Andy Kerr was a supporter of Friends of Lone Fir Cemetery; we honored his memory with this holiday wreath

Photo by Linda Jenkins Werts, a volunteer with Friends of Lone Fir and Andy was one of the supporters; they honored him with this wreath.

Andrew Philip Kerr passed away unexpectedly Nov. 10, 2014, at the age of 70. Andy was born May 4, 1944, the eldest son of George A.D. and Nadine (Tenney) Kerr. He grew up in Portland, attended the Catlin Gabel School and graduated in 1962 from The Thacher School in Ojai, Calif. He earned his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College and graduated from Willamette University College of Law in 1969.

Andy was a founding partner in the law firm of Gilbertson, Brownstein, Sweeney, Kerr and Grim. In his law practice, as in his personal life, he offered guidance and support with patience, a clear perspective and always a sense of humor.

Andy was proud of his Scottish heritage and cherished tradition. Under his direction, a family Christmas party that was first celebrated more than a hundred years ago continues to this day. The party's combination of black-tie formality and a knock-down version of musical chairs perfectly reflects Andy's spirit.

Andy enjoyed playing golf all of his life. He competed in the Oregon Coast Invitational for 35 years. He was a good tennis and squash player, enjoyed working in the garden and was a delightful storyteller. He loved all the dogs in his life, especially his chocolate Lab, Mission Bell.

He was a member of the Waverley Country Club, University Club, Multnomah Athletic Club, the Racquet Club, Astoria Golf and Country Club and de Anza Country Club in Borrego Springs, Calif. He was proudest of his membership in Thacher's Silver Dollar Club. He earned that honor by scooping up a silver dollar from the ground while cantering by on his beloved horse, Bandit.

Andy is survived by his wife, Marjorie; children, Rob Kerr (Erin), Allison Kerr Bjork (Chris), Jennifer Smesrud (Jason) and Malcolm Jamison (Coleen); grandchildren, Rory and Ella Kerr, Anders, Henry and Geordie Bjork, Logan and Quinn Smesrud and January Jamison; brother, Donny; sister, Eleana; and former wife, Martha Hammond Kerr.

As Andy loved to say, "May honor and fairness and kindness and truth be ours 'til life's struggle is through." A celebration of Andy's life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014, at Waverley Country Club. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Andy's memory to the Mabel Macleay Kerr Memorial Horse Program Fund at the Thacher School.

Burial:
Lone Fir Pioneer Cemetery
Portland
Multnomah County
Oregon, USA
Plot: B17 MacLeay Mausoleum