Andrew Paul Strachan

He was born in Tacoma, Washington in 1952, to Donald and Jacqueline Strachan, one of five siblings, Terry Strachan, Cathy March, Jeff Strachan and Casey Jones. He spent a lot of time with his grandparents, Andrew and Mabel Myers. He was led to the Lord at age 6 by ‘Granny’ his grandmother and baptized in Sacramento at age 8.

He would graduate Southeastern Bible College in Birmingham, Alabama in 1975 as a Youth Specialist. He would marry Ramona Hoffpauir and have his first child, Heather. He completed his Masters of Divinity Pastoral Major from Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon and had their second child, Hope. He and Mona moved to Shreveport, Louisiana, and Leesville, Louisiana. He worked as the Youth Pastor at Community Bible Church and as Senior Pastor at Grace Bible Church where they welcomed their son, Lane.

In 1982, he was called to be the Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church of Carmel Valley in California, currently known as Sanctuary Bible Church. He pastored SBC for 19 years, and would stay with that wonderful church and experience God’s blessing of fellowship and growth.

In 1987, his wife Mona, 32, was diagnosed with liver cancer. In 1988, she would go on to heaven leaving Andy with their three children ages 12, 10 and 7. This was the saddest year of his life. He came out of this valley a different man.

It was that summer, working as ‘Pastor of the Week’ at Silver Spur Camp in Tuolumne, CA he would meet a camp counselor, Jennifer. He and Jen would marry June 10, 1989. During the time at Sanctuary Bible Church in Carmel, he would lead the church through major building programs, revamp the entire campus, and receive his Doctorate of Ministries from Golden Gate Seminary. They raised a family with the Lord.

In 2002, Jen’s job transferred them to Clearwater, Florida where he became an Associate Pastor for College and Senior Adults at Skycrest Community Church. In 2005, the Lord called him to be a Senior Pastor once again and guided him to North Dunedin Baptist Church in Dunedin, FL where he would lead the congregation for 19 years. While in Clearwater and Dunedin, God again blessed him with growth heading major programs to renovate the grounds and strengthen NDBC and the Lord’s impact on the community. He welcomed seven grandchildren over the years leading another generation to Christ.

Andy is survived by his wife, Jennifer, their three children Heather Leeth, Hope Evans, Lane Strachan, seven grandchildren Sheldon White, Madison White, Cassidy Haddad, Brooke Evans, Faith Evans, Camden Haddad, Corbin Strachan, a sister Cathy March and a brother Casey Jones, a niece Jennifer March and four nephews Jason Strachan, Ben March, Tyler Jones and Caleb Jones and many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his brothers Terry and Jeff Strachan.

Andy’s love for life and Jesus was seen and felt in his every step. His character and personality connected him with people cultivating family, friendship, and fellowship. Andy’s wisdom and humility resonated deep through his relationships allowing him to be an experienced instrument for the Lord. Andrew was a Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Mentor, Teacher, Pastor and Friend.

Funeral services will be at North Dunedin Baptist Church Saturday, May 4th, at 11 am.