I was a good friend of Andy's in the early 1970's...whom I had the pleasure of working with on Extra Gangs (Matt Jackson's Switch gang (Eagle River)...then for 3 years on Ed Piezzi's Tie Gang...on the CPR Lakehead Division (500 miles). We worked as in 1898...but what a dedicated group of young men...who could build new track in Kenora to replacing over 2,000 railway ties per day (10 hours)....to lifting a 3 ton switch by hand labour. What fishing escapades we had and felt like Railway barons as we boarded the CPR Silver Bullet at Thunder Bay (then Fort William & Port Arthur).  After the head - on - collision in 1974...I brought Andy to my home to spend Christmas together. He was 4 years older than me....but we were like brothers when we lived in Ignace together...and took on the mighty CPR for better lodging...as we slept in the room of the engine maintenace shop...then getting up and travelling in -40 C for 80 miles roundtrip to clean switches...in an open jigger car!! Tough times = tough men. Unheard of today. I will miss his great boisterous voice...fantastic sense of humour and kind heart. He was not scared of running any kind of machinery...and we also miss his beloved wife Marlene. They were inseparable. My condolonces to all the family...your father was one of a kind and will be missed!

The 1st time I meet your dad and mom , I was waiting for Wes at the gas station. I was so shy and your dad made me blush till I was the color of ketchup. Out of that 1st meeting I became family. Later I learnt that Andy and my dad had worked together and the stories I learn't were priceless! Andy will be dearly missed. My heart aches for the rest of you. ❤