In the early morning hours of April 17, 2026, Andrew J Banks started \u201cthe longest walk\u201d toward his ancestors. Born in 1961 to Les and Marion Banks of Kittery Maine, Andy moved lightly upon this Earth, whether it was walking softly in the woods, gliding effortlessly on snow through the trees, or sailing smoothly on the four seas.<\/p>\n
Andy attended Kittery schools, graduating from Traip Academy in 1979. \u00a0He went on to Maine Maritime Academy, graduating in 1983, and embarked on a lifelong maritime career. Andy maintained a USCG Masters Unlimited Tonnage License with Ocean Endorsement working for many maritime outfits, including time on the tugboats in Portsmouth, on container ships for Maersk, and ending his career as a Chief Mate on the Matson Mokihana. Andy also received the Order of Magellan (circumnavigating the world on one ship, in one trip), something unusual with modern shipping routes.<\/p>\n
A proud member of the Penobscot Nation, Andy understood what it means to be a steward of the land. He enjoyed working in the woods behind his house and watching wildlife gather on the property.<\/p>\n
When Andy wasn\u2019t working around the property, tinkering with an old car or a friend\u2019s boat, he was catching a nap or working on his golf game. He was a member of Portsmouth Country Club and enjoyed playing with his foursome but would happily play nine with anyone. Andy played courses around the world, including in Sri Lanka, Mexico, Ireland, and at Royal Troon in Scotland. Andy also maintained a long time practice and rich fellowship in AA, where he made deep friendships and lasting connections.<\/p>\n
Andy\u2019s was a life well lived. He was a great Chief Mate, a curious traveler, skilled woodsman, expert skier, a backgammon and cribbage demon, and above all, a kind, gracious and loving friend and family man. He loved music and dancing, and was a second generation cat whisperer (his dad was the original), never meeting a cat he didn\u2019t like.<\/p>\n
Andy traveled around the world making friends, exploring other lands, learning about other cultures, trying new foods, and best of all, coming home with gifts from afar for family and friends. He was happily married for 34 years to his wife E.V. Together they had many adventures.<\/p>\n
Andy was predeceased by his parents, a sister Bonita Johnston, and brothers-in-law David Bryant and Normand Varieur. In addition to E.V., he is survived by his sister Kathryn Bryant, brother John Banks and wife Cheryl Robertson, sister Sandra Banks and husband Tim Smith, brother-in-law Larry Johnston and sister-in-law Helene Day. He will be greatly missed by his nieces, nephews, and a large circle of loving friends. To leave online condolences please visit www.jspelkeyfuneralhome.com . Care for the Banks family has been entrusted to the JS Pelkey & Son Funeral Home.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"