In Loving Memory Andy O'Leary CARLSBAD -- Andy O'Leary passed away September 19, 2012 from pancreatic cancer. He was raised in Redlands, California and attended Sacred Heart and Redlands High. He attended San Bernardino Valley College and California State University Los Angeles from which he graduated in 1971. He was dedicated to a life of deeply loving his family and extensive network of friends. Andy was the ultimate aficionado of the beauty of north county's magnificent beaches, fascinating people and opportunities for fitness. He was perfectly tuned to the mind of nature. He gave every person he met the gift of his megawatt smile and warm friendship. His athletic prowess was a catalyst for his lifetime passion for health and fitness. He began running marathons in the early 70's. He was a world-class athlete, qualifying for and competing in the 1976 Olympic trials in the modern pentathlon as well as being a nationally ranked triathlete. Andy spent summers backpacking in the Sierras. He and his wife and soul mate, Claudia, backpacked the John Muir trail and hiked all the Southern California peaks. For ten years, they were exhilarated by traveling the states, hiking the National Parks, camping in the state parks, visiting Presidential Libraries and exploring our glorious country. His career began with lifeguarding at Moonlight Beach. He later became Captain of Lifeguards, Director of Marine Safety and Director of Community Services for the city of Solana Beach. Andy was recognized as one of the movers and shakers of San Diego County. He played a pivotal role in initiating and administrating in the highly successful Junior Lifeguard Program in Solana Beach. He initiated the donation of Marine Safety vehicles on the beaches and was a visionary for the linear park along Highway 101 in Solana Beach. He found great enjoyment after his retirement working part-time at the San Diego County Fairgrounds. While Andy may have been known for his athletic prowess throughout the San Diego area, those who were blessed enough to have really known him, loved him for his kind, gentle and giving spirit, for the way he always placed the concerns of others before self and for his uncanny ability to engage in touching conversations about athletics, politics, ethics, spirituality and about the beauty and mystery associated with life in general. It is certain that Andy lived and loved his life to the fullest and that he faced a most terrible disease with unabridged courage and that he remained positive until the end. Another certainty for those who knew him is that quite simply without Andy the lives of so many shall never be the same. Andy is survived by the family he profoundly loved: his wife, Claudia, sisters, brothers, in-laws, nieces, nephews and dear friends. Gifts can be made in Andy's memory to the Self Realization Fellowship/Donations, 3880 San Rafael, Los Angeles, CA. 90065. Sign the Guest Book online obits.nctimes.com

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