Mechanicville, NY - Neal Williams Andrews died on December 11, 2016 in Puebla, Mexico.  He was born July 29, 1962, in New York City, to the late Loring B. and Margaret Cherry Andrews.

His family moved to Saranac Lake from Queens in 1966, but returned to New York City after Loring's death in 1973.

Neal is survived by his sister, Leslie Andrews, of Tacoma, WA.  Other survivors include his uncle Gordon Andrews of Riverside CT, and his cousins; Christine of Maui HI, Cindy of Old Greenwich CT, Carey of North Palm Beach FL, and Scott of Albuquerque NM.

Neal graduated from Tottenville High School on Staten Island in 1980 and earned a degree in Horticulture at Colorado State University in 1984.  He owned Upstate Landscape Contractors in Saratoga Springs from 1985 to 2003 before returning to SUNY Plattsburgh to receive a degree in nursing and continuing as a nursing professional. He worked for many years in the emergency department at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany, as well as other hospitals in the Albany area.

His work as a nurse gave him time to pursue his passion for the outdoors.  He was a longtime member of the Adirondack Mountain Club holding various club positions and leading hikes. He traveled all over the world to hike with friends he had made who shared his enthusiasm.  At an early age he had climbed all the 46 Adirondack high peaks (1338W) at least once in both winter and summer. Neal later climbed the highest point in each of the 50 states. Always looking for new outdoor adventures, he took rigorous trips throughout the years to many far-flung places.

Neal dedicated himself to passing on his outdoor knowledge and his love of the Adirondacks to young people, bringing groups of Boy Scouts and others up north to climb in all weather conditions.

For the past 10 years he was deeply involved in working with refugees in the Albany area.  He spearheaded a program to send refugee children to summer camp in order to familiarize them with the outdoors and life in their new home.  He worked tirelessly to raise money and this possible. Neal became close with many refugee families whose children called him Uncle Neal.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Volunteers for Refugees, c/o Laura Amedio, 126 Wellington Ave., Albany, NY 12203 or charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 14 at 2:00 PM at the William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, in Saratoga Springs, NY (584-5373).  A photo and/or brief note about Neal are welcome to be shared.

Neal's ashes will be buried with his parents in Pine Ridge Cemetery, Saranac Lake, in the spring.

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.