Andrew Simon Thomas: In Memoriam

Earlier this month, we tragically lost a light. Andrew Simon Thomas was my colleague for a decade, but more importantly a close friend. Andrew and I met working for the 3D Printing company Shapeways in 2013 at the peak of the 3DP hype curve. He worked in our “factory of the future” in Long Island City and I was stationed on Park Avenue. Andrew had one of the hardest jobs at the company, working with our CS team to manage what can only be described as lightly organized chaos as we navigated 3 Million unique SKUs and launched 45 different new materials. When I decided to move back to California, I promoted Andrew into my position leading Community there. He was the best person for the job.?

Andrew always showed up. I left New York City in 2015, but frequently return. I can’t think of a trip I didn’t see Andrew on. He would meet me anywhere in the city (which is saying something) and often organized events/talks for me because he knows how much the stage means to me. He was always keen to try something new, once sweating through a very intense yoga session with me I had no idea was his first. We giggled over cocktails after and I recall marveling at his positive “try anything” attitude.?

Last summer during my annual NYC residency, Andrew told me he was ready for a new work challenge. We were headed to a rave, and I subsequently proceeded to recruit him to work for one of my clients on the dance floor. I had the joy of working with Andrew every day for the past year, just like we did as 20-somethings still figuring life out a decade ago. I cherished the time, always warmed by his smile on zoom. We even got to reunite in October to work a conference in LA, and created memories I’ll remember for the rest of my life. It felt a bit like Shapeways all over again, two scrappy community builders trying to stoke some magic wearing startup swag.?

I found out we’d lost Andrew while in a Lyft on my way to the airport to help run an EV conference. I shattered in that car, and have struggled to find the words since. I am slowly emerging from the blur, but the ache is deep. My iPhone is an asshole and keeps serving me photos of Andrew and I laughing around the country. I can’t help but think how lucky I was to know him. How grateful I am for all of the memories we shared. For the silliness abound. For the beautiful soul I was able to call my friend.?

One of the sweetest things about Andrew was his relentless support of the creator. In his work and in his personal life, he was always creating and uplifting those brave enough to try. I would send him my absolutely atrociously shitty art on vacation and he would encourage the lines and shapes that were less shit. He would recommend drawing books so I could improve. The last instagram message he sent me was cheering me on during my return to stage a few weeks ago. It didn’t matter how Andrew was feeling, he always had time to make you feel better. He always had time to make you feel safe.?

Thank you for taking a moment to learn about Andrew. For letting me share these stories. And in his honor, take some time this week to lift someone up. To spread kindness and encourage bravery.?

And to the Shapeways, CMX, and Portainer communities mourning with me, I offer my heart, a big hug, and an open ear if you need to talk. Andrew touched many lives during his time on this rock. I’m grateful to be one of them.?

To help Andrew's family seek justice: https://www.gofundme.com/f/justice-for-andrew-simon-thomas

To support Andrew's girlfriend during this tragic time: https://www.gofundme.com/f/kayla-flynn-living-expenses