Andrew Janowsky Obituary

thank you for bringing happiness and joy to my childhood as i watched you play for the 4th of july parades. i miss all the dancing and watching you guys play. rest easy andy and i wish ur family the best throughout these hard times.

Just a few days ago, my wife and I were planning a trip out west and thought about looking up our friends Andy and Linda, only to hear the shocking news of Andy’s tragic and untimely passing. The last time we saw both of them was in 1997 when they had just moved in to their newly built home outside Durango.

I met Andy around 1982 playing music in and around Durango. Some of us would go to this little pub out Florida Road where they had an open mic night and sit in with others doing the same. Andy wandered in one night and joined in and from that we started the band Highway Robbery. We worked that band as hard as we could for about 3 years all around the 4 corners area, and in that time I can’t tell you how much Andy positively affected my life. He was a rock.

He was a generous and massively talented soul, with a gift for memorizing and learning songs instantaneously. He told me about living in Walsh when he and his father worked the wheat fields, harvesting something like 3000 acres in one of those massive tractors, the stereo blaring in the cab, singing along with his musical heroes, and sometimes getting buzzed by low flying B-52’s performing low altitude training missions out of Tinker.

I remember driving to a gig in Silverton in Andy’s 4x4 in a white-out following a snowplow’s tracks. In your 20’s you’re indestructible, and sometimes took chances believing you could survive anything with a friend like Andy by your side.

As many of us know, Andy was just like that Fearless, Strong, Talented, Intelligent, Honorable, Trustworthy, Devout

My heart and my deepest condolences go out to Linda, Phil and Mary Jo and family, and everyone touched by Andy.

We’ll miss you brother. Safe travels.

Rob Stokes, Nashville, TN

I knew Andy in the 80’s when he was with law enforcement, he had a droll sense of humor and was fun to be around. As a ‘cop’ he was nothing but professional & conscientious. It is heart- breaking that this especially good man has been taken from us too soon. My sincere sympathy to Andy’s wife & family.

With deepest sympathy- Andrew and I were classmates at High Plains grade school in Leoti - have many great memories with Andrew and the Janowsky family

Scott Miller

With deepest sympathy- Andrew and I were classmates at High Plains grade school in Leoti - have many great memories with Andrew and the Janowsky family

Scott Miller

I consider myself to be one of the lucky ones to have had so many opportunities to be with Andy and Linda. The High Rollers gigs in the 4 corners and in Europe were great fun and good times, that would never happened without Andy's energy, drive, and vitality, and Linda's hard work and support. I will miss him for so many reasons. he was one of a kind, to say the least. Linda, we love you, and are here for you, whatever you may need.
god bless you both.
Much love forever,
clay

I consider my self one of the lucky ones to have had so many opportunities to be with Andy and Linda. The High Roller gigs in the 4 corners and in Europe were great fun and good times, that would never have happened without Andy's drive and vitality, and Linda's hard work and support. I will miss him in so many ways. He was one of a kind to say the least. Linda, we love you, and are here for you, whatever you need.
God bless you both.

My prayers and condolences go out to the family. I loved the time we lived across the street and got to know him and Linda. They were great neighbors. So, sorry to hear of his passing.

I met Andy over 20 years ago when I was looking for a band for a special event I was coordinating in Farmington, NM. I was impressed not only by the band, but by Andy's good heart and kindness over the years. He always went out of his way to acknowledge the "Farmington Dance Group" whenever we were able to attend their dances and other venues. We loved dancing to their music and enjoyed the humor that Andy and the band displayed when they would do a "comedic routine". We were all disappointed when Andy posted on Facebook that The High Rollers were closing down as a group, for most venues, but understood that he had a higher calling and needed the time to explore that calling. I was so glad when I found out that Andy had ministered to a friend of mine, in Monte Vista, when she lost her mother to Covid last year. She was blessed by his kindness and comforted by his words. We will all miss him. Prayers to the family.
Rest in Peace, Andy
Betty & Ernie Asmus, Farmington, NM 2/27/2021

Cheri & I started met Andy and started dancing sometime in the early '80s and raised four boys to his music. He will be missed greatly. Linda, our prayers are for you and all of his family!

Andy and I started playing music together when we were in our early 20s. We got back together in 1995 playing in the High Rollers Band. Losing Andy was like losing a family member. He was a great person and dear friend. Condolences to Linda and the Janowsky family.

It was an absolute pleasure to have known Andy, even though for a short duration. Andy restored my faith in God and gave me new found purpose. I am forever grateful that our paths crossed. I am sorry for your loss Linda and Family, your faith is inspiring. RIP Andy!

