Andy Aitchison

John "Andy" Aitchison passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at the age of 90 at the North Shore Hospice surrounded by the love of his family.

He was born on November 16, 1933 in Chester-Le-Street, County Durham, England to parents Andrew and Margaret Aitchison. He was one of four siblings, older sister Margaret, younger sister Irene and younger brother, Donald.

During his youth Andy enjoyed motorbiking, dancing at the local ballroom and was a member of the Chester-Le-Street rowing club where they won the 1950 Durham Regatta. At the age of 15, Andy left school and became an apprentice plasterer. At the age of 21, he was drafted into the British Army to serve as a guard during the Mau Mau Uprising in Kenya, Africa for two years guarding prisoners. His first time away from home , this experience matured him and ignited a spark in him for new adventures.

Upon his return from the Army, Andy met his wife, Joyce, at the Chester- Le - Street ballroom, took a chance and asked her if she would like to dance. The rest is history.

They married in 1963 and immigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1964 to start a new life. After a year in Toronto, friends were heading to Vancouver, BC for better weather and they followed.

Andy and Joyce settled in North Vancouver in 1965 and spent the next 52 years there. Andy worked for CN Rail and then joined Evergreen Drywall as a plasterer. They raised two children, Gary and Karen and led a wonderful, happy life together. Andy was a true family man. He wanted little in life just that his family was happy and healthy. He was an amazing husband and father and will be greatly missed.

Andy is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joyce, children Gary and Karen (Graham), brother , Donald, sister in law , Deborah, brother in law Ronald (Lee), nephews Scott (Katrina) Shawn (Stephanie) great niece Eleanor and great nephew, Edison and many special nieces and nephews in the U.K.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024 @ 2 p.m. at the Boal Chapel in North Vancouver.