Buikema, Andrew Carl

Andrew Carl Buikema, 33, of Blacksburg, Va., and Tampa, Fla., passed away unexpectedly in his sleep at his mother’s home near Tampa on Saturday, September 22, 2012. He was born on December 7, 1978, to Carolyn E. Thorsen and Arthur L. Buikema Jr. He graduated from Blacksburg High School and Radford University and was currently employed as a statistician with Delta Trends in Clearwater, Fla. His best remembered qualities were his sense of humor and love for his four year old son, Derrick Tyler, Andy’s “mini-me,” who will miss his father very much. He is survived by his parents; his stepmother, Alison Galway; his sisters, Ami Pearse and Rachel (Kelly) Friend, of Virginia Beach, Jill (Matt) Aukofer, of Vienna, Jane Buikema, of Wesley Chapel, Fla., Sarah (Jay) Kerr, of Mechanicsville, and Jessie “Lizz” Buikema, of Richmond; and his brothers, Eric of Petersburg, Matthew (Erin) of Powhatan, Arthur III “Trey” of Bailey, Colo., and David of Richmond. He is also survived by Derrick’s mother, Rachel Ball; and grandparents, Becky and Roger Broce, of Blacksburg. Further, he is survived by 11 nephews and nieces; and his many friends in the New River Valley and the Tampa, Fla., area. Special thanks go out to all of our friends and colleagues for their support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a Memorial Fund the family has set up for Andy’s son, Derrick. Donate online to buikemas4d@gmail.com at https://www.paypal.com/webapps/mpp/send-money-online or via mail, in care of Jane Buikema, 10703 Barefoot Lane, Thonotosassa, FL 33592. A visitation is scheduled for Friday, September 28, 2012, from 4 to 8 p.m. at McCoy Funeral Home in Blacksburg, followed by a Memorial Service at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 29, 2012, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation on 1301 Gladewood Road, Blacksburg. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.