PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND- Andrew Colm Loofbourow, age 24, died in Providence, Rhode Island on April 30, 2016.

He was born April 28, 1992 in Wiesbaden, Germany to Fred and Laura (McWherter) Loofbourow. As a child he lived in Ft. Huachuca, AZ, Hickam AFB, HI, and Rapid City. The family settled in Rapid City in 1996 where his father was an active duty Warrant Officer Instructor Pilot in the Army National Guard. His mother was a much loved and admired Registered Nurse, who died of ovarian cancer in 2005.

We mourn Andrew's sudden death while remembering his beautiful life with us. He was always gentle and creative and had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge which he was enthusiastic about passing on to others. To many, he was a mentor and a confidant. His exuberant and bright sense of humor was contagious. He loved music of all sorts and played the saxophone and synthesizer. He was very creative and posted many of his drawings, writings, and photos on Facebook.

Andrew had many dreams but his lifelong ambition was to attend culinary arts school, become an executive chef, and eventually own a bistro. From the age of 15, he single-mindedly pursued his goal by working in the kitchen of various local restaurants to gain hands on experience from the ground up. Then, earlier this year he was admitted to the Johnson and Wales University School of Culinary Arts in Providence, RI. This was a dream come true. He was thrilled to be going to college, he had a job in the kitchen of a wonderful restaurant and was in love with a beautiful young woman. He was happier than he had been for many years.

Andrew is survived by his father, Fred Colm Loofbourow; brother, David Loofbourow; grandfather, John Colm Loofbourow; grandmothers: Nancy Jones and Liliana Loofbourow; aunts: Jenny Oehler, Amy Loofbourow, Lili Loofbourow, and Sandra Loofbourow; uncles: Robert Loofbourow and John Lynch; cousins: Jesse Oehler, James Oehler, Kirsten Oehler, Ben Oehler, and Maya Oehler; great aunts: Dorothy Nichols, Sarah Williams, Roberta Meyer, and Jerry Lang; great uncles: David Nichols and Gary Williams.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Laura Loofbourow; grandmother, Fran McWherter; aunt Abby Loofbourow; and uncle, Robin Oehler.

Dearly beloved Andrew, we are all glad you are cooking up something fine for us while we wait here.

A memorial service for friends and family will be at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home with Darrel Darling officiating.