Andrew Gillingham, 29, went to heaven on Jan. 4, 2015.
Andrew was a local born on Aug. 28, 1985, in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. Like most of his friends, he enjoyed being outdoors and hanging out with his friends. However, he excelled at anything that was fishing related. He could fish in a mud puddle and catch a fish. He worked primarily on the charter boats Vixen with Capt. Neill Finkel, Sunrise with Capt. Kelly Windes, Outta Line with Capt. Trey Windes, Vengeance with Capt. Jason Hallmark, and Back Down with Capt. Gary Jarvis. He had his 100-ton captain's license and carried the load of several men on the deck of a boat with skill, determination, focus, laughter, and fun. He had the personality to turn every fishing experience into a great memory. He could fix anything and knew his way around an engine room better than some mechanics. He could paint, fiberglass, build, or fix a boat right into shape. He always carried his pocket knife and wielded it relentlessly at anything broken.
Andrew had a good heart and would help anyone anytime. He didn't know the word “no” and could cheer up anyone. He made everyone feel special and could remember people's names and stories from years ago when he had only fished with them once. He had an amazing smile that was especially bright when he was cooking up something mischievous which was often. If he did frown, it was usually part of prank he was concocting.
He was loved. His fishing family is torn between the gratitude of knowing him and the anger that he is gone too soon.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Kathryn Jensen. He is survived by his mother, Debbie Gillingham; sister, Ajalin Gallardo; and his lifelong fishing buddies in Destin, Fla.
Visitation will be held at 3 p.m. Jan. 9 with a Celebration of Life immediately following at 4 p.m. at the Destin Fishing Fleet Marina at 210 Harbor Blvd., officiated by Father Mike Hesse.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Destin Fisherman's Foundation.