Andrew P. Black

Andrew Paul Black was born on January 14, 1978, in Rexburg, Idaho, to D. Kim and Janita Black. He was the sixth of eight children and enjoyed an active, adventure-filled childhood. Andrew loved horseback riding, camping, fishing, and hunting with his dad and brothers, and cherished time spent exploring the mountains. Raised in a musical home, he developed a deep appreciation for music and played the trumpet throughout his teenage years.

As he grew, Andrew discovered a love for the outdoors—especially rock climbing, skiing, and hiking—which he shared with many college and high school friends. At age 13, he was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease that would affect him throughout his life, yet he faced every challenge with quiet strength and determination never complaining.

Andrew served faithfully as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Mission. He remained an active and devoted member throughout his life, serving in many callings including Sunday School, Elders Quorum, Primary, and most recently, as a member of the Ontario Oregon Stake high council.Andrew had a deep and abiding testimony of Jesus Christ. His faith guided every aspect of his life, and he found peace and purpose in following the Savior’s example of love and service. He often bore quiet but powerful witness of God’s hand in his life and found great comfort in knowing that trials could bring growth and draw him closer to Christ.

While attending college, Andrew met his future wife, Becky Anderson. They became fast friends, dated for a year, and were later married in the Idaho Falls Temple. During their courtship, Andrew learned that his kidney disease had progressed to the point of requiring a transplant. After a period on dialysis, his sister Janine gave him the incredible gift of life by donating one of her kidneys. Thanks to her generosity, Andrew was able to marry Becky and begin their life together.

Andrew attended Ricks College and Idaho State University, earning a degree in Biology. Shortly before completing his studies, their first child, Kimball, was born. The young family then moved to Des Moines, Iowa, where Andrew attended Des Moines University, studying podiatric medicine. While in Iowa, they welcomed their daughter Hazel, who immediately captured her father’s heart. Their time in Iowa was filled with happy memories and lifelong friendships.

Following medical school and residency rotations, Andrew completed a three-year residency program in Salt Lake City, Utah, while working at the Veterans Hospital. During that busy time, their son Henry joined the family. Upon completing his training, Andrew accepted a position with St. Alphonsus Health System and moved his family to New Plymouth, Idaho, where they hoped to put down roots.

Several years later, Andrew’s transplanted kidney began to fail, and he again faced the challenges of dialysis and surgery. His brother Randy stepped forward to give him another precious gift—a second kidney. Not long after, their youngest son Wilson was born, completing their family.

For 14 years, Andrew served the communities of Ontario and Fruitland as a podiatrist with St. Alphonsus. He was deeply respected by his colleagues and beloved by his patients—not only for his medical skill but for his compassion. He had a gift for making others feel seen and valued, often taking time to sit with a grieving widow or visit with an elderly patient who simply needed company.

Andrew lived by the motto, “I work hard so that I can play hard.” He found joy on the river, rafting and fishing with his brothers, hiking new trails, and camping with his family. He loved sharing his passion for the outdoors with his children, creating countless cherished memories on their adventures together.

Music was another lifelong passion for Andrew. He appreciated good music deeply and often said that “music is a religion.” He was selective in his tastes and loved educating his family about what qualified as “good music.” He passed this love on most especially to Hazel, who became his concert buddy and fellow band enthusiast. His encyclopedic knowledge of artists, lyrics, and genres was legendary—so much so that when he played music during surgeries, the staff would often laugh and tease him about his obsessive music trivia. Music brought Andrew joy, connection, and a sense of peace throughout his life.

In recent years, Andrew’s greatest joy was spending time with Becky. They treasured their weekly temple dates and loved exploring new places together. Hawaii became a favorite destination, and a trip to Italy with his “kidney siblings” was among his most treasured experiences.

Andrew returned home to his Heavenly Parents following a cranial hemorrhage, which was complicated by years of health challenges associated with his ongoing kidney disease. His family is heartbroken by his passing but deeply grateful for his enduring example of faith, kindness, and courage. In honor of his generous spirit, the family chose to continue his legacy by donating his organs—giving the same gift of life that blessed him for so many years.

Andrew is survived by his loving wife, Becky Anderson Black, and their children Kimball, Hazel, Henry, and Wilson. He is also survived by his mother, Janita Black, and siblings Dalton (Peggy), Brent (Charlene), Janine (Nathan) Mo‘o, Randall (Chandra), Karna (Jared) Kunz, and Thomas (Torri).

He was preceded in death by his father, Darvil Kim Black, and brother, Bryan Black.

His family finds peace in knowing they will be reunited again through the promise of the Resurrection and the eternal love of their Savior, Jesus Christ.

To livestream the service go to the following link, 

https://inmemorial.us/live/inmemorial-main-001