Andrew Philp

September 8, 2024

In loving memory ~

With much sadness, we announce the passing of Andrew Philp on Sept 8, 2024, at 83. He was dearly loved and will be missed deeply by his son Simon (Leyanne), daughters Emma (Duncan) and Charlotte, his sister Teresa, grandchildren Sophie and Jacob, nieces Rebecca (Jon) and Rachel (Mike), great nephew Ben, cousins in England and his many friends. Sadly predeceased by his grandson, Nayan in 2010.

Born in Looe, Cornwall in 1941, to Frank and Thelma Philp, Andrew spent his early childhood at Cardwen, one of the family farms in Pelynt. His father's entry into the British Army introduced a new way of life for the young family with multiple moves, including to Cyprus and Malta. Along with his younger sister Teresa, they spent seven happy years in the Mediterranean returning to Trenake farm in Cornwall for family holidays. On their return to the UK, the family were stationed in Dorset and Devon and would share picnics and long walks in the countryside, including high on the tors on their beloved Dartmoor. With all the many moves and adventures, Teresa and Andrew shared a strong bond which would last a lifetime.

As an adventurous 19-year-old, Andrew came to Canada, working and traveling throughout North America, including time on a Yukon gold dredge and a Cat train in the Arctic Circle. He would return to England regularly with stories about the Canadian north, and in 1965 his father and mother emigrated, with Teresa and her fiancée following soon after. On one of his many trips home to England, he met the spirited girl across the street, Jane, and she took the leap and joined him in Canada. They were married at Dawson Creek in 1969 and moved to Prince George with Andrew working at the pulp mill. Together he and Jane fixed up their first two houses and started their family. In 1976 they moved to Vancouver Island, where he lived happily for the rest of his life.

Andrew loved collectibles and was a respected, long-time member of the local Diggers club. He made friends at shows all over Western Canada. He loved finding interesting items, researching and repairing them and taking part in shows. He loved meeting people, hearing their stories and being part of the friendly competition for the Saturday morning 'hunt'.

In retirement, he spent 20 Canadian summers kayaking the coastline with Charlotte and 20 New Zealand summers visiting Emma and Duncan, the wider Woods family and his many NZ friends. He especially loved fish and chips, garage sales with Jacob and his times walking Jedi dog at Tekapo. He travelled with Teresa, Rebecca, Jon and family to the south of France, Spain, Scotland and around the UK and to see family in Cornwall, always stopping for a freshly baked Cornish pasty and to take in the view from Kit Hill. He enjoyed weekly trips to Victoria to visit Simon, Ley and Sophie, sharing happy van trips, lovely dinners and time spent watching train videos with Sophie. He loved Rachel's homemade pasties which she would make for him on special occasions. He treasured his weekly Canasta catch-ups and times with good friends.

Over the years he built four family homes in Chemainus and until very recently was actively helping his children with Christmas light displays, house renovations and gardening projects. He loved his garden and spent many happy hours tending his fruit and vegetables. In his final few days, surrounded by family from around the world, he remarked on what a great life he had enjoyed, and reminisced all the way back to childhood summers, closing his eyes to remember picking watercress in Cornwall and the smell of the pine and cedar trees high in the Troodos mountains.

A celebration of Andrew's life took place at Cherry Point Estate Wines on September 24, 2024, at 2pm.