Andy Soden, a member of the Western Washington Golf Course Superintendents Association and a leader among superintendents for decades, passed away earlier this month after battling health issues for years.

Andy was known for his enthusiasm and dedication to the industry as well as being a fun character to be around.

He was the superintendent at Oakbrook Golf & Country Club in Lakewood before serving as the golf supervisor in Pierce County for seven years. He took a similar position with the City of Seattle, overseeing the four golf courses (Jefferson Park, West Seattle, Jackson Park and The Links at Interbay) and working for the city from 2003 to 2011. During that time, he also played a leading role in The First Tee program in Seattle.

In recent years, Andy, who grew up in Gresham, Ore., and received his degree in agronomic science at Oregon State, was the superintendent at Madrona Links Golf Course in Gig Harbor and worked at Fircrest Golf Club.

He is the father of Joshua Soden, the superintendent at Brae Burn Golf & Country Club in Redmond and a member of the WWGCSA.

No plans for memorial services have been announced at this time.