Hundreds of people gathered at Valley Christian Center on April
7, to memorialize a Valley Springs father and his three young
children, who all lost their lives in a tragic auto accident April
1 in San Andreas.
Hundreds of people gathered at Valley Christian Center on April 7, to memorialize a Valley Springs father and his three young children, who all lost their lives in a tragic auto accident April 1 in San Andreas.
Andrew John Pimental, 39, Drew, 11, Cami, 9, and Mike, 7, had been lifelong residents of the San Jose/Morgan Hill area before moving to Valley Springs two years ago with the children’s mother Cathy Robertson Pimental to be near their family: Bev and Rich Pastorino, mother and stepfather to Andy and grandparents of the children; Max and Ancy Peterson, grandparents of Andy and great grandparents of the children; Jan and Ken Dugan and Sandi and Harry Watson, Andy’s aunts and uncles, all of the Valley Springs area.
Andy was a 1982 graduate of Leland High School in San Jose and graduated from Condi College as a computer specialist. He worked for Kodak and CPO before forming his own copier sales/service business. He “never met a stranger,” was a friend to everyone he met and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. Above all, his children were his first priority, and he was a kind, loving and hands-on Dad and their “best buddy.”
The children attended P.A. Walsh Elementary in Morgan Hill and Valley Springs Elementary in Valley Springs. They all enjoyed dirt-bike riding, snowboarding and camping with their father and the family at Buck’s Lake. Drew especially enjoyed going to concerts with his Dad and Mom and listening to his CD collection, learning guitar and the time spent with all of his buddies. He was a fun-loving, loyal friend and a friend to everyone.
Cami was the sweet “little mother” to her brothers and younger cousins and an enthusiastic third grader who loved school, singing and jazz dancing with her many friends at Top Hat Dance Studio. She enjoyed displaying her thespian abilities in the school plays, loved all animals, especially the family’s little dog Baby, and collected dolls and stuffed animals.
Mike was bright, perpetually smiling first grader who is remembered by his family, teachers, and classmates for his kindness, quick wit and infectious laugh. He enjoyed his kung fu lessons at Moore’s Karate Studio, playing video games and beating everyone at board games, which he quickly mastered. He attended United Community Methodist Church with his father and grandparents, where he would often amaze Pastor Gregory and the congregation by coming up with the correct answer to biblical questions posed to all the children during services.
Their love and laughter will be sorely missed by all their family and friends, including Andy’s brothers and sisters-in-law, Chip and Tammy Buchan of El Dorado Hills and Chris and Stacy Pimental of San Jose; Andy’s father Bob Buchan of Tracy, Andy’s grandmother Kay Buchan; and the children’s aunt Ann Mayorga, both of Auburn; stepparents, Lee and Patty Pimental of San Jose; grandparents Paul and Val Robertson, of Paradise; the children’s aunt and uncle Kim and Chris Coffin of Gilroy; Andy’s uncle and aunt, Dr. C. Daniel and Betty Witmer of Avila Beach; and all of their cousins and their many friends in the Bay Area and Valley Spring community.
A new playground will be built at Valley Springs Elementary School and dedicated to the children’s’ memory. Donations can be made to: The Pimental Children’s Memorial Fund for Valley Springs Elementary, c/o Sierra Central Bank, 87 Highway 26, Valley Springs, Ca 35252.
