In Loving Memory of Andy Rother

When one of our own falls, we rise together.

On June 24th, my older brother, Andy Rother, passed away suddenly—leaving behind his beloved wife, Celia, and their beautiful daughter, Maria.

Andy and I chose different paths in life. While I pursued my career here in the States, Andy chose a life rooted in love and service across the world in Japan. He built a home there, not just of walls and furniture—but of bedtime stories, holiday magic, and unconditional devotion. He dressed up as Santa for Maria, made sure she was tucked in every night with a story, and even said yes to a flying squirrel as a pet. He was the kind of dad every child deserves. He was the kind of man who gave everything he had—for his family, for love.

But Andy was also the kind of person who never asked for help. He quietly shouldered life’s burdens on his own. I’ve learned recently that after a string of car troubles—beginning with an accident and continuing with unreliable replacement vehicles—he missed work, fell behind financially, and struggled to catch up. He never said a word. He just kept trying.

And now, with Andy gone, Celia and Maria are left to pick up the pieces—WITH JUST $200 TO THEIR NAME, an OVERDUE RENT BILL, FUNERAL EXPENSES, and life coming at them fast. Celia, a stay-at-home mom, is now in the daunting position of finding work while grieving and trying to care for their daughter.

This is where we come in.

I’m doing what I can to help. But this is a moment where we—as Andy’s friends, as family, as fellow humans—can step in and make a difference. We have strength in numbers. And together, we can help Celia and Maria land a little softer from this unimaginable tragedy.

Even a small donation helps. If you can spare $5, $20, $100—whatever you feel led to give—it will make a real impact. Let’s be the village they need right now. Let’s show them the same quiet love and support that Andy gave so freely to others.

We’ve all faced hard times. We’ve all needed a hand. This is our chance to pay it forward. To show up for a man who gave so much, and for the family who meant everything to him.

Thank you for your kindness. Thank you for your heart. And thank you for helping us honor Andy—not just with words, but with action.

With gratitude,

Steve Rother

(Andy's Brother)