Obituary of David George Andrew

David George Andrew

August 29, 1941 - June 20, 2024

Dave passed away suddenly at home with his loving wife and best friend Anne by his side. Just two months shy of his 83rd birthday, Dave was predeceased by his parents Cameron and Phyllis Andrew, his first wife Shirley Anne Andrew (nee Williams) and his first born daughter Kathy (46 years old).

Dave leaves behind his daughter Jennifer, grandchildren Abbie and Olivia, son Peter (Joanna), grandchildren Kendall Joy and Trystan, stepson Matthew (Soraya) and grandson Porter Kane. He will also be dearly missed by his younger brother Bob (Jean Tannahill).

Dave grew up in the greater Toronto area, moving often as the son of a bank manager. He spent his formative years in Richmond Hill where he went to RHHS and met his lifelong friends Jim and Sheila Ewing.

David wore many hats in his working life which was the reason for his vast insight on many topics. Upon graduating from the University of Toronto, Dave taught mathematics and science at George Brown College for 5 years. Forced to leave teaching due to funding cutbacks, he became a police officer for the Metropolitan Toronto Police in 1973. Dave ended his almost 20 year tenure as a police officer in a detective office in a variety of roles. After turning in his badge and shift work behind, he worked as an investigator at the Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations. Dave retired from civil service as this branch of government turned into the Real Estate Council of Ontario, where he proudly 'double dipped' for nearly 10 years, again as an investigator.

Most importantly, Dave was fiercely proud of his family. Through hard work and foresight he was able to have a very fulfilling retirement with Anne. Together they travelled, played cards, had a busy social life and spent time with family whenever possible. Together, Dave and Anne enjoyed watching and supporting the grandkids' activities; be it soccer, rugby, ball hockey, ultimate frisbee, horse riding, or musical theatre. They were at every performance or game possible and he was very close with his grandkids who loved him very much.

Dave had many interests and hobbies. Fuelled by his own grandfather being a TTC streetcar operator in the 1930's and 40's, Dave had a keen interest and a savant like knowledge of streetcars, buses and trains. So much so, he had volunteered well over 1,000 days in a span of 55 years at The Halton County Radial Railway streetcar museum in Guelph. Most recently, he was restoring a streetcar that his grandfather certainly operated - TTC #416. Dave also built a massive model streetcar layout in retirement. The town he created in his basement sanctuary is truly something to behold. He would proudly run his streetcars for anyone interested, especially his very curious grandkids.

Dave was always the stable hand that family and friends sought counsel from. His opinion was always highly valued and his honesty greatly appreciated. His unexpected departure leaves a void that cannot be filled and he will be sorely missed.

A celebration of his life will be held later this summer at a date and time to be determined.

Donations to continue his passion and cement his legacy can be made to restore TTC Streetcar #416:

Online at hcry.org (follow link for Donations, and select TTC 416)

By Mail:

Ontario Electric Railway Historical Association

For TTC car #416 Fund

13629 Guelph Line

P.O. Box 578

Milton, Ontario

L9T 5A2

Attention: Jim Sorensen, Treasurer