Bjorn "Andy" Andersen

May 23, 2025

In loving memory ~

1942 - 2025

Bjorn "Andy" Andersen was born in Oslo, Norway in February of 1942. He immigrated to Canada in 1952 with his parents, Thorolf and Mary, and siblings, Gro and Storm. The family settled in Victoria, where Andy attended school at Mount View High School.

Andy was very much an entrepreneur, always in pursuit of his next great project. He worked as a painter, carpenter, fisher, long haul truck driver, log salvager, property caretaker, working in logging and oil and gas industries, and even owned a couple of businesses including the Cowichan Squash Courts and pub, and the Rock Cod Café, which he opened in the 1980s.

Andy was a social person, often the life of the party. He had many great loves in his life - Joan, Kim C, Diane, Kim K, carrying a fondness for each even after the relationships were over. He fathered five children: Kim (Darryl), Kirk (Sara), Nicole, Maggie (Megan), and Emma (Erik) and was grandpa to twelve: Justin, Geoff, Nicholas, Blake, Devan, Brody, Zach, Emili, Oliver, Andi, Declan and Charlie.

Throughout his years and journeys he met many friends; his two dearest, Heather Davie and Guy Counsell, were there for him through many of his adventures to the very end.

Andy had a passion for being on the water; he spent a lot of time living on and working with boats. He called Cowichan Bay home for many years, living on sailboats, a boathouse, a tugboat, and a self-built float home. Given his adventurous nature and love of boats, he leapt at the opportunity to sail to Norway with friends in what some considered a less-than optimal boat.

When he was no longer able to look after himself, Andy moved into assisted living in Duncan. Here he met his final love, Rita Louis. The two hit it off, made each other laugh and they were married on May 5, 2023 - with the reception held at his old restaurant!

On May 23, 2025, he left us to meet up with his parents, sister Gro, and longtime friend Suzie. He is survived by his wife Rita, brother Storm (Val), his children and grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A gathering, in memory of Andy, is planned for 2 pm on Saturday, June 14th at the Bay Pub in Cowichan Bay. Please RSVP to andysmemorial14Jun2025@gmail.com.