Andy Dykstra, 69, a resident since 1969, died unexpectedly Sunday, October 12, 2014. He spent the last hours of his life celebrating doing what he loved with his friends and family. Born in Tirns, Friesland, the Netherlands May 6, 1945, he was the son of the late Frank Dykstra and Ann (Vis) Dykstra. Andy came to the United States in 1959, initially living in Alburgh, VT then moved to Phillipsburg, NJ, settling in New Haven, VT. In 1967, he married his high school sweetheart and wife Wieka of 46 years. He was an active dairyman, well known throughout New England for his advocacy for dairy farmers. In addition to operating his own farm he was a member and director of the Independent Dairymans Cooperative Association, a member and director of St. Albans Cooperative Creamery, Inc., the Northeast Dairy Compact Commission, the National Milk Board and the Vermont Dairy Promotion Council. He also attended National School of Heavy Equipment in Charlotte, NC in 1965 with his brother-in-law Frank Visser. He was a member of the Champlain Valley Christian Reformed Church of Vergennes. He was also a member of the Eagles of Vergennes. Andy and Wieka were winter residents of Palmetto, FL for the past five years. Surviving family members include one daughter Stephanie A. Dykstra-Davis and her husband Mark of Marshalls Creek, PA.; two sons Michael F. Dykstra and his wife Angie of Monkton and and their children Vanessa, Casondra and Whitney; Derrick B. Dykstra and his wife Claire of New Haven and their children Molly and Will; his mother Ann Dykstra of New Haven; one brother, Tom Dykstra of New Haven; three sisters, Emily Van DeWeert of New Haven, Clara de Jong of Herkeimer, NY; Fetje Brickey of Winston-Salem, NC; many nieces and nephews, and special friend Jeanette Bergmans of Ferrisburgh. He was predeceased by his wife Wieka (DeBoer) Dykstra on Dec. 19, 2013; his father Frank Dykstra; his brothers-in-law Frank Visser and Don Van DeWeert. The family expresses special thanks to Middlebury Rescue and First Responders. A memorial service will be held Friday, October 24, 2014 at 3 PM at the Champlain Valley Christian Reformed Church, 73 Church St., Vergennes with Rev. Phillip Westra, pastor and Todd Goodyear, officiating. Private burial will take place at Gage Cemetery, Ferrisburgh. Memorial donations may be made to the Champlain Valley Christian School, 2 Church St., Vergennes 05491.