Tahoe advocates honor the passing of Adolphus Andrews Jr., past president of the League to Save Lake Tahoe

League press release

The League to Save Lake Tahoe’s board and staff are greatly saddened by the loss of former League president Adolphus Andrews Jr. We extend our condolences to his family, and celebrate his years of leadership protecting Lake Tahoe.

Mr. Andrews served on the League’s board of directors from 1965 to 2005, including a number of years as president and other key officer positions. Long-time League associates recall his passion for protecting Lake Tahoe and his hands-on manner of ensuring the League had the financial support to live up to its mission.

When famed fashion designer Bill Blass and Saks Fifth Avenue approached Mr. Andrews in 1969 to suggest an impromptu fashion event at Lake Tahoe, he immediately suggested a full runway show and luncheon on the beach at Rubicon, to benefit the League to Save Lake Tahoe. The first show was held on sheets of plywood, complemented by a picnic lunch and an enthusiastic audience of summer residents. This single effort started a decades-long tradition that has generated over $16 million to fund the League’s advocacy and restoration efforts.

“Dolph was instrumental to League development and progress for many years. He will be remembered in our history and in our hearts.”
– Patricia Ronald, former board member and League past president

“Dolph was a key part of the League for decades and continued his strong support and encouragement even after leaving the board. His passion for Tahoe and his dedication to the League will be missed while serving as an ongoing example for all of us.”
– Tom Mertens, current board member and past League president

“Dolph had a passion for Lake Tahoe, caring deeply about both its history and its future. He had a gift for recruiting people to the Keep Tahoe Blue cause, and delighted in bringing his sense of strategy to bear on the challenge of building the League and its capacity to protect the Lake that he loved. We should remember him with gratitude when we enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe.”
– Rochelle Nason, former League executive director

“We can thank Mr. Andrew’s years of leadership and dedication for having inherited not only a strong organization in the League to Save Lake Tahoe, but a better protected Lake Tahoe.”
– Ash Daggs, current League president

“I was honored to interact with Mr. Andrews both when he was a board member during my League internship in the 1990s and again more recently as executive director. It was obvious the Lake was his passion. He always gave me diplomatic and gracious advice and sincerely cared that I was successful in my role.

By keeping the League financially supported, and by connecting League leaders and other advocates to decisions-makers who could make a difference in protecting Lake Tahoe, he truly provided the means by which the Lake was saved from a fate that in our early years was quite uncertain. The fruits of Mr. Andrews years of hard work and commitment are experienced today by anyone who visits the Lake.”
– Darcie Goodman Collins, PhD, executive director