Andy Vickers

Surrounded by the people who loved him most, Andrew James (Andy) Vickers of Oswego, IL, peacefully passed away on January 29, 2024, at the University of Chicago Center for Care and Discovery. Some people call cancer a battle or a fight. In reality, it’s a war. Andy’s body has been at war with Acute Myeloid Leukemia since July 2023. There were no winners or losers, just casualties.

Andy was born on July 2, 2002, in Chicago to his parents Neil and Robyn (Robinson) Vickers. He graduated from Oswego East High School in 2020 and attended Waubonsee Community College.

Andy was the middle child, a position he loved to hate. Older sister Emma was his closest friend or greatest nemesis, depending on the moment. Younger brother Alex looked up to Andy and tried to keep up with him in every way; something Andy didn’t always love as a young boy, but grew to appreciate as a teenager. Andy may have fought with them at home, but no one dared to speak badly of them anywhere else. He was their greatest protector.

Andy overcame a lot of challenges as a child, which helped to make him a compassionate, caring adult. As a kid, he always looked out for the underdogs. As an adult, he boldly advocated for social justice. His empathy was neverending and he was loyal to a fault. He loved with his whole heart and was never afraid to say it out loud.

Andy’s passion was cars, especially his 1999 Mazda Miata, which he was restoring and looking forward to showing off at car shows. He was happiest working on cars with his best friend Brandon Wompler, spending time with the love of his life Olivia Guzman, and hanging out with dear friend Chris Bishop.

Robyn will miss their passionate conversations about politics, his gentle spirit, his fierce loyalty, and the many quiet conversations they had while he was in the hospital. Neil can’t imagine not having their late-night chats about anything and everything. Alex misses his best friend, and Emma misses her fiercest protector.

His medical teams at Rush Copley and the University of Chicago quickly fell in love with his positive attitude, fighting spirit, and radical acceptance of a horrible situation. His family is immensely grateful for the care and love they showed him every single day.

He is survived by his parents Neil and Robyn (Robinson) Vickers of Oswego, IL, his loving sister, Emma, and his devoted brother, Alex, nana Pat Vickers of Billericay, England, grandparents Richard and Jene Robinson of Storm Lake, Iowa, the love of his life, Olivia Guzman of Aurora, IL, his Aunt Rachel (Dan) McGuire of Mason City, and uncles Jon (Amanda) Robinson and Michael (Helen) Vickers of Wickford, England, along with dear cousins on both sides of the pond. He is preceded in death by his grandad William Vickers of Billericay, great grandparents Mildred and Wayne Robinson of Nemaha, Iowa, great nana Ivy Crow, of Billericay, England, and cousin Brayden Robinson of Storm Lake.

Andy had plans for a huge party when he recovered to celebrate and thank everyone on Team Andy who supported him and his family throughout this ordeal. In that spirit, his family wants to have a true celebration of all that Andy was. He hated dressing up and he loved the Vikings, the Bulls, Metallica, and Guns ‘n Roses so wear a jersey (no Green Bay allowed), a concert t-shirt, or your favorite comfy clothes.

Family and friends are invited to gather Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 2:00-7:00 p.m. at the Bauman Family funeral home. A foundation will be set up in Andy's name, donation envelopes will be available at the funeral home. 

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