Andy Van Ness, 61, of Jonesville Vermont, died on Friday January 24, 2025 at his home. He was born on June 5, 1963, in Hartford CT, the son of Vann and Barbara (Skowronek) Reynolds. Andy grew up in Colchester CT, attended Pratt Institute, and graduated in 1991 from The Hartford Art School. He married Deborah Moore and both took the surname Van Ness. They moved to Vermont where their two beloved children, Anna and Colin Van Ness, were raised.

 

After living in New York State for some time, he moved back to Vermont to be near his children. He and former partner Martine (Marti) Fiske lived together in Hinesburg, VT until 2019 and shared many friends and connections in Vermont pagan communities. Andy was a lifelong artist known for his interest in film and black and white photography, detailed drawings, medieval and celtic pottery decoration, exquisite woodworking skills, and beautiful pyrography (woodburning). He loved being a vendor and community member at multiple east coast Renaissance Faires. He had an appreciation for all things historical, love for the beauty of the forest and the ocean shore, and always took up the role of fire tender for bonfires big or small.

 

Besides his children, who live in New York State and Vermont, Andy leaves behind: a brother, Mike Reynolds and wife Gail, a sister, Vanessa Reynolds, and a brother in-law, Steve Snyder, all of whom live in Connecticut. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, William Reynolds, and a sister, Margaret (Reynolds) Snyder. He also leaves his nieces and nephews, Kristin Van Ness and wife Casey, Eric Bergenn and wife Lauren, both of West Hartford, and Christopher Snyder of Boston, along with other family members, and many friends. His life will be celebrated in bonfire gatherings with friends and family. Feel free to light a candle in his memory.