One Amazing Man

While Andrei’s obituary will run in the Sunday Tacoma News Tribune, I thought I would post it here for all those interested who may not get that paper. There’s a strange finality to writing and posting an obit for someone you love—maybe that’s why it’s taken me so long….

Andrei Bazdyrev (9/1962 - 8/2011)

Andrei Ivanovich Bazdyrev

Andrei Bazdyrev, 48, was a courageous, kind, and intelligent man. Born in Novosibirsk, Russia, he spent his last year battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. He came to America when he was 28, after having achieved university degrees in English and German language instruction and translation. He later earned an MS in computer systems from City University and became a data architect. He worked for the State of Washington for 19 years, first at DSHS and most recently for the Department of Early Learning.

Andrei’s love of music spanned his whole life. From a teenage rock band to classical guitar studies to recording Mark Knopfler covers, Andrei loved it all. He loved his daughter Juliana even more. She is, in fact, his greatest joy.

Deeply missed by his friends and relatives across the globe, Andrei was especially thankful for the kindness and support of the 10^th floor staff at “Hotel St. Jo’s,” his oncologist Frank Senecal, and his co-workers at DEL.

Andrei is survived by his daughter Juliana from his marriage to Michele Bazdyrev, his family in Russia (brother and sister-in-law Sergei and Tatyana Bazdyrev, nephew Illya, niece Svetlana), and his fiancé Stephanie Lile.

A memorial celebration will be held at 2pm on Sunday, September 4, in the Lodge at Pt. Defiance Park in Tacoma.

Donations may be made in Andrei’s honor to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (http://www.lls.org) in hopes that more research on the effective treatment of adult ALL may help others.

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