Remembering Andanas

In Memoriam - Andanas

Our dear friend, Andanas, saddly passed away on the 6th December 2019.

Andanas played Jedi Outcast and Jedi Academy from the time they came out, and was a Council member in the Order of the Jedi {O}, under the name of Sephiroth. He was the Master Sephiroth whose room is on Griffinclaw's Jedi Council GCX map. For a time he paid for the clan's server and website. He left the game in 2004 or 2005, as the Order became less active. He acquired the name "Andanas" from a WoW random name generator. Andanas blended real life and his love of games. He loved science, science fiction, fantasy, and the superhero genre. Star Wars was his favourite franchise. He was a fan of Minnesota United and the Minnesota Wild; his forum profile shows his favourite hockey team preparing for action. He loved music, especially rock and symphonic metal and also had a fondness of technology.

Andanas returned to Jedi Academy in the spring of 2017, buying the game during a sale and quickly realizing how much fun it was. Within a few days he found our server, and visited the (JAWA) forums, where he applied for membership. SeTh granted him a trial the same day, and he was welcomed into the clan at the rank of Padawan by Nightwing and Helena Revan on May 28. Andanas was ranked up to Jedi by Jacobie and the (JAWA) Council on August 4, 2017, and Knighted by Dragon and the Council that November. He received the rank of Guardian in April, 2018, and applied to join the Council that May. After their deliberations were complete, Jacobie welcomed him into the Council on May 20, a week and a day shy of his first clanniversary.

Andanas served as a member of the (JAWA) Council for eighteen months, and was a steady voice in times of uncertainty. Although he had the same feelings as the rest of us, he tried never to let his emotions get the better of him. He always did his best to be the same friendly, reassuring member we all knew, even when he was frustrated. During his time in the clan, Andanas joined the Event Planners, (JAWA) Arts, and the Streamers. Helena Revan trained him as an admin, and he served honourably as Server Administrator from March of 2018 to the end of his career. He learned signature making, and won two contests, including SotW #503 earlier this fall.

Although he often struggled against more skilled fighters, Andanas never let anything keep him down. He participated twice in the (JAWA) Ladder, won three League titles, and was a member of the (JAWA) Knights on two occasions. No matter how hard it was for him to face tougher opponents, he always came back and tried again, giving it his best no matter what. That was inspiring to watch. Andanas always had something nice to say to people, and seldom forgot to welcome people when they joined the clan or congratulate them as they were promoted, passed trials, celebrated birthdays, or won awards. He was always caring and compassionate, even when he had to deliver bad news to people.

His loss has effected the whole clan and now that he's gone, we want to honour and remember him in whatever way we can to keep his memory alive.

Messages From Friends

Andanas was known to many of you as the friendly and dedicated Council member of JAWA, who always put his best foot forward and had been an absolute rock for many of us, including me, becoming one of the best members that has ever joined this clan. He was always very proud of what he did in both OotJ and JAWA. When I first joined the Council back in May 2018, I had the pleasure of being elected alongside Andanas as well, and working with him over the past year and a half, getting to know him better and becoming good friends. Whenever Andy came into the voice channel on Discord, he was very easy to talk to and it was always fun when he was there, whether we were all laughing about something silly we were doing on the server, playing a game of Cards Against Humanity and poking fun at one another, or simply just chatting about recent goings on. Andy was even a big lover of technology, much like myself, giving us plenty to talk about and bond over too. Aside from Jedi Academy, his other top games he would play were Elder Scrolls Online and Final Fantasy XIV, and also not forgetting Sonic The Hedgehog. I will always remember whenever he was on voice chat, and we suddenly heard Chemical Plant Zone playing down his mic. It's really hard to believe you're no longer here with us, Andy. I never got the opportunity to say it before, but I love you, man. Rest in peace. - TheDoctor

Andy was one of the kindest and sweetest people I've ever known! I've never heard a bad word said about him. He was always happy in voice and on the server and was a friend to all. There were many jokes we shared in voice such as calling him Andy Pandy or Andanas in Pyjamas! His laugh was infectious and even if he was a little shy, his presence was always known. I'm honoured that I knew him and got to work with him on the Council and co-hosting SotW. There will never be anybody quite like Andy, he was a genuine and lovely guy all round. (JAWA) will never be the same without him, he will never be forgotten and we will keep his memory alive by honouring him. Andy, I will miss you so much and I hope, wherever you are now, you are at peace! Knowing that you're gone and I won't ever get to talk to you again is utterly heart-breaking. You made a huge impact on all of our lives, you were one of a kind and I'm so happy to say that I knew you and got to be your friend! You have brought people together even after you're gone, you made me realise that we really are a family here and you've tought me to be a better person, be kinder and to live each day like it's my last! I'll keep you close to my heart for the rest of my life and I'll always ask myself "what would Andy do?" in situations where I could learn to be more like you.

