Andrew Speer, 72, was a visual artist, professor, world traveler, protector, Southern gentleman, and friend to all. He passed away on March 12, 2024. He had various health issues, including serious heart problems.

Andrew was preceded in death by his parents Joseph T. and Virginia Marie Speer, and his sister, Debbie Adler. He is survived by his wife, Linda, his daughter, Heather Cart (Kevin), his sister, Karen Purnell, of Louisville, Kentucky, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Andrew cherished his family and folks he held the closest in life.

Andrew was raised in Louisville, Kentucky where he attended public schools, and graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1978 with a Masters of Fine Arts degree, and completed an additional year of post-graduate work at the State University of New York at Buffalo.

A gentle, thoughtful, unassuming man, with a mischievous sense of humor, Andrew was a highly accomplished painter and possessed a unique brilliance; he also enjoyed a variety of music genres and art history. His home was a work of art. He would work in his studio at all hours until a painting was completed to his satisfaction. He challenged himself constantly. Andrew was known for his ability to wake up a college classroom with his insightful critiques and wit. He was awarded the title of Emeritus Professor of Art at Metropolitan State University of Denver after a 35-year teaching career in California, Colorado, and Kentucky.

Andrew's paintings are in numerous private, corporate and public collections across the US. He was awarded: Colorado Council on the Arts COVision Award, Kentucky Arts Council Al Smith Fellowship, National Endowment for the Arts/Southern Arts Federation Regional Fellowship, Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant, and Reader's Digest Artists at Giverny Residency.

His many community contributions included volunteering at Metro Caring, DenUM, the visual arts team at Trinity United Methodist Church, Artswatch, and mentoring many young artists.

A remembrance service will be held Sunday, April 7, 2024 at 1:30pm at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1820 Broadway, Denver, CO 80202 and a celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 27, 2024 1:00pm - 3:00pm at 440 N. Pearl St, Denver, CO 80203 with remarks at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Metro Caring Denver in his name.