Andrew Hans Blanchard

March 1, 1969 – September 17, 2021

It is with saddened hearts that we announce the passing of Andy Blanchard, who ended his long and brave battle with cancer peacefully at home with his family at his side. Andy is survived by the love of his life, Elspeth Inglis, and their beautiful daughters Brynja and Isla, and his brother Scott, his uncle Fred and extended family members. He is predeceased by his mother, Margaret and his father John.

Andy was born in Crayford, Kent and raised in South London, England. He graduated from Middlesex University, London with a BA Business Administration degree. He studied both in Germany and in England. He enjoyed a successful career in IT for over two decades and was known as a compassionate and supportive colleague who worked hard to make a difference in the lives of the people with whom he worked and the field he was passionate about.

Andy’s family began when he met Elspeth. Andy said from the first moment he met her, he was drawn to her warmth and comfort (and her ability to equal his humor and dry wit). This was a constant throughout their 25 years together and made them a tremendously fun couple to be around. Andy and Elspeth were consummate home entertainers, hosting fabulous laughter-filled gatherings that often-included games infused with Andy’s competitive spirit and good-hearted teasing. Guests were often invited to sample their way through Andy’s extensive collection of fine bourbons and whiskeys, which invariably resulted in some sore heads the next morning that Andy would famously recommend getting rid of by a quick run on the treadmill.

After working in the U.K., Andy and Elspeth relocated to Houston, Texas in 2000, where their daughters Brynja and Isla were born. They decided soon afterwards to make the city their home, even though the implosion of their infamous employer Enron almost ended their honorary Texan status. Fortunately for us, even a year in France and Andy’s determination to stay in Houston, Andy and his family succeeded in becoming permanent Houstonians and thrived in the wonderful life they built there.

Andy loved nothing more than to bring people together. He organized many parent events for his daughters’ school, Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, as well as orchestrated Dads and Daughters camping trips and fathers’ social events. He managed a long-standing Fantasy Football team and coached his youngest daughter’s soccer team. When he wasn’t enjoying rounds of golf in the blazing Houston heat, Andy was planning his next family or friends ski trip as he was an avid, expert downhill skier. He would meet his college friends annually for a ski trip on some of the most challenging slopes in the world. He also ran the Houston Marathon, just the once, on a bet! Andy enjoyed opportunities to stretch his capabilities throughout his life and found great enjoyment in completing a challenge, especially with a win. He maintained that determination and his trademark stubbornness throughout his life, and never failed to be his own, or his family’s, best advocate.

Andy will be remembered as a beloved husband, father, son, and brother, with lifelong, deep friendships around the world. Underneath his gruff and sometimes intimidating exterior Andy was a kind and loyal soul with a large streak of mischief and a wicked sense of humor. His confident, stabilizing presence and his “up to no good” smile will be missed by all.

A visitation will be held at Heights Funeral Home on October 13th from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. A Memorial will be held on October 14th at 3pm at Heights Funeral Home, 1317 Heights Blvd, Houston, 77008. There will be a reception in Andy’s memory directly following the Memorial at Bungalow Heights from 4.30pm to 6.30 pm, 1919 Beall St, Houston, 77008. A private burial will take place on Saturday, October 30, 2021, 3PM at Glenwood Cemetery, Houston.

Donations in memory of Andy can be made to Donate MD Anderson Cancer Center

Family and friends are invited to sign the online obituary and tributes page at website.