Photo Courtesy of Facebook.com/wemissyouandrewungerman
Genuine, dedicated, tender: a few of many ways close friends and acquaintances of William Andrew Ungerman describe the UVU student that was found dead on March 17.
When friends and family discovered Ungerman was missing, they immediately did all they could to find him.
The search party, comprised of about 1,200 people, looked throughout all of Utah County, especially in the mountains as he recently had taken up rock climbing.
He was found in the mountains above Timpview High School, just above his home. Cause of death appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Provo Police. His mother, Rosanna Ungerman, said that he struggled with depression, though he had been coping.
Ungerman, who was commonly known as Andrew, was a bicycling enthusiast, riding for pleasure and year-round transportation. He was a major contributor to the design of Provo’s Bicycle Master Plan, which was approved on March 18.
Dozens of cyclists rode in the Ride of Silence that afternoon in celebration of the approved plan and in memory of Ungerman. His mother was grateful for the commemoration.
“I’m so happy that all of you came, so happy that all of you took Andrew into your lives and into your hearts and that you loved him,” Rosanna said.
He had been recently hired at Mad Dog Cycles, which friends said he was excited to begin, as working at a bike shop is ideal for an avid cyclist.
“His life revolved around his bike, like most of us,” said Zac Whitmore, a friend who helped organize the Ride of Silence.
The memorial FaceBook page, “We Miss You Andrew Ungerman,” has nearly 2,000 followers. Many of these people have posted about memories they had with him and what he was like.
“Andrew was a collaborator. He brought individuals together to achieve great things…If the small amount of time I spent with Andrew had such a large influence on me, I can’t comprehend the impact he had on those closer to him,” said Devraux Boshard, a friend of Ungerman.
Other friends posted memories of him on their personal blogs.
“His laugh was infectious,” said Chase Adams, another friend of Ungerman. “I remember tearing up laughing over the dumbest little joke simply because it made Andrew laugh so hard.”
His obituary has several anonymous quotes about him.
“He loved the outdoors, rock climbing, camping, throwing pots and being with friends who describe him as “a boy truly without guile, with a tender and unassuming heart,” and that he “knew a lot about everything and was eager to hear about a new project or idea.”
In addition to climbing and biking, Ungerman enjoyed art and music. He made porcelain creations and crafted his own acoustic guitar, which he played songs for many people’s enjoyment.
Ungerman recently earned his associate’s at UVU and had recently taken his Emergency Medical Technician test with the goal to be a physician’s assistant. He was an anatomy teacher’s assistant, helping students to be able to do well in the class.
“He was rare and kind and so very loved,” claimed one of the anonymous quotes in his obituary. Another said he “was unconditionally helpful and loved serving those around him.”
It’s Ungerman’s positivity and enthusiasm that will live on as his legacy. Rather than dwell on the tragedy surrounding the loss, his friends and loved ones—those he touched—will remember his “gentle, kind spirit.”
In lieu of flowers, the family asked people to donate to the Provo Bicycle Collective.
“Andrew would not want flowers. Not his style,” Rosanna said.
