January 14, 1978 – October 26, 2025
New Plymouth, Idaho
Early Life
Andrew Paul Black was born on January 14, 1978, in Rexburg, Idaho, to D. Kim and Janita Black. He was the sixth of eight children and grew up in a home filled with love, adventure, and music.
From a young age, Andrew loved horseback riding, camping, fishing, and hunting with his dad and brothers. He cherished time spent exploring the mountains and developed a deep appreciation for nature. Raised in a musical family, he found great joy in music and played the trumpet throughout his teenage years.
Faith & Strength
At age 13, Andrew was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease that would shape much of his life’s journey. Yet, he met every challenge with quiet strength, faith, and an unshakable optimism—never once complaining.
He served faithfully as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Mission. Throughout his life, he served in many callings, including Sunday School, Elders Quorum, Primary, and most recently as a member of the Ontario Oregon Stake High Council.
Andrew’s testimony of Jesus Christ was the foundation of his life. He lived by faith, served with love, and often shared powerful witness of God’s hand in his journey. His steadfast belief in the Savior’s plan gave him peace through every trial.
Marriage & Family
While attending college, Andrew met his future wife, Becky Anderson. The two quickly became close friends, dated for a year, and were later married in the Idaho Falls Temple.
Before their marriage, Andrew’s kidney disease had advanced to the point of needing a transplant. His sister Janine selflessly donated one of her kidneys, giving him the gift of renewed life and the chance to begin his eternal marriage with Becky.
Andrew attended Ricks College and Idaho State University, earning a degree in Biology. During this time, their first child, Kimball, was born. The young family then moved to Des Moines, Iowa, where Andrew attended Des Moines University to study podiatric medicine. While in Iowa, they welcomed their daughter Hazel, who captured her father’s heart instantly.
Following medical school and residency rotations, Andrew completed a three-year residency at the Veterans Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. During that busy and fulfilling time, their son Henry joined the family. After his training, Andrew accepted a position with St. Alphonsus Health System, and the family settled in New Plymouth, Idaho, where their youngest son Wilson was later born, completing their family.
When his transplanted kidney began to fail years later, Andrew once again faced the challenge with courage. His brother Randy stepped forward to donate another kidney, giving Andrew additional years with his beloved family.
Career & Service
For 14 years, Andrew served the communities of Ontario and Fruitland as a podiatrist with St. Alphonsus. He was deeply respected by his colleagues and adored by his patients—not only for his medical expertise but for his compassion.
Andrew had a rare gift for making others feel valued. He often took extra time to comfort a grieving widow or simply visit with an elderly patient who needed a friend. His kindness and genuine care left lasting impressions on everyone he met.
Passions & Personality
Andrew lived by the motto, “I work hard so that I can play hard.” He loved the outdoors—rafting and fishing on the river with his brothers, hiking new trails, camping with his family, and savoring the beauty of God’s creations.
Music was another lifelong passion. He often said, “Music is a religion,” and he treated it as such. With a sharp ear and discerning taste, he shared his love of great music with his family—especially his daughter Hazel, his concert buddy and fellow music enthusiast. His encyclopedic knowledge of artists, lyrics, and genres became legendary among friends and coworkers.
During surgeries, his playlists became a source of joy and laughter, and his love for good music brought light to even the most routine days.
Later Years & Legacy
In recent years, Andrew and Becky found great joy in time spent together. They loved their weekly temple dates, quiet evenings at home, and adventures exploring new places. Hawaii became a cherished destination, and a trip to Italy with his “kidney siblings” was among his most treasured experiences.
Andrew passed away following a cranial hemorrhage, complicated by years of kidney-related health challenges. True to his generous spirit, his family chose to continue his legacy through organ donation, blessing others just as he had been blessed.
Family
Andrew is survived by his devoted wife, Becky Anderson Black, and their children: Kimball, Hazel, Henry, and Wilson; his mother, Janita Black; and his siblings: Dalton (Peggy), Brent (Charlene), Janine (Nathan) Mo‘o, Randall (Chandra), Karna (Jared) Kunz, and Thomas (Torri).
He was preceded in death by his father, Darvil Kim Black, and brother, Bryan Black.
Legacy
Andrew’s life was defined by love, faith, and service. He taught by quiet example that joy can be found in gratitude, that courage is born of faith, and that kindness is the truest form of strength. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he blessed, the music he loved, and the family he cherished above all.
His family finds peace in knowing they will be reunited again through the promise of the Resurrection and the eternal love of their Savior, Jesus Christ.
