With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Andy, on August 2, 2024, after a year long illness and a short sudden decline. Our joyful lad was friends to many, and part of an adoring extended family including his wife Deb, siblings Stephanie, Peter and Sandy (deceased), in- laws Ken (Lannie), Rod (Hazel), Liam (Heather), and Pam, step/adopted children Spencer, Jacqueline (Pelle), Owen (Shannon) and much-loved grandchildren Charlie, Freja, Farrah and Naia. Other members of his adopted Canadian family include Charlie and Leonard Mitchell, Callayna Jardey, and Nick and Kris Coats.
Andy was firstborn to Michael and Liz Wooldridge at RAF Abyad, Egypt, and raised in Birmingham and Hereford, England. He attended the Southampton College of Art and Design where his passion for painting initiated a lifelong career. He subsequently lived and exhibited in England, Israel and Australia before visiting BC in1984, and becoming a proud Canadian in 1987. Based in Victoria, he enjoyed a long and successful 40-year career as a professional painter, ever appreciative of doing the work he loved best.
Our Andy led a spirited, diverse and adventurous life. Beyond art, he loved music (Tom Waits, The Kinks and Shostakovich), fishing, murder mystery performing, English football (Up the Villa!) animals and stray humans. A volunteer for over 25 years at Victoria Hospice, he was fiercely devoted to family and friends and especially kind to those in need. He was opinionated about things that mattered but possessed a rapier wit that kept us laughing. To quote a close friend ‘Andy was bigger than life in every way. An outsized talent, great raconteur, and funny, he filled a room – but the biggest thing about him was his heart. He was generous, kind and loving. He leaves a huge hole’
Our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in Andy’s care; especially Drs’ Jennifer Lush, Nick Bosma, Jody Anderson and Douglas McGregor, HCCN Juliana and the kind nurses, counsellors and volunteers at Victoria Hospice and BC Cancer Clinic. You’ll never know how grateful we are.
Rest well dear one: you have loved deeply, and been deeply loved in return.
A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, September 7th, 2024, 2:00 pm in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Victoria Hospice or any animal rescue organization.
To view a recording of the service, please click the video below:
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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lance austin olsen
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Penny Hobson-Underwood Condolences to Andy’s family on such a cruel loss. I took a course from Andy at Bank street years ago, and then discovered he was also a neighbour. Although I didn’t know him well, he made a very positive impression on me, and it was always a pleasure when we crossed paths and had brief occasional chats about art or life. He was unfailingly friendly, open, engaging, and also very human. I’m sure he brightened the lives of many.
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Alex cameron All I can think of is that you were the one with the moustache…
I have early memories, photos on walls, mum carrying on about her brothers, pointing at faces, naming them for me, you were the one with the moustache who painted lots of forests in the mythical land of the north where it snowed… my Uncle Andrew
Was so very disappointing when upon finally meeting you some years later that you didn’t have a bloody moustache at all, in fact out of the three of mum’s brothers, you were the only one who didn’t wear a moustache at that!
The final words you spoke to me where “allow yourself to be happy, kid”…. I will.
Bless you, I love you so very dearly.
Zooz
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Marion Parente née Wooldridge My dearest cuz, words cannot be said. We grew up in a magical world, never to be again. Our childhood will never be seen to others, as the Wooldridge gang of Harborne, we were the best keepers of the allotments, scrumping, bird watching, having wonderful fun. Will miss our reminiscing deeply, as only a few of us left to remember. You were one of the privileged to call me Mazza, I will cherish that. Well I will say see ya later cuz, rest easy. PS, give the oldies a big hug and kiss from me, love ya lots
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Abbie Wooldridge Dear Uncle Andy,
All heartbroken by this loss, Andy was a true original; kind, thoughtful, with a tremendous sense of humour. We will certainly miss his humorous takes on modern life. He was particularly supportive in times in need of our family. Clarat and blue to the core, my dad his brother always looked forward to his trans Atlantic breakdowns of Aston Villa’s latest disappointing performance.
Greatly missed!
Rest easy Uncel Andy (knobbo) xxxxxxx
The UK Wooldridge clanJudi, Abbie, Hannah, Doug, Gary
Alana Skylar and Quinn
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Virginia/Ginnie Tucker Hi Deb….I didn’t know your beloved Andy…[ I do know his Art …owned by friends…..]
All I know for sure…. he gave endless…love….joy…laughter to you every single day….. His unique art style has provided delight for many around the world who are lucky enough have a piece or two..hanging on their wall or walls
I’m so sorry Deb…… WHY???Virginia/Ginnie Tucker
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Steve You had it all my friend, the industrial abstract I bought from you 20+ years has been the backstop of all portrait in my domain. It is timeless like your memory.
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Laurie I have many fond memories of Andy, my painting teacher at the Victoria College of Art on Bank Street. He was a stand out instructor. Inventive, helpful, and always hilarious. Truly one of a kind. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Laurie Mackie Loen
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Matthew Larkin Thanks for all those great times we had, brother, and for never giving up on me back in the days of yore. Know that everyone whose lives you touched were and are among the very blessed.
