With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Andy, on August 2, 2024, after a year long illness and a short sudden decline. Our joyful lad was friends to many, and part of an adoring extended family including his wife Deb, siblings Stephanie, Peter and Sandy (deceased), in- laws Ken (Lannie), Rod (Hazel), Liam (Heather), and Pam, step/adopted children Spencer, Jacqueline (Pelle), Owen (Shannon) and much-loved grandchildren Charlie, Freja, Farrah and Naia. Other members of his adopted Canadian family include Charlie and Leonard Mitchell, Callayna Jardey, and Nick and Kris Coats.
Andy was firstborn to Michael and Liz Wooldridge at RAF Abyad, Egypt, and raised in Birmingham and Hereford, England. He attended the Southampton College of Art and Design where his passion for painting initiated a lifelong career. He subsequently lived and exhibited in England, Israel and Australia before visiting BC in1984, and becoming a proud Canadian in 1987. Based in Victoria, he enjoyed a long and successful 40-year career as a professional painter, ever appreciative of doing the work he loved best.
Our Andy led a spirited, diverse and adventurous life. Beyond art, he loved music (Tom Waits, The Kinks and Shostakovich), fishing, murder mystery performing, English football (Up the Villa!) animals and stray humans. A volunteer for over 25 years at Victoria Hospice, he was fiercely devoted to family and friends and especially kind to those in need. He was opinionated about things that mattered but possessed a rapier wit that kept us laughing. To quote a close friend ‘Andy was bigger than life in every way. An outsized talent, great raconteur, and funny, he filled a room – but the biggest thing about him was his heart. He was generous, kind and loving. He leaves a huge hole’
Our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in Andy’s care; especially Drs’ Jennifer Lush, Nick Bosma, Jody Anderson and Douglas McGregor, HCCN Juliana and the kind nurses, counsellors and volunteers at Victoria Hospice and BC Cancer Clinic. You’ll never know how grateful we are.
Rest well dear one: you have loved deeply, and been deeply loved in return.
A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, September 7th, 2024, 2:00 pm in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Victoria Hospice or any animal rescue organization.
To view a recording of the service, please click the video below:
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
29 Responses
We are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts and prayers are with you.
I was so sorry to read of Andy’s passing, Deb. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you go forward. May your memories sustain you and bring you many happy thoughts.
Hugs to all.
Love
Fern
Oh Deb,
So sorry to see the obituary this morning. He was truly unique and had such an amazing spirit.
All our love,
Maarten and Nadine
Dearest Deb and all Andy’s family and friends…my deepest condolences. Andy was a true original, giving from the heart always. I was so glad I met him when he first came to Victoria and was painting the hoardings down by the old Bay on Douglas Street. We were so fortunate that Andy landed in Victoria and brought his huge talent to share with us. I will always remember his forthright opinions, huge compassion and hilarious stories. He was a loyal friend to me, and helped me through some difficult chapters in my life. I will be buoyed by vivid memories of fabulous times with Deb and Andy at wonderful parties and events. I hope you will all be well supported with friendship and beautiful memories, as I will too. Much love and rest in peace, spirited and deeply cherished Andy!
Dearest Deb, when someone passes that is part of our heart we feel unwhole and fragmented. Only time will heal such a wound so deep. I never had the pleasure to meet your Andy but if he was your man he must have been a wonderful human. Cry, Hug, smile and remember he will always be in your heart. Think of him, talk to him when you need counsel and bless the creator for giving you such a love. Be well and be happy Deb…you are loved!
Dear Debs
Will be out to the Coast for sure in September to celebrate your wonderful Andy. How blessed you both were to have found in each other such a great Love! He was so much fun, his conversation lively, opinionated, witty, and he always made me feel like I was truly a treasured friend. He will be crazy missed!!Sending Big prayers till I can hug you in person, Deb. God Bless and bring you safely Home, dear Andy.
Oh Deb. there are no words to say how sorry I am for you and your family’s loss. Andy’s last words to me were “ah, delightful to see you Jill” – even at the end he cared about making OTHERS feel comfortable and welcomed. Andy will be greatly missed. I’m so sorry, Debbie.
My Dearest Debby,
I am heartbroken over you having to say goodbye to your soulmate Andy. Truly one of the best – a fine fellow. One of my memories will always be his enthusiastic cooking our breakfast along with humorous life stories with a British twist.
God Bless You Debby and God Bless Andy
Dearest Deb,
There just aren’t words to express my overwhelming sorrow at your great loss. To me, Andy was, is and always will be “The Rose”.
Become the mightiest elephant hawk moth my darling boy. See you later.