Obituary of Andrew Walker Hagedorn

 

Andrew Walker Hagedorn passed away on October 24, 2021. He was born January 28, 1993, to Kimberley Christopher Smart and David Kirk Hagedorn in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he spent most of his life. He had a huge heart, an infectious smile, and a hearty laugh. He truly cared for everyone, taught us all how to love unconditionally, and leaves behind a legacy of genuine kindness.

 

Andrew graduated with honors from East High School and attended Westminster College, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and minors in psychology and environmental studies. He loved his time at Westminster, serving as Speaker of the Senate, a Sustainability Fellow, and a member of Griffin Quest.  After graduation he worked as a ski instructor at Solitude, as the Sustainability Coordinator at Rowland Hall, and as a behavioral health technician in the recovery and autism fields. He was an Eagle Scout and a Youthlinc Young Humanitarian Award finalist. He also received the Inclusion Center Emerging Young Humanitarian Award, Nestle Very Best in Youth Award, and the President’s Volunteer Award.

 

Andrew cared deeply about saving our earth. He was happiest in nature—especially at the cabin—and in service to others. Although he was only here a short time, he made a difference in so many people’s lives—especially homeless youth and aged-out foster kids. His advocacy helped raise more than $1 million for the Road Home and to help establish the Utah Youth Mentor Project’s Milestone House for young men aging out of foster care.

 

Andrew is survived by his parents, his sisters Sarah Gerstner (Brady) and Tia Smart, nephews Brody and Brooks, grandmothers Lyn Christopher and Rosemary Hagedorn, and former stepfather Geoff Smart. Despite his many accomplishments, Andrew struggled with his physical health, mental health, and addiction. He went to treatment many times, yet in the end, he lost the battle. His death leaves a huge hole in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

 

A memorial service will be held on November 14^th at 4:00 pm at St. James Church in Midvale (masks required), followed by a reception in the amphitheater. Andrew would want you to wear color. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Andrew Hagedorn Legacy Scholarship at Westminster College to benefit first generation and low-income students, or to the VOA Youth Resource Center. To plant a tree in his honor, please visit the Tribute Store.

 

If you have a loved one suffering from addiction, help is out there. We encourage you to visit Parents of Addicted Loved Ones.

 

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Andrew Hagedorn, please visit our Tree Store