Andrew Monteith December 7, 1927, Glasgow, Scotland - October 9, 2016, Perth, Ontario, Canada As a wee, red-haired lad, Andrew grew up in his beloved Scotland, the pride of his parents, Alexander Monteith (d. 1967, Largs, Ayrshire, Scotland) and Catherine Young (Henderson) Monteith (d. 1996, Ottawa, Canada). His early life was shaped by the joys of a loving family, the richness of the Scottish culture, and the pain of childhood illnesses. At a young age, he was severely burned when scalding water splashed on his shoulder leaving him with a large scar. He also spent an entire year in hospital after eating poisonous wild berries. This was the beginning of his training in tenacity, endurance, and resilience. After being held back a year at school, he re-joined the classroom along with his younger cousin, also named Andrew Monteith. His real lessons in endurance must surely have come from his teachers, as one can only imagine having two red-haired Andy Monteiths to contend with! During his teen years, Andrew was an active member of the Scouts. He loved to race his bicycle, row in the jolly boats and sculls, and hike throughout the beautiful highlands. In the dark years of WW2, out of admiration for his uncle Robert Henderson (an engineer in the Royal Navy), Andrew set out to enlist. He signed on with the Royal Marines and began intensive training, which suited his athletic and durable disposition. He was grateful that the war ended and he never engaged in battle, but he was also grateful for the training which further added to his discipline, commitment and precision. This, combined with his intellectual prowess with mathematics, led him into training and a career as an engineer. When Europe opened up again, he embarked on a backpacking adventure with his best pal, "Big” George Gibson. To get a rush seat on the trains, sprinter Andy would race along with the slowing train as it entered the station and jump onto the train car steps, wedging his large backpack in the doorway. Giant George would follow and with a mighty shove, push Andrew into the train, clearing a path for himself and the other passengers. While in Italy, Andrew was smitten by a charming and beautiful Canadian girl named Jean, resulting in his decision to leave his homeland and emigrate to Canada. After a stormy, North Atlantic crossing in April of 1953, Andrew arrived in Halifax and began the overland journey to Peterborough, Ontario, where he was reunited with Jean. The two married in 1955 and settled in Ottawa, where Andrew began his teaching career at Ottawa Technical High School and then Ridgemont High School where he was Head of the Technical Department until his retirement in 1986. He was honoured by his peers with a "teacher of the year award” and was thanked for his "unfailing good humour, consistent dedication to duty, and outstanding contributions to staff morale.” He excelled as a teacher and coach, and was immensely proud of his students and colleagues. He described his professional peers as the "best in the Ottawa school district.” Andrew was also immensely proud of his children, Robert (Laurel), Brian (Anne), and John (Jackie), and his grandchildren, Shea & Patrick (Rob), Jamie & Drew (Brian), and Alex and Brendan (John). He was overjoyed to become a great grandparent when Alex and his wife Amy brought their daughter Cassidy into this world. Andrew was a supportive and loving father, and as kids we came to delight in his Scottish vernacular and his own jargon that we simply recognized as terms of endearment. Count yourself lucky if he ever said "Away an’ flee ye glaikit scunner!” (Go away, you senseless nuisance), or if you ever got "spifflicated” by Grandpa Andy. We had total faith in him as he caught us when we leapt into his arms from high rocks and trees. He outfitted a Lunenburg dory hull with a cabin and sailed us up and down the Rideau River and Lake Ontario. He inspired a family of avid skiers and sports & outdoor enthusiasts, and gave the gift of practical wisdom and confidence to pursue individual interests. He always spoke with pride about his family and their accomplishments. After retirement, Andrew and Jean chose to go their separate ways, with Andrew moving out to Lanark, where he designed and built a handsome and highly efficient country home. He loved rural life but maintained a strong connection with his friends. He loved to visit his children and their families, who, at one time were all out in BC. When visiting, he would always make some kind of contribution whether it was construction or repairs, or just spending quality time with the grandkids. He loved to read books and stay mentally sharp. Andrew had to let the house go after concurrent battles with prostate cancer and encephalitis. He moved to Perth in 2008 where he was active with the local Legion and added his Scottish flair at events such as the Robbie Burns supper. Locals have come to know him as kind, generous, considerate, and humorous, as well as being feisty, and opinionated. Some may only know him as the hard-of-hearing neighbour with his TV too loud, or the frustrating slowpoke driver, but despite his failings, his intentions were always good. Andrew tried to remain as active as he could in his senior years, but his health continued to decline and that old cancer just wouldn’t let him be. His good friend, Tom, said, "he fought so hard.” But try as he might, he finally had to let go. The family is grateful to the staff at the Perth Hospital for their care of Andrew in his last hours. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. A celebration of Andrew’s life will be held at Blair & Son, 15 Gore Street West in Perth on Saturday, October 15, 2016, from 1 – 3 pm, with a sharing of memories commencing at 2 pm. Guests are invited to share their stories of Andrew at this time.