As a newcomer to Durango in 1984 and student at Ft Lewis, I met Andy when I joined the LaPlata County Sheriff's Office. Andy was a shining star, role model and all around exemplary human being from my view. Although I've not seen or spoken to him since 1987, his persona left an imprint on me that a won't ever forget. It was my honor to have known and served in law enforcement with him and the family and friends of Andy have my very deepest condolences and sorrow for this huge loss. God bless him and each of you as well. Maybe his sacrifice will help bring a greater level of respect for the illness which claimed him and which so many seem to question.

Andy, brother in Christ, friend, teacher encourager, singer, someone who always pointed to Jesus, humble, kind, funny, a godly husband loving and honoring Linda♡, walked out his faith by example, I will miss his biblical teaching. We will Miss him leading worship and teaching, miss his smile and his glad heart. Jesus sure did shine through him!!!!
We love you Linda so much, and our hearts grieve with you and we will continue to lift you in prayer!
In the loving grip of Christ,

Kari and Duane.

I can't express how moved I have been by Andy's spirit. I was fortunate to have worked with him on a few projects and thankful for the truck time spent with him on the way to locations. His kindness will be missed, but I'm so grateful to have spent part of my life with both Andy and Linda. I know he's in a great place, I just wish he hadn't been taken so soon.

Angels come and take us to Heaven when our time on Earth is done.
I would like to believe that Andy is in Heaven now to watch over everyone he had the opportunity to meet.
All of his family and friends are blessed to have Andy in their lives
He is not gone. He lives in our minds, thoughts and hearts.
God bless you Andy.
Erick Nelson

I had the honor of meeting Andy at FLC, followed him as he played with Hiway Robbery, while I still lived in Durango. The last time I saw hi and Linda was at the crazy time in Lomafor that party and music, music, music. A pleasure to have known you and Miss Linda!

Linda, our hearts go out to you and we pray for healing for your broken heart and for peace and strength to help you make it through this painful time. I loved listening and dancing to Andy’s music and watching the band play. You could just tell that Andy was one of the good guys. His compassion for others will be surely missed in this world. We feel blessed to have known him.

I first met Andy when we were both in law enforcement, he was an amazing man and always had a kind word to say. He will be missed.

"Yeah when this flesh and heart shall fail, and mortal life shall cease, I shall possess within the veil, a life of joy and peace."
Condolences to Dan and all the family.

We met Andy in Pagosa when he and his band were doing their event for the local high school fund raising event for the wrestlers, five plus years ago. The two of them bonded over Andy's lyrics to Dust to Rust, as KS guys who understood. Del even videoed Andy's dad singing. They became text friends. Del's last text to Andy just before this past Christmas was, "Long Live the West ," and Del told Andy he better do a sequel to Dust to Rust, based on the foreseeable economy. Andy said, yes it's sad and maybe it should be called 'Dumb and Dumber! We'll surely miss him. He's truley in God's country now. What a great guy!!!

Andy was truly an incredible man. He will be missed greatly. Prayers and condolences to the family and to all he touched

Andy was the kind of guy who was a friend to everyone and never failed to say "hi, how are ya'". Linda, you have so many happy memories left to you. My deepest sympathy to you. Know that many, many people out there think of you, pray for you and wish you the best. We never know what God has in store for us. God be with you. My family all sends their love and condolences. May you find solace in the words of so many people who loved Andy. Bless you, honey. We'll see you in Heaven, Andy!

My heart is broken. I am so sorry for this huge loss in your family, and the community. He was special in so many ways, to so many people. Andy, we will mourn your loss, we will miss your presence, but we will celebrate your presence in the Kingdom of God. See you soon.

You will be greatly missed but we will see you in Heaven, prayers for the Angels to hold and comfort the Family.

Andy was one of the kindest and full of God men I knew. He always had a smile, hug, and words of encouragement! I will miss him! But I know he is in Heaven and in a much better place. I am so sorry Linda-I may not be in Durango but pray for you daily!

Andy was truly a wonderful person to know. We met in his capacity as a police officer and his kindness helped me through some difficult times. He never forgot my name or face and we saw each other often at functions in the community. I loved to see the band perform and am grateful for the role music played in my life and the joy of seeing them when I would drop in the Wild Horse when they played. Andy always had a hug and a moment to spend with people. I want his family to know that I hold them all in my heart. He was a delight.

RIP Andy. There are no words right now except you will be sorely missed. The comfort we have is knowing we will ALL meet again in "That Place"! God bless and many prayers to Linda for her comfort and well being as she adjusts to life without you, even though she will always know in her heart that you are forever near and your love for her will always keep her safe. God Bless you all.