Surrounded by loving family, Lionel “Ross” Andrews, of Straffordville passed away at VON Sakura House, Woodstock on Friday May 6, 2016, at the age of 86 years. Predeceased by his beloved wife and best friend Martha (2014). Loving father, cherished grandfather, great grandfather and great- great grandfather of David (Deborah), Peggy (Jane), Douglas, Michael (Patricia), and Mark (Ellen) and their families. Special uncle and great-uncle to many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by birth parents Ken and Vilo Andrews, parents Fred and Ermina Bowes, brother James Andrews, sister Gretta Walsh and daughter-in-law Justina Andrews.
Ross attended high school in St. Thomas, and continued to work the family farm. He reconnected with neighbour and love-of-his-life Martha and they were married in 1950. Ross left agriculture and pursued his desire to become a teacher. Ross began his 34-year teaching career in 1951 at Straffordville Public School. His path took him on to Tillson Ave Public School as Vice Principal, and finally Maple Lane Senior Public School as the Industrial Arts Teacher. Ross' talent and passion for working magic in varied materials allowed him to not only create toys, tools, what-nots, furniture, and more, but to pass his experience and knowledge on to several generations. His largest building project was the family home he and Martha built on Second St. in Straffordville. He continued his handy-work and building prowess at Taylor Lake where he and Martha lovingly maintained a second home for many summers. The original cottage was stripped down to bare studs, and expanded to make it a welcoming escape for family and friends alike. Ross also was an avid writer; starting his second career in 1963 with human interest articles in the Family Herald and Tillsonburg News. Ross expanded his literary talents to cartoonist as the creator of “Tip Says”, photographer, reporter and finally weekly columnist. Ross was a continuous contributor to the News for 53 years. A former Boy Scout leader, past secretary for the Otter Valley Rod and Gun Club, an Officer Brother of the Order of St. John and Member in Good Standing with the Royal Canadian Legion, Ross was an active advocate in his community. He launched yet a third “career” as a baritone barber shopper with the Bayham Lambs, and continued to sing with many choirs over the decades. His last concert was this past Christmas with the Tillsonburg Senior Centre Singers. An avid reader as well as writer, he was fascinated with people of all stripes, wanting to know their stories and share his own.
Friends and family will be received at the Ostrander Funeral Home, 43 Bidwell St., Tillsonburg, (519) 842-5221 on Monday the 16th of May, from 2 pm to 4 pm and 7 pm to 9 pm.
A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday the 17th of May, at 11:00 a.m., led by Reverend Cordell Parsons at Ostrander Funeral Home Chapel. Inurnment will be at the Straffordville Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers are grandsons Ian, Nathaniel, Gordon, Nigel, Jordan, and Connor Andrews. Memorial donations payable by cheque to the Order of St. John of Jerusalem - Eye Clinic, Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital, Bayham United Church, or Sakura House Woodstock would be greatly appreciated by the family. Personal condolences can be made at www.ostranderfuneralhome.com.