Obituaries

Our hearts are broken to share the sad news that our beloved Jeff passed away in Victoria, B.C, on July 21. Born in Edmonton, Alta, Jeffrey Fraser McAndrews grew up in Calgary, Portland Ore, U.S.A, and summers, at Sylvan Lake, Alta. Jeff’s great passions were sports related. He was a successful athlete at Sir Winston Churchill High School and for 1 semester at St. Francis High, in Calgary. He was proud to be a high school football provincial all-star in his grade 12 year.

He started his adult life working in the hospitality industry in Calgary, then moved on to become a production accountant in oil and gas. He found his calling as a Community Mental Health Worker on Vancouver Island. He completed a diploma in the field which he earned with Dean’s List distinction.

Jeff cared deeply about his family and friends. He delighted in the athletic endeavors of his younger cousins and celebrated his niece and nephews every day. A master of the open-ended question, he loved to settle into a good conversation.  He was witty, interesting, had a great sense of humour, and an ability to discuss almost anything.

Jeff was a true football scholar. He was a lifelong, ardent Chicago Bears fan, and his deep knowledge of the sport always paid off come fantasy football season. He was always up for a game of golf with his Dad. He loved a great steak, a long visit, playing Lego with his niece and nephews, and teaching them the complexities of the Star Wars saga.

We knew Jeff as a man of humour, compassion, courage, and perseverance. The last decade of Jeff’s life was a struggle. Yet, through his work helping unhoused people, we saw his compassion and kindness continue to grow. He never gave up trying to overcome his own mental health challenges and we are grateful for his persistence. And it breaks our hearts that despite his best efforts, his big old heart finally gave out.

Our family offers a heartfelt thank you to the people who supported Jeff on his journey. Jeff is survived by his parents, Sandy and Jerry; his sisters Lindsey (Josh) and Aly (Quintin), and their children Weston and Parks, and Ariana and Flynn; as well as his many Aunts, especially Margie and Bev, Uncles, and cousins, especially Kelly and Glenda and their families.

We want to honour Jeff’s conviction that he was making a positive difference in the lives of his unhoused clients. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Canadian Mental Health Association in memory of Jeff McAndrews https://cmha.donordrive.com/?fuseaction=donate.event&eventID=561&language=en.

We invite you to celebrate Jeff’s life with us on October 1, 2023 at Silver Springs Golf Course in Calgary. We’ll hold a formal tribute, followed by time to gather and share memories.

Time: 2:00 to 4:30 ish PM
Address: 1600 Varsity Estates Dr NW, Calgary, AB

We want to be sure to have food for you all. Please let us know by September 21, 2023 if you plan to join us by emailing lindsey.mcandrews@gmail.com