Asia Foundation Expresses Sorrow Over Passing of Julio “Andy” Andrews, Beloved Former Colleague, Development Innovator, Leader, and Friend

It is with deep sadness that The Asia Foundation announces the passing away of Julio “Andy” Andrews at his home in Temecula, California on March 4, 2018. Across Asia, and in particular the countries where he served the Foundation, Andy was beloved and admired for his tireless work in designing and implementing programs that addressed critical needs and directly benefitted citizens and communities throughout the region. Andy was devoted to the work of The Asia Foundation and made many important contributions to the organization throughout his long career. During his more than three decades at the international development nonprofit, he served as country representative in Pakistan, Nepal, the Pacific Islands, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia. In addition, he served as director of a variety of Foundation programs, including Asian American Exchanges, Regional Programs, and Program Operations in San Francisco. His fondest memories were from his time in Thailand, and he chose to be cremated and have his ashes spread on the Chao Phraya River. His devoted wife, Marie, will carry out that wish.

Andy undertook some of the most challenging work of the Foundation in new and/or difficult political environments, including closing the Foundation’s Vietnam office in 1975, opening an Asia Foundation office in the Pacific Islands, and the re-opening of Asia Foundation offices in both Malaysia and in Afghanistan.

As an example of his ongoing impact, Andy was the key point person in the mid-1980s working on programs to advance the rule of law, and established a landmark Conference of Chief Justices of Asia and the Pacific, a conference that still meets every other year and has done so for over three decades. When the program was first conceived, chief justices from across Asia did not meet with one another. Now, 34 chief justices from the region convene to discuss critical issues, share experiences, and learn from one another on a regular basis, representing two-thirds of the world’s population. Andy will be remembered for his wise counsel, his commitment to the goals of the Foundation, his limitless knowledge and passion for Asia, and his personal warmth, diplomacy, and tact. He will be greatly missed by his friends at The Asia Foundation and throughout the region.