Marvin Andrews, who served as Phoenix City Manager for 13 years, died yesterday at the age of 75 after suffering an apparent heart attack.

Andrews joined the city of Phoenix in 1958 as a budget analyst, gradually moving up the municipality's ladder until being appointed city manager in 1976 under an administration led by former Mayor Margaret T. Hance.

City Manager Frank Fairbanks praised his predecessor for his outstanding accomplishments and his genuine concern for the residents of Phoenix. "He was a low-key, mild-mannered individual who guided Phoenix through its tremendous growth years, and he was known for his ability to get things done. He cared deeply about Phoenix and his co-workers and professional city management."

Andrews, who served under seven mayors and 52 council members, was named the best city manager in the United States in 1986 by City and State Magazine, received the National Civic League's "All-America City" award in 1979 and 1989, the International City Management Association's Mark Keane Award for Excellence in 1994, and the National Academy of Public Administration's National Public Service Award in 1990.

"Even though Marvin retired from the city more than 10 years ago, I frequently used him as a sounding board. His ideas and actions helped shape our city government today," said Mayor Phil Gordon.

In 1983, Andrews helped usher in a new era in city government introducing the council district system and also pushed a new, heightened focus on neighborhoods. He was also praised for efficiently managing city services during the explosive growth years of the early 1980s, as well as for cost-effective programs.

Even after he retired in 1990, the then 61-year-old Andrews remained highly active in city affairs, serving for more than 10 years on the Phoenix Aviation Advisory Board and as chairman of the Sky Harbor Master Plan Steering Committee, among other things.

He is survived by his wife, Bobbi, son, Bill, and daughter, Barbara.