Born March 24, 1929 to Andrew John Oldfield & Effie May Bales in Inglewood, CA. Andy’s father owned several gas stations in Santa Monica and he learned the value of hard work at a young age. He had a newspaper route when he was young and briefly tried his hand at raising chickens. He quickly learned the chicken coop business wasn’t for him and he set out to find another way to make money. He attended Santa Monica High School, Class of 1947 and studied Business at USC where he was Student Body President at both schools.
A Veteran of the a U.S. Marine Corp serving from July 29, 1950 to January 15, 1952.
He fought in the Korean War, specifically at the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir. When he returned from Korea, he was offered an OCS candidacy but opted to return to civilian life.
Andy was the guest of honor at the 2018 Marine Corp Birthday Celebration, being the oldest Marine there at the age of 89.
Andy married Dorothy Mae Anderson (Dottie) on March 8, 1952. Together they had 4 children and countless adventures.
Andy & Dottie moved to June Lake, CA in 1956 and purchased Boulder Lodge. Andy continued pursuing his interest in Real Estate and purchased the Sierra Belle, which became the Sierra Inn Restaurant. He also developed some retail property in Southern California. Together with Dottie, they built a home on Hawaii’s Big Island and enjoyed sharing the spirit of Aloha with their grandchildren. Dottie passed away in February 1999 from ovarian cancer. They were married 47 years.
Throughout his life, Andy was an avid traveler, fisherman and hunter; often bringing some of his children and grandchildren to accompany him on adventures to Africa, Europe, New Zealand, Canada, Alaska and just about anywhere you can imagine.
Andy was an active Shriner and President of several organizations including the Weatherby Foundation and Safari Club International. He was a lifetime member of the Shikar-Safari Club. He was dedicated to promoting and preserving the heritage of hunting. He shared so many memorable adventures with his family and good friends that were like family.
Andy married Yoncha (Yoni) Coxon on November 18, 2000 and the travel and adventures continued. They shared 18 happy years together at their homes in Weiser, ID and Las Vegas. Andy called Yoni his “Iron Lady” for the strength she showed while caring for him as his mobility decreased and their adventures shifted more towards being together at home. Andy found tremendous joy in gathering with family & friends and sharing stories of their adventures.
After being able to visit and share smiles with most of his kids and grandkids, Andy passed away peacefully on Monday February 4th, 2019 just after 10 PM. Preceded in death by his parents, sister Diane Kirk, first wife Dorothy (Dottie) Mae Anderson Oldfield, great-granddaughter Brianna Graves, and niece Michelle Dooley.
He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Yoni Oldfield. Also survived by his four children Jessalyn (Richard McCoy), Candy (John Logue) both of June Lake, Ca; Nancy (Ralph Foster) of Bishop, CA; and Andy W. of Westchester, CA; 18 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held in Las Vegas at the Palm Eastern Mortuary on Monday, Feb. 11, 2019 at 11AM. Graveside service at Mono Lake Cemetery weather pending. Celebration of life to follow at June Lake, CA in the Spring.
Memorial Contributions can be made in Andy’s name to any Hospice service or the Andy Oldfield Scholarship Fund.
