June 27, 1979 – December 23, 2009
It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of our dearest, most beloved Andrew, ‘Andy’,‘Drew’, ‘Nutts’, at age 30. He died suddenly and tragically leading his platoon of military brothers of the 1st Battalion Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry (1PPCLI) in Panjwayi District, Afghanistan.
Born in Prince Rupert, BC, he moved shortly after to Edmonton, and from there to West Vancouver where he attended West Bay Elementary School and made many lifelong friends through school, soccer, and Cubs.
He completed grades 6, 7, and 8, at St Patrick’s School, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. Here he was introduced to hockey, which became a loved activity. Fun in air cadets, scouts and sports took him across the north and sparked his sense of adventure.
Andrew’s high school days were spent in Regina, Saskatchewan, at Campbell Collegiate. He spoke of his high school years in choir, hockey and basketball as ‘the best’.
In 1997, he moved with his family to Victoria, and began studies in Engineering and Computer Sciences at the University of Victoria. At UVic, he lived life to the fullest, working at the university radio station, and taking up surfing, snowboarding, hiking, camping, travelling and cherishing time with good friends. Work experiences were mainly in the computer field, including assisting in the family business.
In 2006, his passion for fitness led him to join Crossfit Vancouver as a trainer. Here he met many people in the military whom he liked, and soon saw that a career in that direction would focus many of his skills and interests.
He joined the military in March, 2007, and was overjoyed at the opportunity to join the 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia Light Infantry (1PPCLI) in Edmonton.
This beautiful man was characterized by an easy, selfless, outgoing, generous and loving personality. He was always ready to help his fellow man, debate world issues, support family and friends. He touched the lives of many in his all too short years.
Andrew did not die in vain. He was protecting the most vulnerable of the world. He, along with a tough, educated, well trained group of men and women, were reaching out every hour, in everything they did, to make a positive change in this small global village of ours; to open the realm of possibilities for a safe and better life for everyone. He made the ultimate sacrifice to demonstrate these Canadian values – his values.
‘Imagine there’s no borders…’ He imagined a better world, and walked out into life to make a change, no matter how small or large, whether with friends around a table in Canada or in full fatigues working with an Afghan villager.
With energy and enthusiasm he always said “Live life to the fullest!”
Go into that good night Andrew- into the arms of God and those who have gone before and loved you dearly.
Our warmest thanks from the family go out to friends, the military family and the Canadian people who reached out to our grieving hearts with their prayers, their care, and their thanks for Andrew’s sacrifice in the work of his country. We wish to thank most especially Lt. Greg O’Neill and Lt. Mike Yung of 1st Battalion PPCLI, Edmonton, and Major Padre John Steele of Victoria for their support at this time of loss.
He was predeceased by grandparents, James and Margaret (nee Walsh) Nuttall; George Pickering and Patricia (nee Kells) Pickering; and Uncle James Nuttall.
He leaves proud parents, Richard and Jane (nee Pickering); his cherished brother John; Aunts and Uncles, Marylan Nuttall , Linda and Peter Lazier, Susan and John Baran, George Pickering , Helene Lamontagne, and Judith Davies; and cousins, Jim Nuttall (Kelly, James, Michael), Cathy Manion (Michael, Grace), Julie Gauvin ( Stephane, Anna, Will, Jake), Sarah Welstead ( Max Stocker), Suzanne Welstead ( Shelley Adams), Marc , Julie , Patrick Pickering, Meredith , Lindsay and Stephanie Davies.
The public may pay their respects to Andrew at McCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson and Vancouver Streets on Sunday, January 3, 2010 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
A Funeral Service will be held at Christ Church Cathedral, Quadra at Courtney Street on Monday, January 4, 2010 at 1:00 pm. Interment will follow at Royal Oak Burial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Andrew’s name to: Plan International Canada to which he contributed for years, For The Love of Africa Society which he followed closely, the Canadian Forces Military Families Fund, or other humanitarian aid agencies within Canada.
