Andrew (Andy) Arnold Ward, 45, of Erie, Colorado, passed away May 8, 2025. Andrew was born August 14, 1979, in Aurora, Colorado, the son of William (Bill) and Debbie Ward.

Andrew is survived by his wife, Cassi, children, Zadyn, Grayson, Beckham and Olive, parents William and Debbie Ward, brother, Matthew Ward, and many nieces and nephews.

A private memorial will be held with close family.

Above: Andy assembling a Hallmark frame in 2023

Working at Hallmark: In His Own Words

In February of 2018, we interviewed Andy and his brother Matt. We started with a few questions for Andy.

What are your earliest memories of being at Hallmark RV?

Andy: My earliest memories of Hallmark start when the company was in Brighton, Colorado. At the age of five or six, I would run around the shop, play with the tools, play with campers, and generally cause trouble.

I bet the production guys loved that. When were you first put to work?

Andy: Pete Koehn, Jr., Hallmark’s Production Manager at the time, was very stern and kept everyone in order. When I was about eight or nine, Pete got sick of me causing trouble and had me testing all the water tanks. I remember putting caps on the tanks and testing them for leaks. That was my first official job. When I got a bit older Pete let me install the tank probes. I think he knew it was a job I couldn’t mess up.

Above: One could usually find Andy working on a customer’s rig in the delivery and service bay. Pictured here with his two faithful companions, Tank and Fiona.

As you grew up, did you know you were going to work at Hallmark, or did you have other ideas?

Andy: Dad never forced Hallmark on us. It was never something we had to do. Campers are something I knew and understood. It’s in our blood. There’s something to be said for doing something you know and enjoy.

I graduated college in 2005 with a degree in Economics and Sociology. I worked for a while installing residential hardwood floors, and then returned to Hallmark. Dad put me to work building roofs. That was before we had our one-piece fiberglass roofs. It was a tough job.

Matt: He’s not telling you everything. Andy was a Personal Trainer and had a full-time job lined up in the field before rejoining us at Hallmark. He was also a Sous Chef at a restaurant in Greeley, Colorado called Potato Brumbaugh’s. Actually, we both were.

Above: Andy Ward (left) and Matt Ward (right) holding a Hallmark fiberglass roof

You guys both worked as Sous Chefs?

Andy: Yes, and we have the grease burns to prove it (laughs).

Matt: Andy also worked as a bouncer.

Now that we believe. Andy, what’s your job at Hallmark RV today?

Andy: I’m the Service Manager. Day to day I help customers troubleshoot over the phone, handle insurance companies, and setup customer trucks for load outs. When you come to pick up your Hallmark, I’m the one who preps your truck and loads your new camper.

You guys have grown up and worked at Hallmark almost your entire lives. How do you stay excited about the business and products?

Andy: It’s pretty easy to stay excited. Everyday here is different. I talk with different customers from all over the world. It’s fun to challenge ourselves to improve every unit that leaves the building. We love building campers that the customer is not going to have problems with. We know they’re going to enjoy their Hallmark. It’s also very rewarding to work with your family and see the family business thrive and do well.

Above: Matt Ward, Bill Ward, and Andy Ward pose for a photo at Overland Expo West 2013.

A Personal Note

We had the honor of meeting Andy at Hallmark in 2010 and looked forward to his positive spirit and generous attitude every time we returned. His dependable smile and huge handshake was always welcoming. Over the years we’ve talked to many Hallmark owners who described Andy with similar words of endearment. If you needed something at Hallmark, Andy was there to help.

Andy was seven years younger than yours truly, and only a few years younger than Angela. Almost immediately, Andy presented himself as more of a friend than a colleague. He would laugh and joke with us, and share fun stories about life at Hallmark. Over the years, we came to look to him—and his brother Matt—as direct peers, almost brothers, in our work and personal lives. We felt truly privileged to know Andy, and share in his life. We are heartbroken at his loss. Andy will be greatly missed.