Andrew Edward Crabtree

Andrew Edward Crabtree, a cherished member of the Henry Branch of the Stancil family, was the beloved son of Debbie and Guy, twin brother of Ashley, and grandson of the late Gurnie Patricia Stancil Crabtree.

Born on October 8, 1993, in Durham, North Carolina, Andrew and his twin sister, Ashley, grew up steeped in community and faith. They attended Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and Immaculate Catholic School. Andrew’s exceptional intellect was apparent early on; he was reading at a fourth-grade level upon entering school. His second-grade teacher even recommended he skip third grade, a testament to his remarkable aptitude.

A Spectrum of Talents

Andrew was a true renaissance spirit, demonstrating a dazzling array of talents from a very young age in singing, acting, writing, and swimming. In October 2003, his artistic flair shone brightly when he composed a poem and read it to his grandmother, Gurnie, at her 90th birthday party. His compelling short stories and vivid illustrations frequently garnered praise and awards, leading to invitations for public readings and performances.

Family vacations to the beach were a cherished annual tradition during Andrew and Ashley’s childhood. These trips often found "Granny Pat," as the younger grandchildren affectionately called her, relaxing on the sand, delighting in the sight of her family playing. Andrew, an avid reader, could often be found under the beach tent with his grandmother, lost in a book. She also cherished listening to him sing, a talent that would take him far.

Andrew’s vocal gifts led to an invitation to join the **North Carolina Boys Choir**, with whom he traveled to England and performed at the prestigious Duke Chapel in Durham. In 2009, Andrew entered Riverside High School, where he quickly excelled on the swim team and deeply immersed himself in theater classes. His dedication to drama was recognized in 2010 when he was selected to attend the **Governor's School West** at Salem College. He also honed his literary skills over several years at the **Duke University Young Writers Camp**.

Courage in the Face of Adversity

In January 2011, Andrew was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, a rare form of soft tissue tumor cancer. Despite beginning treatment at Duke Medical Center, his determination never wavered, and he continued his high school classes with unwavering resolve. His spirit was infectious, and his leadership recognized by his peers: Andrew was crowned **prom king** at Riverside High and co-Master of Ceremonies for the Riverside Chorus Cabaret at the Broad Street Cafe in Durham, where he famously closed the show singing, "I'm on Fire."

Andrew graduated from Riverside High School on **June 9, 2011**, a testament to his perseverance. That summer, he was selected as a counselor for the six-week Duke University Young Writers Camp, inspiring others with his passion for storytelling. In the fall of 2011, he proudly accepted admission to the **University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill**, continuing a family legacy as the alma mater of his mother, father, and first cousin, Stephanie O'Brien.

His fight against cancer led him and his parents, Debbie and Guy, to Coswig, Germany, in December 2011, for an innovative laser treatment to remove lung tumors. While abroad, Andrew joyfully reunited with Alessandria, his first au pair, who now lives in Northern Italy. The day before his second laser treatment, Andrew and his parents shared a poignant evening, attending the opera 'Dead Man Walking' at the Semperoper House in Dresden, a powerful experience presented in English with German translation.

The second treatment was successfully completed in March 2012, leaving his lungs tumor-free. Andrew, ever resilient, focused on re-entering college and embracing life to the fullest. This included cherished time with his beloved cat, Cinders, a handsome Maine Coon, and Ashley's adorable dapple dachshund, Dazee.

A Star on Stage and in Life

In the fall of 2012, Andrew’s theatrical gifts shone brightly as he portrayed the "Man/Child" in the LAB! Theatre's adaptation of the Greek tragedy, 'Eurydice'. His performance captivated critics and audiences alike. Rebecca Pollack, writing for *The Daily Tar Heel*, raved:

“Andrew Crabtree comedically steals the show. Portraying the Interesting Man/Child, Crabtree takes the stage looking deranged and continues to aptly show his character's immaturity while wearing the most outlandish costumes of the cast.”

In May 2013, Andrew’s burgeoning career in theater continued as he was cast as Bartley in "Cripple of Inishmaan," a "delightful dark comedy" by the independent Deep Dish Theater in Chapel Hill.

Andrew cherished moments of simple joy, like relaxing by the pool on the Carolina coast with his family on Memorial Day. When Andrew performed, his unwavering focus and profound passion transformed the stage into a living, breathing experience for the audience. He will forever be remembered as a **gifted actor** who masterfully used his ability to evoke laughter and tears, holding the audience's emotions in the palm of his hand.

Andrew possessed a profound wisdom beyond his years. When his aunt, Jane Crabtree O'Brien, discussed downsizing her large Wilmington home to a one-bedroom apartment, Andrew’s insightful response resonated deeply:

"It's so refreshing when you give up all the material stuff in your life!"

His character and enduring legacy were beautifully encapsulated in his final Facebook post on June 9, 2013:

"I love you all, and I want to talk to you, because you mean so much to me, and I'll try to respond to as many of your questions as I can. Nothing but love. Andrew"

After learning his latest test results, Andrew made the courageous decision to move to a hospice facility on a Thursday, coincidentally the same facility where his grandmother Gurnie was. He passed away there peacefully on **June 15, 2013**, at the age of 19, surrounded by his loving parents, Guy and Debbie, and his twin sister, Ashley.

Andrew was preceded in death by his brother Patrick Todd Crabtree, first cousins John Shane Crabtree and Catherine "Windi" Melinda Crabtree Quinby, his grandmother Gurnie Patricia Stancil Crabtree, grandfather Charles "Jack" Myron Crabtree Sr., grandmother Kathryn Lena Petitt DiFiore, and grandfather Frederick H. DiFiore.

Andrew Edward Crabtree was a truly remarkable young man. His passing left a river of tears among family, friends, and even strangers whose lives he had touched. His spirit, talents, and profound impact continue to resonate deeply.

Enduring Tributes

Andrew’s memory is honored in many lasting ways:

• The Durham YMCA planted a **crepe myrtle tree** and placed a commemorative marker in his honor.
• Riverside High School renamed its stage in the Glaxo Smith Kline Theatre **The Andrew Crabtree Stage** on November 21st, a fitting tribute to his theatrical passion.

Family and friends who attended the Riverside High School stage dedication included Guy, Debbie, Ashley, Jane O'Brien (Aunt), Stephanie O'Brien (Cousin), Cindi Crabtree (Aunt), F.C. Johnson (Godmother), and family friends John and Nichole Archibald and Ross Williams.

Additionally, a bench dedicated to Andrew's memory is placed in the quadrangle behind the Dramatic Arts building at the **University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill**.

A chair at the NC Stage in Asheville has also been dedicated in Andrew's memory.

— Renn Stancil Hinton, daughter of George Ralph Stancil