his knowledge and enthusiasm. Andy was an ace Trivial Pursuit player and enjoyed beating his children and grandchildren at cards, especially hearts and rummy. Always an instigator, Andy would wait until he was winning, then innocently ask for a reading of the scores. Andy was very generous, and quite possibly Santa Claus, as evidenced by the mountains of unique and thoughtful Christmas gifts he bestowed upon his children, grandchildren, and friends. An animal lover, he always remembered the pets. He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Mildred High Sr. and his beloved wife, Nancy High.Andy was much loved by many, including his son, Andy (Kristine) High III, his daughters, Kimberly High and Martha (John) DiLorenzo, grandchildren, Michael (Julianne) DiLorenzo, Jeff DiLorenzo, Elizabeth DiLorenzo, Alyssa High, Nicholas High, Matthew Durdel, and many wonderful friends. In honor of Andy, a nature walk will be held on Sunday, November 22 at Oak Opening Metro Park from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at the Mallard Lake area. Any questions, please call 419-473-1301. Visitation for Andy will be at H. H. Birkenkamp Funeral Home, 3219 Tremainsvile (at Alexis) on Sunday, November 22 from 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm. Services will be at 11:00 am in the funeral home on Monday. Interment to follow at Clay Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Metro Parks of Toledo, 5100 Central Ave. Toledo, Ohio 43614 Online condolences may be sent to www.birkenkampfuneralhome.com Andy lived a rich life full of laughter, love and fun. He will be greatly missed.