Andrew Buyok, 87, passed away peacefully in his sleep Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017.

He was born Nov. 13, 1930, in Monarch, Wyo. to George and Anna Buyok. Andy was a beloved father, son, uncle, grandfather and great grandfather.

During his childhood, Andy loved to hunt, fish, and ride icebergs down the river. He attended Sheridan High School, Sheridan Junior College, Utah State University, and Western State College where he played basketball. After completing his degree in Biology from Western State, he accepted a teaching and coaching position at Aztec High School in 1953.

He married his college sweetheart, Elizabeth, in 1954 and they had three children together. Andy continued his passion for nature and the outdoors, including fishing, backpacking and gardening.

At Aztec High School, Andy taught Biology, Zoology, and Anatomy, inspiring thousands of students spanning a 34-year career. He was responsible for starting the Rod & Gun Club and coaching football and basketball.

At home, Andy enjoyed gardening, making wine, tying flies, and fishing on the San Juan River. He was also a member of the San Juan Fly Fishing Federation and enjoyed giving fly fishing seminars.

One of his favorite past times was making fudge and brownies to the delight of friends and family.

In his later years, he enjoyed living at the Cottonwood Apartments at the Good Samaritan Society where he made many wonderful friends with the residents and the staff.

Andy was preceded in death by his parents, George and Anna; brothers, Paul and George; and sister, Anna.

He is survived by his children, Al (Angelina) Buyok of Eagle, Colo., Nancy Buyok, of Farmington, and Bill Buyok (Leo Lanctot) of Los Angeles. He is also survived by grandchildren, Stephanie Olson, Alan Buyok, Stephanie Byron and Courtney Weidner; great-grandchildren, Jacob, Ryan and Amelia Olson; and nephews and nieces, John, David and Jane Buyok.

A funeral service for Andrew will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 at the Aztec Presbyterian Church, 205 N. Church Ave. in Aztec with Michele Goff officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the San Juan Fly Fishing Federation at P.O. Box 3221 Farmington NM 87499, or www.sjfff.org.

Andy's care is entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St. in Farmington, 505-325-8688. Those who wish to express their condolences may do so at www.serenityandcompany.com.

Farmington NM Daily Times - Dec. 6, 2017.