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Michelle Toone Andy had a heart of gold . He loved life and he lived it to the fullest. He told me he had no regrets and he had done everything he wanted to do . Andy was so kind to a mutual friend , Richard Hales ,who suffered from dementia after a stroke . When all friends had abandoned Dick , Andy stuck by him . I was so thankful that Andy was such a dear friend . Say hi to Dick for me, Andy, and give all our Airedales a huge hug for me .
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MARIE STEVENS ️
Memories bigger than life …
Oh how I miss you dearest of friend.
We will all dance along the train-tracks again, and sing loudly… it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
My dearest condolences to Deb and all of Andy’s family & friends.
https://youtu.be/YIjN9vyDGEM?si=nsBI0lX4gPMVxMFi
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Norm Mallalieu So sorry to hear this news Deb. Andy was such a gifted person in so many ways. Dayle and I appreciated his humor and good nature. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
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Christine So many fond memories Andy. We were the “Wooldridge Clan “ growing up as kids in Harborne. UK. We all went our separate ways, but we will meet again someday. Miss you my cousin Andy, ❤️ you .
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Barbara Newton Our sincere condolences. We enjoyed having Andy as a neighbour. He will be missed.
Barbara and Doug Newton
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Izzy Wooldridge Now the moth has joined the butterflies and dragonflies. I can only imagine cuz.
‘Til next time xx
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edward wooldridge catch ya later cuz plenty of cowboys and Indians left in us. till we meet again love ya like a brother cuz Ed
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Michael and Jan Stanger Deb and family.
Our heartfelt condolences on Andy’s passing..
I was fortunate to see him about a month ago and he had reached a rare and enviable equilibrium felling that he had had a fulfilling life.
With our sympathy,
Your neighbours Mike and Jan
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Elena Kurbatoff We are heartbroken to say goodbye to Andy. An extremely talented artist and wonderful person to deal with, he will never be forgotten. We have always valued him as our gallery artist and are truly proud to represent his estate at Kurbatoff Gallery.
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Teri Willoughby & David Metcalfe We are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts and prayers are with you.
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Fern Anderson I was so sorry to read of Andy’s passing, Deb. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you go forward. May your memories sustain you and bring you many happy thoughts.
Hugs to all.
Love
Fern
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Maarten Schaddelee Oh Deb,
So sorry to see the obituary this morning. He was truly unique and had such an amazing spirit.
All our love,
Maarten and Nadine
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Daphne Goode Dearest Deb and all Andy’s family and friends…my deepest condolences. Andy was a true original, giving from the heart always. I was so glad I met him when he first came to Victoria and was painting the hoardings down by the old Bay on Douglas Street. We were so fortunate that Andy landed in Victoria and brought his huge talent to share with us. I will always remember his forthright opinions, huge compassion and hilarious stories. He was a loyal friend to me, and helped me through some difficult chapters in my life. I will be buoyed by vivid memories of fabulous times with Deb and Andy at wonderful parties and events. I hope you will all be well supported with friendship and beautiful memories, as I will too. Much love and rest in peace, spirited and deeply cherished Andy!
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Don Hardy Dearest Deb, when someone passes that is part of our heart we feel unwhole and fragmented. Only time will heal such a wound so deep. I never had the pleasure to meet your Andy but if he was your man he must have been a wonderful human. Cry, Hug, smile and remember he will always be in your heart. Think of him, talk to him when you need counsel and bless the creator for giving you such a love. Be well and be happy Deb…you are loved!
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Manni Fink-Fraser Dear Debs
Will be out to the Coast for sure in September to celebrate your wonderful Andy. How blessed you both were to have found in each other such a great Love! He was so much fun, his conversation lively, opinionated, witty, and he always made me feel like I was truly a treasured friend. He will be crazy missed!!Sending Big prayers till I can hug you in person, Deb. God Bless and bring you safely Home, dear Andy.
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Jill Galt Oh Deb. there are no words to say how sorry I am for you and your family’s loss. Andy’s last words to me were “ah, delightful to see you Jill” – even at the end he cared about making OTHERS feel comfortable and welcomed. Andy will be greatly missed. I’m so sorry, Debbie.
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Murray Cameron My Dearest Debby,
I am heartbroken over you having to say goodbye to your soulmate Andy. Truly one of the best – a fine fellow. One of my memories will always be his enthusiastic cooking our breakfast along with humorous life stories with a British twist.
God Bless You Debby and God Bless Andy
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Gus Dearest Deb,
There just aren’t words to express my overwhelming sorrow at your great loss. To me, Andy was, is and always will be “The Rose”.
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Steph Become the mightiest elephant hawk moth my darling boy. See you later.
I was so happy to have coffee with Andy on 2 occasions before he passed, we talked and laughed, life is always sweet and farewells hard for those who still remain. Sleep well dear fellow.