Obituary of Andrew Goff Cloke

Andy died peacefully at home, after fighting a remissive cancer that returned after 18 years. He is survived by his wife Gretchen; daughters Erin Cloke (of Austin, TX) and Sarah Sweeney (of Lynnwood, WA), grandchildren Ransom and Ruby Cloke and Ronan Sweeney, sisters Suzanne Cloke (of Castelgomberto, Italy) and Christine Easton (of Sequim, WA), their families, Uncle Elmer Cloke (of Camas, WA), and Aunt Laura Banko (of FL), and many extended family members. Born in June of 1946, to Harry and Mundy Cloke of West Seattle, Andy graduated from West Seattle High School in 1964, and from Washington State University in 1968 with a BS in Police Science. His desire to help others led Andy to a career in law enforcement, which began with the King County Sheriff’s Department. Andy excelled as a law enforcement officer, becoming the youngest detective in the department at that time. In 1972 Andy was asked to join a local, state, and federal task force to fight a growing heroin problem that affected the entire United States. During this time, Andy was wounded in the line of duty while working undercover, for which he was awarded the Purple Heart. This assignment led Andy to join the “Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs,” which soon became the Drug Enforcement Administration. Andy was in the DEA’s first graduating class of agents. Andy married his wife Gretchen Edler in 1967, and was blessed with the birth of his two daughters Erin and Sarah. As a DEA agent, Andy served in Seattle, El Paso, Vienna, Frankfurt, and finally Tacoma where he finished his career as the Agent In Charge of that location before his retirement. Andy was well-recognized during his 33-year law enforcement career, and received several awards and commendations. Andy enjoyed telling a good joke, and kept us laughing to the end. He loved being with his family, and enjoyed, traveling, boating, fishing, and being outdoors. Andy took great pleasure in music, learning to play the trumpet and piano at an early age, and also enjoyed singing with various groups including the El Paso Border Chorders. Andy’s love of sports began in childhood, where he excelled in football. Though he received a scholarship offer to play for Western Washington University, he decided to attend the University of Washington prior to WSU. After his retirement from law enforcement in 2001, Andy flourished in his lifelong passion for the game of golf, working on perfecting his craft on a full time basis. A memorial will be held at 1:00 p.m. on June 27th at Oakbrook County Club, where Andy spent time pursuing his joy of golf, as well as serving on the board of directors. Oakbrook Golf & Country Club 8102 Zircon Drive SW Lakewood, WA 98498 Please visit www.oakbrookgcc.com for directions. In memory of Andrew Cloke, donations may be made to Franciscan Health System Hospice, or Orcas Island Cemetery: Franciscan Hospice 2901 Bridgeport Way W University Place, WA 98466 (800) 338-8305 Olga Community Club/Cemetary Fund c/o J.W. Slater 236 Woodside Farm Road Olga, WA 98279 God bless you Andrew Cloke, for your courage and strength as a husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and protector of many people worldwide. We love you, and will miss you. Arrangements by Edwards Memorial Center 253-566-1008