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
I offer strength to get through this rainy day of the funeral.
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Thank you for the sacrifice that your son Andrew gave to help the Afgani people and to the rest of the world for trying to bring peace. May God in all his mercy give you strength at this very trying time
valerie spohn sent you this message:
My step son Erik is in Khandahar . Your news is very moving for us on that front as well as the ultimate sacrifice ‘ Nutts ” has made to make our world a better place. I really liked his lopsided grin at once. Your obit has been written ( and read ) with so much love that we must come to Christ Church today to ” stand up for him ” and those of his family and friends left behind – until we all meet again , with those who have gone on ahead .
God Bless him. I know he’s been welcomed there ! We are all so very proud of him.
much love to all his friends and family.
Valerie , Mark and LS Erik Lindholm
The message was sent in reference to Lt. Andrew Richard Nuttall:
To the Nuttall Family;
I am so terribly sorry for your loss, my condolences to you and your family. Your son has given to all more reasons to be proud of our military.
The sacrifice for this beautiful soul will never be forgotten. I have lost so many friends to this war, but there is no a day that goes by without thinking of all those that we lost.
Thank you “Drew” for been there for us, please protects those that still fighting every day.
My son is currently serving in Afganistan, and attended the ramp ceremony for your wonderful son, I can imagine no greater loss than yours and our hearts are with you and your family. A loss of one Candadian so brave is a loss to us all. May the memories of your beloved son continue always to supply you with love and joy.
Much love, Sue and Kerry Klokeid
From our family to yours,we send our heartfelt sympathies and condolences,on the untimely passing of your son Andrew.
Treasure all your memories,as these,in the days and months to come,will bring you comfort and joy.
Thank you Andrew,for laying down your life,so that we can all continue to live in a safer country,a safer world.
Thank you for trying to make a difference to the lives of those living in a country,that is not as safe,or as fortunate,as our country – through your beliefs and support of various humanitarian societies,the work you were involved in,in Afganistan felt right to you,and for that we have the utmost respect for you.Thank you.
We will not forget Andrew’s sacrifice or his personal quest to support the vulnerable as he strived to stay true to his values. His deeds humble us. Please accept our condolences.
The loss of a child at any age is the worst a parent can suffer( as we unfortunately learned a few years ago) and our hearts go out to you at this difficult time,. We can only pray that your sorrow is tempered, to some degree, by the knowledge that you brought into the world such a wonderful and selfless young man, who willingly risked his life for his country and mankind.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you, your family and friends as you mourn your sad loss
Our community mourns your loss. We are proud of your son, as we are proud of our country’s sons and daughters who are in uniform to protect us and serve others. Thank you for providing opportunities for the general public to express their sorrow – and we hope it gives you some comfort.
With deepest sympathy,
Mayor Frank Leonard
As a mother of three sons I am very sad to hear about the loss of your courageous hero.I will keep you in my prayers,you should be very proud of his legacy.