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Gerald Andrews Obituary
ANDREWS, Gerald Smedley December 12, 1903 December 5, 2005 Gerald Smedley Andrews, born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, passed away peacefully in Victoria, BC. His passing culminates a long life rich in accomplishment and service. Highlights include teaching at Big Bar Creek and Kelly Lake, BC (1922-26), obtaining a Forestry Degree from the U. of Toronto (1930), working as Party Chief with the Surveys Division of the BC Forest Service (1930-39), post graduate studies in aerial photogrammetry at Oxford and Dresden, Germany (1932-34); mapping the Normandy Coast in advance of the WW II D Day Invasion for which he was awarded an MBE and on return to BC, laying the foundation for a mapping service second to none in the world, as Surveyor General and Director of Surveys and Mapping, Gov't of BC (1951-68). Upon retirement he undertook several short term projects: one for the Federal Department of Energy, Mines and Resources and the other for CIDA teaching air photo interpretation to graduate engineers at the U. of Paraiba, Brazil. He was active in the B.C. Historical Society, and wrote prodigiously on matters related to history and surveying. He published his first book, "Metis Outpost "in 1985, a tale of two youthful years at Kelly Lake, and 2 adventurous packhorse trips through the Rocky Mountains before the advent of roads. He travelled extensively in his modified Ford van at home and abroad, spending many memorable summers at his cabin in Atlin. For years he delighted friends and family with Christmas cards made from remarkable pen and ink drawings featuring scenes from BC and around the world. Later in life he received recognition for his achievements with an Honorary Doctorate in Engineering from the University of Victoria, 1988; The Order of British Columbia, 1990 and the Order of Canada, 1991. Above all, he succeeded as a human being: beloved by wife Jean (nee Bergtholdt), daughters Mary (Victoria) and Kris (Williams Lake), sisters Leila Logan, Nora Sloane, Mary Bonnycastle, Betty Richards, Gertrude and Emily Moar, brother Bill Andrews, numerous nieces, nephews and their children, and respected by friends and colleagues of whatever age, race, colour, creed, skills or estate. He will be greatly missed. The family thanks Glengarry Nursing Home for their care during his last days. A celebration of his life will be held for friends and relatives at 116 Wellington Avenue, Victoria, BC, on Saturday, December 17th, 2:00-6:00pm. 186642
Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Andrews
7 Entries
Sam Richards
December 29, 2005
Visits from Uncle Gerry to Winnipeg were allways greatly anticipated when we were small. We would beg Uncle Gerry to blow his famous smoke rings in our dining room. He was a fascinating and entertaining person, and we are honoured that he is part of our lives.
Hugh Creighton
December 22, 2005
My father Wilf Creighton (still active at 101) met Gerry Andrews in Germany in the 1930's. They kept in touch until recent years. As a boy I can remember meeting him on a visit to Nova Scotia. He was a fascinating person and will be missed
Peter Andrews
December 19, 2005
As a man in my father's immage my uncle Gerry was a welcome guest during his far too infrequent visits to Ottawa. Such an accomplished individual yet so true to his roots Uncle Gerry always impressed me with his humility and sincere interest in others. The last visit I remeber was in 1991 when he recived the Order of Canada. He made a point of inviting me to lunch so he could learn more about my most recent business ventures.
My most heartfelt condolances are extended to Mary and Kris. I hope the many wonderfull memories of Gerry's life and the many people he touched in such a positive way will, over time, ease the pain of their loss.
Peter Andrews & Family
John Andrews Sloane
December 17, 2005
As a boy who lost his father far too soon, Gerry was always there for me. Somewhat far away, but as my mother’s beloved, oft-talked about brother, he was forever “in the air’ we breathed. Someone to look up to who did not look down on anyone. On the contrary, when he visited, or we visited him and his family, our enjoyment of vigor, his stories, his science, and his art was matched by his enjoyment of us. I will never forget his twinkling eyes, nor the way he made my mother’s dance. A bit of a god in my eyes, to be sure, but as down-to-earth as one can get. A heartfelt “thank you” to Mary & Kristan for sharing him with us on his 100th, and to God for his generous and spirited life.
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Kris and Mary Andrews
December 16, 2005
Thank you to Dad's many friends, collegues, and family members who have remained so loyal and appreciative to him throughout his long working and retired life. He never forgot you. We will remember you always too and hope to continue Dad's friendship. We hope you will join us at 116 Wellington Ave, Victoria,B.C. on the afternoon of Saturday Dec 17th from 2 to 6 pm for a time of visiting and remembering.
Kris and Mary.
Sandy Robertson
December 16, 2005
Gerry was a great man, who really became a legend: yet was always an approachable colleague. It was a privilege to have known him. We will all miss him.
Ian Sutherland
December 15, 2005
Dear Chris & Mary please accept my sincere regrets on the loss of your father, he was my idol of a man who everyone could look up to with great respect. We will sorely miss him, he was the 'Father of modern mapping in British Columbia'. Love to you both.
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