In the 1970s he semi-retired and ran charter boats to Catalina and
Mexico from the Los Angeles area.
He committed suicide by asphyxiation (hanging) at his home in Santa Clarita, CA. Before his death, he had suffered from bladder cancer and other ailments.
He attended Oxford University, graduated with a bachelor's degree in education from Temple University in 1943 and studied voice at the Philadelphia Conservatory of Music.
Kept Arabian horses on a 3-acre ranch in Chatsworth, California.
His older son Mark Andes is a rock musician and a founding member of Spirit, Jo Jo Gunne and Firefall. Mark later played with the band Heart.
In his younger days, posed for "physique" photos.
He had two sons with his first wife, Jean: Mark (born February 19, 1948) and Matt.
Father William Andes was a lawyer.
He was the son of Elsie Serene (Metzger) and William Gardner Andes. His family was of German descent.
Brother of Sigma Pi Fraternity, Kappa Chapter, Temple University.