I'll miss you always, love you forever and remember you evermore! xx - RoseTyler

Andy will never be just a memory….

Andy in my eyes was an all-around awesome man and a good friend. The moment we met in JAWA, we became friends connecting with our obsession with our favorite villain, Sephiroth from Final Fantasy 7. Andy was not the only one, Sefirosu, Andy, and I formed the Seph squad. We all would even pose for pictures together using the skin TheDoctor who but in many hours of his time to provide for us. We even use the same forum sig. Andy and Sef also joined the free company my wife and I made in Final Fantasy XIV, running dungeons and progression his character. Andy Also spent time in the JAWA knights with me and we would train together improving our saber skills. The point I am trying to get at, is that although I knew very little about who Andy was in the real world, our time together in the game world feels just as strong as a close friend who lives next door. I truly feel as though I lost a longtime friend and I will miss his presence dearly.

We did a lot of activities together and Andy was always willing to talk or voice chat at a moment notice. His unique laugh and willingness to listen to stories made him a joy to be around. He served JAWA council well and would even put me in my place from time to time keeping me in check. Andy was always determined to do his best and not let his failings put him down. Honestly, I can’t think of a single time Andy and I did not get along with each other. Whats Harder is I know some of his plans he had and a few things he was really looking forward to. He was looking forward to the new Star Wars film, Final Fantasy 7 Remake and beating the Final Fantasy 14 story line and just spendind time with us his friends here in JAWA. All of this is extremely hard to write but please know….we lost a truly amazing member in this clan…and a truly amazing friend…. - SephFF

Andanas, you’ll never know how much you actually meant to me, but You were The Warrior in my eyes. A person who goes through daily struggles and symptoms. You never harped on the negative impact it caused, and you gave us nothing but friendliness and warmth. Many of our members knew you were silent but also knew that you were super friendly and loving when you opened up to us. My heart hurts knowing we couldn’t do much more for you, but please know that you have done so much for this place. A person I could rely on in times of need. A wonderful friend, member and councilor. Rest In Peace my friend, we love you. - Crysophylax

Andanas was one of those special characters that was able to make a large group of people take notice; he was naturally quiet in group forums and was very considered. When he spoke, his words came with weight and he was greatly respected throughout the clan. He had a quirky sense of humour too and wasn't afraid to offer an alternative point of view. I'm really sad that I couldn't spend more than a few months on the council with Andanas and his passing highlights how fragile time can be and how we sometimes don't make the most of our moments with one another. Andanas was a first-rate member and person who didn't have a negative streak about anyone or anything. He enjoyed some close friendships but the wider clan was a better place in his company. - System

I've known Andanas since he first joined the clan, back in 2017 and had the pleasure of participating in several of his promotion ceremonies. As a member and as a person he was always approachable, always willing to provide a listening ear. I remember being intially surprised at how quiet he seemed, only to later realize his quiet nature was just a cover for his friendly and warm spirit. Kindness was the attitude of his heart. His impact on the membership was and is meaningful, intentional and will last far into the future. I'll always fondly remember the infectious nature of his laughter; usually laughing at some silly way we made his name rhyme in voice with an antenna or banana. He was our friend, and he was proud to be ours. As we honor his memory, I am disheartened at our loss, saddened to know the world and our clan have been robbed of the light he brought to us all. We are better because of him. Thank you, Andanas, Rest In Peace. - Doc

I'm absolutely gutted to have to say goodbye to Andy. Quite selfishly on my part I'm lost not to have him around, as I was absolutely relying on him being here for me to follow his example as a newly chosen council member. Andy took up his position on the council with TheDoctor a mere 2 weeks after I joined JAWA as a padawan, and I've striven to be just as caring and as kind as he was to me not just on the server or the forums but also in Voice chat. I will definitely feel his loss in chat the most, by far one funniest and wholesome people to spar with while in chat.

Rest in Peace Andy, I'll do my best to try and be a fraction of how amazing and great you were with all of us here in JAWA. - LoneStar

Andanas, was one of the best people I've met in JKA, super kind hearted, friendly and supportive of all those around him. Never failing to bring joy into a voice call or engage with others and make them feel welcome and liked. I keep thinking about his laugh, so filled with joy, the others are right in that it had a special way of making others laugh with him. I was always appreciative of everything he confided in me whilst serving with him on council, I remember discussing him with my co-leader at the time, that if he could build up his presence, he'd make a great council member. He did just that and will be remembered fondly. I do hope his family come to learn of how many lives he has impacted in his time here. I am deeply saddened by his loss, he was one of the sweetest men in JKA and after every conversation I had with him in a group, we would always say, 'Andy is such a great guy', without fail. I just hope he knew how much we all liked him and thought very fondly of him. It was my pleasure to serve with him on the council and see him blossom into a brilliant contributor of this clan. I know I'll always remember him and our time spent together.

