Last Friday, October 28th, we lost a member of the OBB Family and we attended his memorial last night. My deepest sympathy goes out to Andy's parents Sherri and Stewart and his brother Matt. Orlando Barbell isn’t an ordinary gym, we’re a family and losing one of our own has been devastating. Andy not only trained at OBB, he even occasionally worked for me. I don’t just let anyone work at OBB, I trusted Andy. I messaged Andy’s mom to send my condolences, to find out the memorial details and to find out if there was anything else I could do to help. In her reply she said “I hope you know how much you meant to him.” I was happy to hear this, but at the same time it crushed me. You truly never know the impact you make on people’s lives. By owning a gym I deal with a lot of different people and have to admit that I’m not always happy to see everyone as they come in, but I was always happy to see Andy’s smiling face. I saw Andy almost every day. He had the routine of coming in, eating his Chik-Fil-A on the Cybex incline press right next to my desk and then we would talk for a while before he headed to train. He would tell me about his work transcribing for the deaf community at UCF then I would joke about his training. Since he was doing more of a bodybuilding routine now my favorite question was to ask if he was planning to work his bicep peaks and upper calves. He was a staple at the gym who was always willing to lend a helping hand. Andy had a kind soul, a devout dedication to training, a helpful heart, and had found a profession where he could benefit those in need as a sign language interpreter. He positively affected so many lives. This showed by the 550 people showed up at his memorial and the around 30 people who got up to speak. Some people didn’t even know him well, but were positively impacted by him. To say he will be missed is an understatement Not only was I impressed with the turnout at his memorial. I was impressed by the number of the OBB family that showed and even spoke. We’re going to make sure that he’s not forgotten. His name will be going on the numbers board in permanent ink, we’re going to frame his picture and belt, and we are going to host an annual fundraiser in his name. My plan is to host the Andy Blackton Memorial Strength Challenge in March and to have all of the proceeds go to the charity of his parent’s choice. Andy's parents also plan to set up a scholarship program at Orlando Barbell in honor of Andy. Here’s one of the most moving posts that Andy made: 
ablackton@obbkingpin_elitefts a year and a half ago, I entered obb for the first time and could not squat 235. I remember failing it in my first ever training session at obb. Today I squatted a hundred pounds more and confident that there is more in the tank. Thank you for everything you do for obb and the people that train there. #happysunday
