It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Andy on June 19th, 2018. He was born on May 27th, 1939 in Barrhead, Alberta and passed away peacefully with family at his side. Together for 46 years, he leaves behind his loving wife Sharon; his stepchildren Debbie (Peter), Gordon and Sharon (Gordon); his beloved Grandchildren Jaden, Ava, Tanner, Angie and Ryan.
Petty Officer “Andy O” devoted 26 years to the Royal Canadian Navy as a Clearance Diver both with the Atlantic and Pacific Fleet Diving Units. Retiring from the RCN, he then spent 18 years with Federal Corrections after which he and Sharon moved to Maui, Hawaii where he worked on the Unexploded Ordnance Clearance Project on Kaho’olawe Island Reserve. After a short stint working UXB in California, he returned home to Victoria where he settled into retired life as a Snow Bird, tinkering around the house and working in his garden.
A pioneer in his field, a leader to his divers, a friend to all, a father, a grandfather, he will be missed by everyone. We Salute You.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the doctors and staff at VGH 4South and Victoria Hospice for all of your support and kindness.
A Graveside Service will be held at Royal Oak Burial Park, 4673 Falaise Drive, Victoria, B.C. on Friday, July 6th, 2018 at 1:00 pm followed by a Celebration of Life at 110 Kamloops Avenue, Victoria, B.C.
Donations can be made to Victoria Hospice, 1952 Bay Street, Victoria, B.C., V8R 1J8
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
21 Responses
In the late 80’s and 90’s, I was employed as a federal corrections officer at William Head Institution and worked with Andy quite often.
Andy was quiet with a straight faced sense of humour that made me laugh.
Nothing rattled Andy, and he had a calm demeanor at all times.
In the late 90’s Andy asked me if I wanted to buy his black 1971 Dodge Challenger convertible. Of course, I had no money at the time and Andy eventually sold it. I always thought of Andy and that missed opportunity to buy that car.
In 2003, I was transferred to Pacific Institution in Abbotsford. I retired in 2018.
I thought of Andy from time to time and wondered how he was doing.
Sadly, it was Andy’s obituary that I just saw tonight.
I will always have fond memories of Andy, and I still smile when I think of him.
My condolences to Andy’s wife and family.