June 22, 1987 – Oct. 8, 2010


Andrew Robert "Andy" Telford died at home with his family at the age of 23. Andy was born June 22, 1987, in Brookfield, to Gordon and Susan Telford. He graduated from Kettle Moraine High School in 2007, where he participated in wrestling and Best Buddies and was an avid fan of Laser sports.

Andy was an Eagle Scout and a member of Boy Scout Troop 156 in Elm Grove. He was elected to the Order of the Arrow by his fellow scouts. He attended the 2001 National Boy Scout Jamboree in Virginia and the 2006 Boy Scout National Order of the Arrow Conference in Michigan with his dad. He was a member of the Sussex 4-H Club and received many ribbons and awards for his railroad modeling projects, horsemanship, sewing, quilting, needlepoint, basketry, rabbit showing and rocketry. His model of Splash Mountain, a Disney World ride, won a top award at the 2008 Trainfest show.

Andy was an avid hiker, canoeist, swimmer, snowshoer, cyclist, camper and horseback rider. He collected Disney videos and spent many happy hours watching his favorites. He was a wiz at the computer and loved surfing the Internet. Andy was a talented artist who worked in many media and had his work displayed at the Milwaukee County Art Museum.

This past year, he was a cast member in the annual ACAP Player’s production, "The Invention Convention." He was a participant at ACAP (Adaptive Community Approach Program) and Art Links in Waukesha and will be missed tremendously by the clients and staff.

Andy was deeply loved by his parents, Susan and Gordon; his sister, Elizabeth; and by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, and his dogs, cats and horses.

Andy touched many lives during his lifetime and his family would like to thank everyone who loved and appreciated him. He was a remarkable young man who faced the challenges of autism with a courage and determination that inspired all who knew him.

Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. until the 7 p.m. funeral service Thursday, Oct. 14, at Becker Ritter Funeral Home, 14075 W. North Ave., Brookfield. The cemetery service will be private.

Becker Ritter Funeral Home is serving the family. For more information, call 782-5330 or visit online at www.BeckerRitter.com.