Andrew Harrand Peasgood

Andrew Harrand Peasgood (Andy) died suddenly at his home in Abbostsford on December 15, 2021 at the age of 79. Andy was predeceased by his beloved wife Joan of 28 years, and his parents Bill and Marjorie. Andy is survived by his beloved wife Jenny of 24 years and his children, Carolyn (Andrew), Rachael (Oliver) and Matthew (Ana). Gramps will be greatly missed by his nine grandchildren, Rihana, Daegan, Emma, Kaetha, Reilly, Mattias, Robert, Ryan and Eilidh as well as sisters Ann (Jeff) in New Zealand and Janet (Roger) in England and their families, and by Jenny’s daughters, Keri Forward (Ben) and Jillian Stockburger.

Andy was born on October 7, 1942, in King’s Lynn, England. He was the middle child, between his two sisters. Andy had a “proper” upbringing and loved his English roots. Despite his love for England, Andy left for Canada at 24 years old. He arrived in Prince George as a high school teacher in 1966. He married Joan, also a teacher, in 1967. Andy taught in Prince George for a few years until moving to McBride where he taught mostly Industrial Education courses, and was a Vice-Principal. He was well respected in both roles. In addition to teaching, Andy spent all his years in McBride helping and building the community through school, sports and other organizations. Andy volunteered many hours to extra-curricular school events, such as funding- raising for the annual high school graduation event. He was heavily involved in the minor hockey association, and served for years on the town’s hospital board. Andy also helped bring television to the Robson Valley.

Andy and Joan raised their three children in McBride and lived there until he retired after Joan died in 1995. He married Jenny in 1997 and they moved to Abbotsford where they spent many happy retirement years together in their Abbotsford community, and also travelling and visiting friends and relatives in Canada, Britain and New Zealand.

As grandfather to his nine grandchildren, Andy chose the title “Gramps”. It was perhaps an odd choice, because it is about the oldest, grumpiest sounding of the title choices, and he was a young at heart and fun-loving grandfather. Through Jenny’s daughters Andy was also a step- grandad to Eric, Daniel, Sophie, and Cohen.

Above all, it was connections to people that were important to Andy. He truly valued staying connected with people, and making new friends throughout his life and devoted time to keeping these connections. He kept track of all of his grandchildren’s birthdays and travelled to see everybody who didn’t live nearby. He was close to his two sisters and their families in England and New Zealand and visited them regularly. He had lasting, important friendships from his youth, and early days in Canada, such as with Margaret and Dave, Ray and Glenn and Derek and Pat, and friendships with co-workers and former students from McBride that lasted long past his retirement.

Andy will be missed. He is loved by many. He has been described as a “presence” and “larger- than-life”. He loved to tell a joke and a story, and was generous in spirit. Despite his recent health issues, he retained his love for life, and with a “right, then!” “got on with it”.

Cremation will occur. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations made be made to the Salvation Army.