| « Making it Right! | Think Solar is DIY? Think again! » |
Heather Andrews - PVAddict - RIP
02/08/12
Heather Andrews - PVAddict - RIP
Today a friend of mine, and a friend of the solar industry, died.
Heather Andrews was a fierce advocate for solar power - so much so that her Twitter handle was PVAddict. That is how I met her - on Twitter and via subsequent TweetUps at solar conferences. She was a frequent commenter on this blog and on our Facebook page, but more than anything else, she simply loved the idea of installing solar and doing it the right way.
Indeed, Heather was a stickler for doing it the right way - she was a proud member of IBEW and she taught classes on how to properly install solar power systems. Whenever anyone had a question about how something should be done, Heather was happy to chime in with her insights - always in a positive and supportive way. Unlike some who want to lord their knowledge over those still struggling to figure things out, Heather was happiest helping others. She exemplified the very best in our industry - smart, dedicated, and a joy to be around.
She fought her illness these past few months with the same courage and tenacity that she brought to the solar industry. Sadly, this was one obstacle that she could not ultimately overcome with her love and optimism. Still, she remained positive through all of her pain and difficulties as demonstrated by one of her last tweets:
Promise that when things settle a bit I’ll get back into the full swing of the Twitterverse and openly show my adoration for #solar…
It is now up to the rest of us to carry forward her “adoration for solar” and to help fulfill the destiny in which she believed: a world powered by clean, renewable energy - installed the right way!
I love you Heather and I will try my best to be true to your vision. Rest in peace.
Trackback address for this post
Trackback URL (right click and copy shortcut/link location)
11 comments
What a moving and passionate tribute. I am so sorry to hear of Heather's death- although I never knew her, I gained a sense of who she was through Jim's comments regarding her spirit, her energy, and her commitment to best practices in everything she did. Not only did she evince a passionate dedication to the solar industry, but she clearly shed her own light in the world and many benefited from her radiant presence. "To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die." Thanks for your words, Jim, and for the invitation to honor Heather by keeping her legacy vibrantly alive. 
Thanks, Stephanie, I really appreciate that.I learned just now that Heather was an organ donor - no surprise there - and so, even in death she is still helping other people. That is just like her.
I hope others who read these words will be inspired to follow her example. You can sign up to be an organ donor at http://donatelife.net - it would be a fitting tribute to Heather and as strong an affirmation of life as one can make.
Heather was one of the best person I had a pleasure to know. She was always there for give anyone a helping hand. The world is a much darker place without her love. She will be missed. Thank you for the great article about an amazing person.
Amen, she was my longtime collaborator on Twitter and made the solar tribe a better place. What a bright spirit.Thank you for the loving tribute to our inspiring friend.
We find the soul of a teacher in the most interesting places -- thank you for giving those of us who hadn't met Heather this introduction to her enduringly vibrant and indomitable spirit. 
Heather lived her entire life with courage and tenacity. She was a joy to be near and as you stated, she loved helping others. My world will never be the same without that smile. Heather loved her work - it was her passion. 
Thank you all for the kind words regarding my cherished daughter. Everything you have said here is true about her amazing character. What you know of her attitude towards solar is how she approached everything in life. I was blessed to be her father and she will be loved forever.-Craig Andrews
Thank you so much for the beautiful article! I am blessed to have had Heather as my sister and you were able to really capture who she is and understand her! Heather's whole heart was run on solar power and she was the brightest light I have ever seen!! 
Craig - as the father of a cherished daughter myself, I can only barely comprehend what you are experiencing now. I hope you can take some solace from the great outpouring of love and respect for Heather and know that you surely had a central role in bringing her to become the wonderful woman we all admired.Heather - she was indeed a very bright light, one that will help illuminate many in the years to come.
Best... Jim
WOW...Is there anyone in the world that didn't love Heather? What a legacy she left behind! We love you, Heather, and miss you bunches! Rick - I cannot imagine that such a person could exist, at least not after having gotten to know her.And I think I can pretty safely assume what the theme of the next SPI Tweet-Up will be!
jpj
Comment feed for this post
