Andrew Stocks

Andy was a prolific artist. He wrote brilliant children’s stories that were filled with an old magic and wisdom. He often wrote for specific people in his life and the phrase ‘shall I write them a story’ was a common response to hearing someone’s struggle or triumph. He painted whimsical and sensitive water colours, composed for the piano and danced ballet. He was a long-time friend of Hamilton City Ballet and loved teaching and supporting the students there.

Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Andy moved to Canada at 16 and built a life here as a landed immigrant, entrepreneur and storyteller. He had many business adventures and his last company, Olde Fashioned Paint, was seen as trusted and steady hand in both Toronto and Hamilton.

Andy had a Masters of Arts in Drama from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Carleton University. A life-long student, he still read his Greek and listened to French CBC and supported others with their academic careers long after he had finished his own studies. For most of his life, he wrote a thousand words a day and was constant in his love and commitment to his stories. His disciplined creativity, his artist’s archive and his love for his friends and family will be long legacies.

He is survived by his lifelong friend and partner Catherine Rankin, their daughter, Catherine-Rose Stocks-Rankin and by his sister Winnifred Rooney, his nephew, Jeffrey, and his sister-in-law Mary Stocks. He is predeceased by his twin sister Patricia, his brother Father Harry Stocks, his brother George Stocks, his brother-in-law Charlie and his dear friends Ricky Resijan and Tom Omorean. Andy had many friends near and far who he loved dearly.

The family would like to especially thank the staff from the Hospital 2 Home program, HCSS (formerly LHIN), St. Joseph’s Home Care and Regina Gardens for their kind and active support.

A celebration of Andy’s life will take place at the Hamilton City Ballet on Sunday, April 2nd from 2-5pm. The address is 108 Park St. W, Dundas, Ontario, L9H 1X4.