Andrew “Andy” David Bestwick, 58, of Kodiak, Alaska passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026. He was always with those that cared and loved him: significant other, Shirley, her daughters, and his work family at Providence. Andrew had a long battle with esophageal cancer and was a true fighter until he passed.
Andrew was born in Sabetha, Kansas to Ronald and Joyce Bestwick. He grew up in York, Nebraska and graduated from York High School class of 1985. After some odd jobs and bumps in his path, he found himself at Southeast Community College with a degree in Respiratory Care.
From there, the path became clear, he started his career as a Respiratory Therapist and got his license in New Mexico. He attended New Mexico State University and graduated in 2012. He enjoyed traveling, hiking, and exploring all around New Mexico with friends and family. He traveled to Chile to help with earthquake relief then went back again because he loved it and the people. Andrew drove through the southeast to visit family and friends, and then Alaska to work in the fisheries over summers.
Alaska became his calling and where his path ended. Andrew moved to Kodiak, Alaska in 2013, and worked at Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center. He became a beloved co-worker throughout the hospital. He was adored for his quiet demeanor and calmness. Andrew found his people and community there.
Andrew met the love of his life, his significant other, Shirley Dela Cruz, and her three daughters. They became his family. He became a dog dad for the first time, and enjoyed walking and hiking with Maxine. They all enjoyed traveling throughout Alaska and the southwest.
Andrew is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Anthony and Geneva Mawhorter, paternal grandparents Neil and Eunice Bestwick, uncle John Mawhorter, aunt and uncle Phil and Judy Bestwick, and aunt Susan Bestwick.
Andrew is survived by his significant other, Shirley Dela Cruz and her three daughters Sheila Sabillo(Andon Brothers), Danica, and Dianne Dela Cruz and three grandchildren Reace, Sage, and Ely Brothers. His parents Ronald and Joyce Bestwick of Bradshaw, Nebraska, two sisters Alicia (Joseph) McShulkis of Eastampton Township, New Jersey, Christine(Pavlos) Pavlopoulos of Suwanee, Georgia, and brother Anthony(Jan) Bestwick of York, Nebraska, nieces Karine and Jen(Autumn) McShulkis, Eleni and Eliana Pavlopoulos, nephews Joseph McShulkis, and Neil(Lauren) and Nathan Bestwick, plus a grand niece and nephew.
A memorial for Andrew will be held at Kodiak Funeral Chapel, date pending. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation, American Cancer Society, Island Trails Network, or Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center on his behalf.