Thank you for being my friend Andy,

May you rest in peace. - Nightwing

Andanas was a private person who rarely talked about himself, but if you met him on the server you could learn everything you needed to know from the way he conducted himself. Andanas was a model of calmness, kindness, and compassion. He was friendly to everyone he met, and he gave his best at everything he did. He wasn't the most skilled fighter, but he competed hard and never let setbacks keep him down. I had the honour of inducting Andanas into the clan, training him as an admin, working alongside him on the council, and competing alongside him as a member of the (JAWA) Knights. Not once in all that time did he ever disappoint his friends or colleagues. In everything he did, Andanas set a good example for his clanmates and his friends. Like most of you I'll miss him very much, but I take comfort in knowing that I've been the richer for having counted Andanas among my friends. - Helena Revan

I seriously don't know what to say right now. Andy was such a nice, open, heartwarming person, he would always listen to you if you had any problems or concerns, even if it was me being picky about something on the wiki. As others said, he wasn't really the player with the most skill, but he always tried to give the best he can and always enjoyed the time. I was there at the Ceremony when Andy was elected to join the Council and I was so happy for him as I knew that he is going to be a great Council Member and he was! After reading my Discord chat with Andy, I remember working with Andy in the Streamers club, something he was so passionate about getting it right. I wish all the best to Andy's friends and family, it's really heartbreaking. Even thinking that you will never be able to speak with Andy again is just so sad, as he always was a fun person to hang around with in voice.

Andy, we were never the best friends or something, but I miss you. May you rest in peace Andy! You will always be with us in our hearts. - Arlu3n

Andanas, or Andy as his friends knew him by was one of the nicest people I met towards the end of my membership in JAWA. I didn't know him very well as our paths never really crossed after, however I only ever heard good things about him from the people who knew him best. Diab and Iron recently told me the news, and it's truly heartbreaking... Just from looking at the things he was doing in this clan during my absence that I wasn't aware of, it just shows his character and how dedicated to this place he was.

We must treasure friendships, even those we're no longer friends with because you never know what's around the corner. From reading what Doctor said about Andy, he made the effort to make people feel welcome and acknowledged the accomplishments of his friends and peers, I hope, in his memory, that this continues and anyone new joining the clan feels welcome and appreciated as they have while Andy was around. Keeping these virtues he held closely in mind when interacting with new members can surely be the best way to honour his memory.

We've lost quite a few people over the years, some of whom you guys aren't aware of and some you are... it'll never be a normal feeling and it's okay to not be okay with this. You can talk to me at any time and I'll always listen to you if you need someone, just please don't be upset alone. Andy was a fine man and he's left his impression on this place, we must honour that and applaud everything he did not only for the clan but the people around him that will miss him dearly.

"On the 20th May 2018, while forgetting to show up at the council ceremony, Andanas was welcomed into the Council by Jacobie." This made me smile, in a light hearted way I can see him missing his memorial in the same way ❤️

Requiescat in pace, you will be remembered. - Link

Andy was one of the absolute nicest people I have ever met in all my years playing Jedi Academy. He was always a positive influence not only in JAWA but in the JKA community as a whole. Although I didn't know Andy as well as some others in the community, I will always consider him a good friend. I will miss being able to talk to him and hang out playing Star Trek Online together with him, Aya and Diab. I truly hope that wherever Andy is, he knows how much he meant to all of us. He was a great person and I won't forget him as long as I live. Andy, wherever you are in the universe, I hope you are at peace. Rest well my friend. The world is a little less bright without you in it. - IronSkull86

Messages From Family

Greeting Jawa Clan,

I am George Searcy Sanders, father of George Stanton "Stan" Sanders, known to you as Andanas, or Andy. Today, June 6, 2020 marks the 6-month anniversary of his passing. We thought it appropriate to take this date to inter his ashes in a niche in the bell tower of our church, The Gold Canyon (Arizona) United Methodist Church. A member of our clergy performed a brief ceremony with appropriate scripture readings , a few comments, and a prayer. Very nice, very respectful.

A few month back, I watched the video of the memorial service you held for him. Thanks to all who organized and participated and for the thoughtful and kind words said about him. We were delighted to learn that he had found a life and deep friendships in your association.

He is missed.

RIP Stan,

- Dad

Artwork Made In Honour of Andy