Kenneth Andrews, local freelance photographer, died Feb. 6 of natural causes. He was 61.
Andrews was born March 14, 1953, in the Lancaster area and resided in Philadelphia for most of his life.
He worked as a freelance photographer and had his own photo lab for many years. He also undertook freelance photography for models.
Andrews will be remembered for his wry sense of humor, according to former partner and best friend Henry Whitcomb.
Whitcomb met Andrews years ago at Tavern On Camac and said they immediately became best friends. Although the pair dated for some time, Whitcomb said they managed to stay good friends after the break-up.
“He was so sarcastic. He had a great sense of humor,” Whitcomb said. “We fell immediately in love and our friendship was forever.”
Andrews’ longtime friend Richard Whiteside met him in 1993. They lived in the same neighborhood, and Andrews invited him to a party.
“Ever since then, we had all been friends for years,” Whiteside said, noting he was impressed with Andrews’ relaxed personality.
“He was a guy that had a lot of fun in life. Nothing really bothered him and whenever there was a problem, he would solve it,” Whiteside said. “He was a laidback, very non-nonchalant guy.”
Whitcomb said Andrews was a “people person” who always aimed to please. “He loved people and he just loved life,” he said. “He would do anything for anybody. He would be there for anyone. He was one of a kind and dearly loved.” Whiteside said Andrews’ parties were always memorable. “He loved to throw a party. He loved to have people over and have a good time,” he said. “We always had good times. Where there was a dinner party or a party in general, he was always making the music, making the drinks and making sure everybody was having a good time. We all have stories about his parties that we will remember for a long time.”
Whitcomb said that, in addition to Andrews’ dry sense of humor, he had a keen appreciation for art.
“He just had an eye for it. He could see something that nobody else could see,” he said. “He would take a picture of something and hone in on something specific that nobody else would have noticed.”
Whitcomb said Andrews had a dog named Thor whom he adored. He is survived by his mother, Betty; brother, Keith; sister-in-law, Ilene; and other family members and friends.
A memorial service will be held from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. March 30 at Tangier Bar and Restaurant, 1801 Lombard St.