October 5, 1936 - August 5, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
If Andrew George Christie had written his own obituary, it would have been much like his instructions to his daughters upon his death: "Just put me a pine box, and keep it simple." We'll do our best Dad.
Andrew passed away on August 5th, 2023, at the age of 86 following a brief stay at the Comox Valley Hospice.
Predeceased by his loving wife Barbara only a few months earlier; we are grateful our parents are together again.
Born to Francis and Ethel, Andrew's life began on an unusually warm and sunny day in London, Ontario on October 5th, 1936. Hardworking and athletic, he excelled in school and was a champion swimmer. He ventured off to College Royal Militaire in 1954 where the big adventure began.
Andrew proudly served his country at home and abroad for 38 years. Retiring as a Major-General, he was honoured to have a career punctuated by a series of command and staff appointments. His service included command of 3 Mechanized Commando, the Special Service Force and Allied Command Europe Mobile Force (Land). He retired as the Commandant of the National Defence College and remained on the Active Ready Reserve until 2001.
Dad was joined on this great adventure by his wife and partner of 64 years, Barbara Josephine. He was happily outflanked on the home front by the considerable force of his three daughters, his "girls." Although often away on maneuvers, courses, and peacekeeping, he taught them to swim, ski and ride a bike, how to make friends in yet another new posting and how to read a map. All this while demonstrating the values of hard work, dedication, loyalty, and pride in one's country. He was a truly loving and generous father.
Andrew did not gather moss in retirement. He served on hospital and library boards, arranged and delivered lecture series on military and foreign policy for Elder College, Probus, and several military organizations. He was active in the Royal United Services Institute and the Black Watch Association.
He read voraciously and never missed an opportunity to learn and explore. He learned to cook and took great care and delight in preparing new and exciting recipes from the New York Times and Washington Post.
He was a passionate fan of the CFL and football chilli. Dad loved the opera and was a great solver of crossword puzzles. He was a seeker, and his faith gave him strength until the end.
Andrew is sorely missed by Andrea (Ken), Rebecca (Ron) and Emily. His grandchildren Monika and Theo and great-grandchildren Penny and Otto mourn his passing. We are all honoured to have shared a life with a great patriot, father, and friend.
We would like to thank the many people from across the country who have offered their condolences and comforting words to us. We are grateful for the care and kindness of Dr. Colin Bullock and the staff of Town Circle Medical Centre, and the amazing dedication and energy of the Royal Jubilee cardiology clinics.
If you would like to make a donation in memory of Andrew, please consider the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Our father supported their work and for the last 25 years, he was the very happy beneficiary of investments in research, life-saving devices, highly trained medical teams and experimental medications.