Andrew Flansaas remembered at Loring Run

On Saturday at 3 p.m., with the temperature in the 20's, a group of runners gathered at Loring to dedicate the day to a loved one who is no longer with us.

Andrew Flansaas, son of Michael and Brenda Flansaas, died June 28 in Alaska, leaving a huge space in the family's lives. The mourners from Montana couldn't attend the funeral in Alaska due to the COVID-19 limitations. His cousin Carmen Norville organized the memorial run to bring awareness to suicide and to honor Andrew's life. Andrew was an adventurer! He kayaked from Sandy Beach to Vancouver, BC, and then rode a bicycle to Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.

He was a friend to everyone he met and helped many with projects.

The participants in the run included Carmen Norville, Ellie, Aubrey, and Cecelie Jonnae Slade, Kellen, and Kenna and Whitney and Jay Blunt, Amus, Everette, and Etta, Carol Lumsden. Following in warm cars were John and Ruth Flansaas and Pete Lumsden, just to let the runners warm up if needed.

At the end of the run which took about an hour and a half, everyone enjoyed a barbeque dinner! I'm sure Andrew would approve of the manner of remembering.

Carmen is hoping to make this memorial run an annual event.