Members of the ACS Puget Sound Section mourn the passing of Dr. Leonard (Len) Andrews, a deeply committed leader and volunteer in the Puget Sound Section. Len passed away on March 24, 2026.
Leonard was Chair of the Puget Sound Section in 2018. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry at Case Western Reserve University, as did his wife Judy. His career took him to GTE Laboratories in Boston, later Verizon, where he spent 37 years. In 2013 he retired to Seattle.
Len was very active in science outreach activities and efforts to promote young scientists. The current ACS PSS Chair, Steven Emory, wrote “Len dedicated an extraordinary amount of time, energy, and care to the chemical community and to the students and colleagues whose lives he touched. He was a valued colleague and friend to all of us on the PSS ACS Executive Committee—a dependable volunteer, thoughtful leader, and generous mentor whose contributions made a lasting impact on our section. Members especially remember Len’s dedication to supporting students and his long-standing involvement with the Washington State Science & Engineering Fair (WSSEF). Len was also instrumental in the creation of the ACS Puget Sound Section Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect Committee (DEIR) in 2019, as well as a related scholarship. He co-chaired the DEIR committee until his passing. Over many years, he gave generously of both his time and his advocacy to ensure that students were recognized and encouraged in their scientific pursuits.”
Len’s obituary is here. A memorial for Len will be held on May 16, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Seattle, Washington.