October 22, 1917 – September 1, 2012
Andrew, beloved husband of Alison, passed away peacefully at St. Mary’s Hospital on September 1st.
Andrew was born and educated in Glasgow, Scotland. In 1937 he moved to Edgware, outside of London and started working for WD&HO Wills. While there, he met his future wife, Alison Burns, at St. James’ Presbyterian Church. Before they could marry, the war intervened. Andrew left England and for the next six years served with the Royal Army Medical Corps in North Africa, India and behind enemy lines in Burma.
Alison and Andrew married on July 27, 1945. In 1953, they moved to Harpenden, north of London and in 1956 they and their three sons emigrated to Canada, settling in North Vancouver. Andrew started working for Finning Tractor’s accounting department and at the time of his retirement in 1978 was their internal auditor.
The church and his Scottish heritage remained central throughout Andrew’s life. He was instrumental in building the West Vancouver Presbyterian Church and together with Alison was active in the Scottish country dancing community. Andrew continued Scottish dancing well into his eighties.
In 1969, after falling in love with the Sunshine Coast, Alison and Andrew found a special piece of property at Frenchman’s Cove in Halfmoon Bay. Over time, they built their retirement home. There was no road to the building site, and most of the building material had to be carried in by hand. Andrew discovered a knack for stonework and spent many satisfying weekends building gardens, paths and steps throughout the property.
A major heart attack forced his early retirement. After recuperating and moving to the Coast full time, he became an active member in his new community. He served on the regional district board for several years and volunteered with St. John’s United Church, the library, Community Services and the garden club. Scottish country dancing, gardening and painting filled his spare hours. Andrew continued to be an active gardener and volunteer until shortly before his death.
He was considered a true gentleman by everyone he met.
Andrew is survived and greatly missed by his wife Alison, his sons Colin, Douglas and Fraser, and grandchildren Callum, Duncan, Fiona and Heather.