What It Was Like Being Raised by Doctor Larry Andrew – My Dad, My Hero Larry Andrew
Author | Mitchell Andrew
Most people know Doctor Larry Andrew as an accomplished IVF doctor, an outdoor adventurer, or the founder of SKÖ— But to me, he’s simply Dad. And being raised by him has been one of the greatest blessings of my life.
A Father First
From the outside, my dad has worn many titles—doctor, entrepreneur, climber, inventor—but at home, he’s always been just “Dad.” No matter how many patients he helped that day or how many business calls filled his calendar, he never forgot what mattered most: his family. He taught me that success isn’t just about what you build or how much you achieve—it’s about who you are when no one’s watching, how you treat others, and how you walk with God.
Some of my favorite memories with my dad were out in the canyons, or high on a mountain ridge, breathing in fresh air and listening to his quiet wisdom echo off the cliffs. He taught me how to navigate the wild—but more importantly, he taught me how to navigate life.
He showed me how to push through fear, how to think clearly under pressure, and how to respect the natural world as a gift from God. His life was the sermon I didn’t know I was listening to, and the trail he walked wasn’t just on rock—it was built on faith, resilience, and purpose.
A Man of Quiet, Steady Faith
My dad never forced his beliefs on me, but I always knew that his strength came from somewhere deeper. He lives his faith—not just preaches it. Whether he was praying with a patient in private, giving thanks around the dinner table, or quietly reading scriptures before a big day, his relationship with Jesus Christ shaped everything about the way he lives.
And in watching him, I’ve come to know that faith isn’t loud—it’s consistent.
Here are just a few things my dad said that I still carry with me: • “Do the right thing—even when it costs you.” • “Be grateful. Every day is a gift.” • “Don’t chase comfort—chase purpose.” • “Take care of the people God gives you.” He didn’t just say these things—he lives them.
Now, watching him build SKÖ, I see the same hands that used to carry me on hikes now designing gear to carry and protect others. I see his fingerprints on everything—because he builds with intention, with meaning, and with heart.
If the world could see the version of Doctor Larry Andrew that I know—the one who wrestled with me in the backyard, talked me through heartbreaks, helped me lace up my hiking boots, and prayed with me before big decisions—they’d understand that his greatest title isn’t “Doctor” or “Founder.” It’s Dad. And I’m proud to be his son.
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