William H. Andrus

January 17, 1942 – February 11, 2017

Where do I possibly begin to tell you about such an amazing and incredibly generous and wonderful man? I guess at the beginning… He was born on January 17th, 1942 at Lenox Hill Hospital on the upper east side in Manhattan, NY. He was a bright and studious child, and was an altar boy brought up in the Catholic Church. Can you believe it? Bill?? He went to Regis, a prestigious elementary and middle school in Manhattan. And then onto Fordham Prep and Fordham University for high school and college, where he participated in the ROTC program, debate club and ran track and field. He was commissioned an officer of the army in 1964. He and his childhood friend Johnny became quite the good fishing buddies and spent all their extra time on the water fishing. He then went on to St. Johns Law University also in New York. When he came out of law school, he was drafted into the army as an Officer “Captain” whom was the right hand man to the General. He was stationed in Fort Hood, TX, where he realized he didn’t want to live in New York any more. There was wide open blue sky and you could park your car in front of your house! He ended up settling in San Diego in the early 70’s and he has lived here ever since.

He was always a big fisherman, having several boats over the years. He was also involved in lobster fishing, golf, soccer, car racing and the horse racing business.

In the early 1970’s, he was one of the first immigration attorneys in San Diego and helped hundreds of people and families.

In the late 1970’s, he opened E-Z Bail Bonds, Official Photo and The Other Pocket, an arcade, pool hall and food business, as well as practicing law.

In 1980, he met and hired his secretary/office manager, who shortly after became his life partner, best friend and wife.

In the 1990’s, he began to work for Firestorm Investments where he worked over 27 years, right up until his passing.

He and his wife were big entertainers, hosting lots of parties, Christmas dinners, BBQ’s, get-togethers, and the biggest and best Halloween parties ever! Bill was a very generous and kind man and loved nothing more than showing everyone a good time. He was an adventurer and loved walking all the beaches. He loved Mexico and traveling and discovering new places!

He had a real passion and love for the game of soccer, first coaching his son and forming the La Mesa Soccer League. He himself played into his forties. Then kicking the ball and coaching his first granddaughter beginning at age two, and continued until his passing, over another ten years! He was very passionate about her teams and coaches over the years. He would study each teams stats and players that they were going to play, before each game day and see whom they would need to watch out for. All the coaches and parents knew Bill would know all the stats for each game. This last season he worked very hard with Coach Polo to get the girls into Coast Soccer League. The team was accepted and they were crowned Champions for the season. Now the team has been accepted into the NPL league. Bill was very happy to see his granddaughter and her team advance. He loved soccer and never missed a chance to be at a live game. Whether it was his grandchildren or the professional teams playing, he loved and lived everything soccer! He knew the game so well that he received the title of “The Chief of FIFA.”

He is survived by his wife of 37 years Rene Diane Andrus, his children Victor DeSimone of San Diego, Tara Andrus-Glasser of New York, Amber Bahr of San Diego and Nicole Jones of San Diego.

He had seven grandchildren he adored, Kaylonnie Jones, 14, Layla DeSimone, 9, Lilly Bahr, 6, William Bahr, 5, Anthony DeSimone, 4, Ellis Andrus-Glasser, 1 ½, and Wren Andrus-Glasser 5 months. He was also a much loved son in law, brother in law, Uncle and friend.

We invite you to come and celebrate his life with us.

Services will be held at Glen Abbey Memorial Park in Bonita, CA, where he happily lived for the last 22 years.

Glen Abbey Memorial Park

3838 Bonita Rd, Bonita, CA 91902

Visitation and viewing: 1-4pm @ Main Chapel

Closed casket service: 4-5pm @ Main Chapel

Celebration of Life: 5-8pm @ The Lodge at Glen Abbey