Craig Spencewith files from the Nanaimo Daily News
Zak Andrews, a 19 year-old Ladysmith man killed in a motor vehicle accident on the Nanaimo Parkway, is being remembered as an “amazing son” and a “guy who always left you with a smile on your face.”
Andrews was pronounced dead at the scene after his Mazda RX8 was struck head-on by a Suzuki Sidekick, which drove through the turning lane at Mostar Road on the Nanaimo Parkway into the northbound lane.
The 35 year-old Nanoose man who drove into the intersection was critically injured in the crash.
“Zak was an amazing son. His life was one big adventure after another,” said his mother, Denise Tutte. “He was fearless. He loved his family and friends unconditionally with every fibre of his being. Our lives are better for having known him.”
Said Zak’s sister, Jenaya Tutte, “When you think of Zak words like ‘goofy’, ‘crazy’, and ‘loving’ come to mind. He always left you with a smile on your face, and always made sure that you knew he loved you. I was lucky to have him as my brother bear.”
Family and friends have been posting tributes to a man who has had a deep, positive influence on many.
“The greatness of your life isn’t measured on how long you lived or how much money you had. It’s measured on the things you do with the time you get and the lives you touch in that amount of time,” said sister Jordyn Tutte. “Zak touched so many lives just by being himself. He may have driven teachers friends and family crazy, but he was somebody you couldn’t help but love. He had such a happy, loving vibe that will remain in our hearts forever. I will miss and love you forever my brother bear.”
Added sister Maddy Andrews, “Zak is loved beyond belief. He was an amazing big brother and our lives will always be missing something now that he’s gone. We will never forget him. Zak had such a huge impact on my life and it’s hard to imagine a world without him, let alone live in one. Zak, thank you for being the greatest gift from God I could ever ask for. I love you forever and always.”
A friend Dakota said he would be ‘the best uncle’ he could to Zak’s daughter. “It’s hard not to remember all the great times we had, the laughs we shared, and the birth of a daughter/niece that brought two families together. I miss you buddy! I’ll watch over the family for ya and be the best uncle I can for your daughter.”
A celebration of Andrews’ life is being planned for Oct. 17, with information posted on the Facebook page: Celebration of life of Zak Andrews.