102 Responses
God keep you in his embrace and a million thanks sir for your service
Dear Dr. Nuttall, It is with tears running down my face that I write this. I did not know until yesterday that you had lost your son. My niece has served 2 tours in Afghanistan and is considering a third. I come from a family strong in military tradition, my father served inWW2, my uncle served a full career with the air force and my brother served for 20 years. I hope this condolence reaches you, Dr. Nuttall although so much time has passed since the loss of your exemplary son. His dedication to the care and well being of others makes him very much his father’s son, and I am grateful that I was blessed to have you and your support as my doctor. I am still in Dawson City, learned of your son’s passing through Aussie nurse Yvonne, and am pleased to tell you that through your help I have been with the program since I last saw you at your practice in Victoria. Again Dr. Nuttall, I am so sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Mary Gartshore
Dear Dr Nuttall and family,our deepest sympathy on your loss,it makes me proud to share the same name, sincerely andrew nuttall and family
Dear Jane, Richard and John Nuttall
Andy was a good friend during our childhood and we share many fond memories of soccer, Scouts and many other nice memories.
His service to our country made us proud to have called him a friend and was an inspiration to us both.
We had been following Andys blog through the fall and always thought of him with a deep respect for choosing such a selfless path.
We send our deepest sympathy and condolences in this time, and will forever remember Andy with much pride and respect.
Alan and Lloyd
To Andrew’s family –
Thank you for introducing your son to those of us in the wider community through his obituary in The Globe and Mail a few weeks ago. What a fine young man he seems to have been….No wonder you’re so justly proud.
Good wishes to you all. Andrew sounds like the best of the next generation. Perhaps knowing about his life and character will inspire others to be like him. I hope so.
Jane Robertson
Dear Rick and family,
I was shocked, angered, and then saddened when I saw the Times Colonist headline and the photo of your son on December 24th.
Subsequent press coverage and your obituary writings have said
a lot about your young man. He was a leader in every sense of the
word. We all hope that his dedication to the people of Afghanistan
on Canada’s behalf via military service will contribute to a better life for those Afghans who embrace positive change.
In case you somehow didn’t realize this, Andrew began his connectedness with the PPCLI when he first attended UVic. The site of the “new” UVic campus was the home of the PPCLI during WWII. A few of the old huts remain, most notably near the old tennis courts. The “old” UVic (now Camosun College on Lansdowne at Richmond) began transition to the present site in the mid ’60’s.
May your family have strength and pride as the days go by. Believe
me, Rick, this really emotionally impacts so many of us.
Sincerely,
Doug Patterson
I would like to offer condolences on behalf of the staff and students of Campbell Collegiate. Many of our staff knew Andrew from his days at Campbell Collegiate and recognized him as an outstanding young man. His death has had an impact on our school and provided a learning experience for our students. We at Campbell are proud to recognize Andrew as a member of the Campbell community. Although saddened by his death we are strengthened by his courage.
Bruce Pearce
Principal, Campbell Collegiate
I have felt a deep sadness for your loss of Andrew. This was shared with Sarah and Suzanne on our Christmas Eve together. I realize words cannot touch the magnitude of your loss.
Please accept my condolences.
I will make a contribution to the Canadian Forces Military Families Fund.
Never before have I been moved to write a complete stranger, but I feel compelled to express the deep sadness I felt at reading the obituary for your fine son, and seeing the picture of his open, smiling face, signifying hope and optimism for our country. I am deeply sorry for your tremendous loss. It’s clear that you have raised a very fine son, who even in his death continues to lead by example.
May you find a place for peace and equanimity in this most difficult time.
Dear Rick: I had been thinking of you and your family since I heard of the death of a Lt Andy Nuttall, hoping against hope that he was not your son. Alas, my hopes were in vain. You may recall that I had met your sons when we lived in Yellowknife, in the 80’s or 90’s. Please accept my condolences – I will continue to think of your loss, and the losses of other parents through this conflict, and pray for peace. Suzanne Perkins, MD