Andrew Schneider CANVAPosted on February 27, 2017

The world lost one of its best February 17. Andrew Schneider was a legendary investigative journalist, a true champion for truth and justice, and a beloved friend to many. He died of pulmonary disease at 74.

Andrew was one of the preeminent reporters covering public health and environmental issues. His reporting exposed truths that without question saved lives and made America a safer place by giving a voice the plight of countless numbers of people who have fallen victim to unsafe environmental conditions. He won two prestigious Pulitzer Prizes for his work, one for public service reporting and one for specialized reporting. He was also recognized with the National Headliner Award, the Society of Professional Journalists’ Public Service Award, the George Polk Award, and the John B. Oakes Award for Distinguished Environmental Journalism.

“In a world where superlatives are overused there are times when they are appropriate. Andy Schneider deserves all the accolades he received for his dedicated work as a reporter and writer, and he championed many causes, including bringing to the world the dire situation in Libby,” said Dr. Arthur Frank, Professor of Public Health and Chair Emeritus of the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at the Drexel University School of Public Health. “As a public health hero he will be missed. “

As an investigative journalist, Andrew was relentless in writing about the asbestos crisis. Along with his good friend and fellow journalist David McCumber, Andrew coauthored “An Air that Kills,” a revelatory account of the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history and the devastating impact it had on the small rural town of Libby, Montana. They followed with the sequel “An Air That Still Kills,” detailing the continued risk and negligence around asbestos in Libby. You can read ADAO’s exclusive interview with Andrew about “An Air That Still Kills” here.

“Without our special friend Andy, the Libby public health problem would likely have never surfaced, exposure and disease would persist, and the community would have suffered devastating consequences,” said Dr. Brad Black, the Medical Director and CEO for the Center for Asbestos and Related Disease in Libby. “From the Libby community perspective, Andrew Schneider’s remarkable series of Seattle PI articles concerning Libby should go down as perhaps some of the most impactful contributions to public health and the people affected by exposure. He exemplified the highest level of investigative journalism.”

Andrew was a dear part of the Asbestos Disease Awareness (ADAO) family for many years; he even delivered the keynote address at our 2009 Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference.

“Andy Schneider was the most knowledgeable and prolific journalist in the US to ever cover the issue of asbestos,” said Dr. Barry Castleman, environmental science and asbestos expert. “He was a personal friend of mine and will be missed by many of us as a great force for public health and a wonderful man.”

Andrew also reported on ADAO’s 2007 product testing which confirmed asbestos-containing products lurked on store shelves. As Paul Zygielbaum, a mesothelioma patient and member of ADAO leadership shared, “When we at ADAO were reporting the results of our product testing, and when we were working on bills to ban asbestos, Andrew questioned everything until he was satisfied that the facts were in hand, without embellishment. He was a steady force for factual, meticulous reporting, who was nevertheless very supportive of the goals of holding industry accountable, banning asbestos, and protecting victims. I will miss his powerful voice.”

It’s never easy to write memorials, but this one is especially hard. I’ve considered myself so lucky to count Andrew as a friend for nearly 14 years. Because of his incredible body of work reporting on asbestos issues, I reached out to introduce myself to him when Doug Larkin and I were first launching ADAO. During that first call, I learned what everyone who knew Andy knows well — as kind of a soul as he was, he was also prickly as hell, and no-nonsense when it came to his work. I think this is part of what made him such a great journalist — he had the unique ability to blend sharp skepticism with good-humored compassion.

“Andrew was one of a kind. He was an amazing, yet humble investigator,” said Dr. Celeste Monforton of the American Public Health Association (APHA). “He changed lives by seeking the truth and a focus on holding the powerful accountable.”

While Andrew is revered in the asbestos and public health communities for his important, influential work, he was so much more than a journalist to those of us with whom he worked. His genuinely good-natured character led him to make fast friends among his peers and sources, as evidenced by the outpouring of love and grief from the public health community at the news of his passing. A number of touching memorials have been written in his honor, including a very tender piece from his dear friend and writing partner, David McCumber.

“Andy was thoughtful, kind, and incredibly caring. He warmly embraced those around him with humor, kinship, and support,” said Dr. Aubrey Miller, Senior Medical Advisor, Office of the Director, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). “He threw down a gauntlet of honesty and integrity, that is becoming all too rare in our public discourse.   In so doing, he inspired all of us who care about doing-the-right thing and taking care of our fellow man.”   

It goes without saying that Andrew will be missed by many, but through our sadness, may we exult his accomplishments and the many lives made better for Andrew Schneider having lived. Perhaps light a candle in his honor, and be inspired and invigorated to allow the flame of hope and justice to shine on in you as it shone so brightly in Andrew, who was proof that one determined person can make mountains of difference.

“Andy was a true hero for uncovering truth and accountability, not just in uncovering the cover-ups and deceptions of the asbestos industry, but for exposing many other injustices,” said Dr. Richard Lemen, retired U.S. Assistant Surgeon General. “Andy was the crème de la crème of investigative reporters. I will miss my friend on many years. Well done, Andy, the life you chose and lived has made our world a better place.”

Our lives have been forever changed because of his tenacity, fearlessness, and his pen.  As a true legend, he will live on through his work and remain in our hearts. 

With sadness and love for our dear friend, Andrew,

Linda

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Two memorials for Andrew are scheduled and open to the public:

West Coast: We will get together in Seattle at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 18, to share stories, music, food and drink. Cori Whitaker has offered her gorgeous home overlooking the Sound as the venue. Please RSVP to Kelly Schneider at schneiderkelly@mac.com if you plan to attend the memorial in Seattle so that we can be sure to accommodate everyone. She can also shoot you a note with details on where to go and how to get there.

East Coast: We will gather in Washington, D.C., Andy’s favorite city, at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 1 at the Newseum, followed by a reception next door at The Source bar until 6 p.m. We couldn’t think of a more fitting place to raise a glass to an investigative reporter whose lone lament was: So many stories, so little time. Please RSVP for the DC memorial by following this Eventbrite link.