Andrew Craik

Dear lovely Andy.  What a gorgeously warm, funny and cool man and what a wonderful partner, father and friend. Even now, after grieving for you for a year and a half as the cancer viciously stole you away from us all, I still can’t really believe that you have gone. I still half expect you to walk through the door and say “Ta da!” with your cheeky grin.    I remember like it was yesterday when I was living with Erika and I came down one morning to find you in the kitchen making a cup of tea in your boxers and a T-shirt – with your all-encompassing disarmingly-infectious smile you introduced yourself and we fell into chatting easily. I knew instantly that you were a keeper for Erika and I gave her my instant seal of approval. She needed no encouragement though as she certainly knew who she had found.    I have so many amazing memories with you. Many late nights and early mornings dancing round the living room; singing along arm in arm to our family favourites, to which you always impressively knew all the lyrics; our shared love of awful cheese jokes; competing with you to see who could finish Erika’s great shepherds pies or for how many bowls of dessert we would have at my mums; and the many lovely things you would do for me and others – even right to the end when, just before we all realised just how ill you were, you went out of your way to find not one but two table football tables for my and Jenny’s wedding which tragically the cancer then prevented you from attending.   You shone so brightly my brother, scattering warmth and laughter wherever you went. I will carry your light with me forever but I think I might also just keep one eye on the door… just in case you might walk in. Mike xxxxxx  

What a beautiful obituary Erika. Makes me realise how much I knew Andy but somehow how little I knew of him. I loved that man and miss him terribly. The times we had! Drinking and dancing and laughing and crying and every Friday night for what seemed like years sharing a beer or a coffee while we waited to pick up the girls from dance class. How much more are friends worth than I realised and how much more was Andy worth to me than I knew. All my love to all of you. Jon xx

Andy was the life and soul of the party at all of our get togethers. A most popular, funny and generous spirit amongst us all. Everyone loved Andy and will remember him with great love and fondness. Andy’s memory lives on, in all the lives he touched with his loving kindness and fantastic sense of humour. Much missed and never forgotten. Farewell, until we all meet again, Andy.

Andy was a great human being,so happy,caring and always smiling.We had some good times and not so good times working together in residential and through all the ups and downs he kept smiling.Andy always had time for everyone.He will leave a big void in all our hearts.You will be sorely missed my friend.

Rest in peace mate,The laughs we had will remain with me forever.

Dear Erika I’m so sorry for the passing of Andy. Andy was a remarkable support worker who contributed so much to Access for Living, especially in outreach, which he became part of nearly 20 years ago. He genuinely made such a positive difference to the lives of the people he supported and the people he worked with. He had an innate, unpretentious sense of justice and fairness, and would do everything he could to ensure that the individuals he worked with, who were often in dire situations, got a service which often transformed and always improved their lives. His ability to take every challenge in his stride was a massive support to his colleagues who learnt so much from him, myself included. He could take on the most complex and demanding service users and always be positive and creative in making it work for the person. His insight into the complex dynamics of people’s needs enabled him to understand and meet the intricate needs of the family around the service user, and in many ways help with their needs too. Personally I had huge respect for Andy and was always pleased when he came to the office and had a chat, and no matter what the subject was, he always put things in perspective. He was also really funny! Everyone is going to really miss Andy but I think that anyone that knew him will have learnt something from him and won’t forget him, he was genuinely was a lovely man and someone that I’m proud to have known. I received an email from a Behavioural Support professional from the NHS who worked alongside Andy with some of the Challenging service users he worked with. Ben Burke always spoke very highly of Andy and when he retired he became a Trustee of Access for Living. I think his words sum up how people felt about Andy and how respected he was. I’ve attached the email below. I hope over time you and your children begin to recover from your loss. Yours sincerely Martin 

I am especially saddened to hear about the passing of Andy. He was one of the kindest people you could meet and was passionately dedicated to his work. I worked with him many times and always felt confident in achieving an outcome if Andy was on the team. In fact I would often make a call to Tam or Ben and ask if Andy could be allocated if a case was particularly difficult or we needed to build a relationship or confidence with a family experiencing difficult and challenging behaviours at home. He was able to gain the trust and confidence of families and the service user often in very difficult and emotionally fraught circumstances. Andy approached everything with such calm, understanding and kindness and this enabled him to achieve lasting and genuine improvements to lives of many many service users and their families. He was a real pleasure to work with and I am sure he will be missed by all who knew him, staff and service users alike, and very fondly remembered too! Please send my personal best wishes and thoughts to Togg and Donna who worked with Andy a lot. I know they will be deeply affected by this. Ben Burke

We first met Andy when our daughters started at Sandhurst primary school together about 12 years ago. Through primary school we got to know Andy at the school gate as well as at assemblies, performances and not forgetting the maths challenge workshops! We know Andy was a wonderful man in so many ways but it’s really Andy the parent we knew best. We knew from these times and many others how much Andy cared about and loved his children and how immensely proud he was of them too. Our girls quickly became the best of friends and Andy was so kind and welcoming whenever Sofia was at their house and Sofia will always talk about his amazing breakfasts after sleepovers! We also saw the Andy who was the fantastic host at the legendary Balloch Road parties! Looking back it is striking to remember that absolutely everyone seemed to love him. But it’s not surprising – Andy was so kind-hearted, so friendly and so easy to get on with – he put everyone at ease and also had a host of brilliant stories up his sleeve. Who wouldn’t love such a person! We loved talking with him about parenthood, sports, holidays, politics and so much more. We will miss him deeply. xx

I have many funny memories of Andy at family gatherings, usually Christmas or a big birthday. He was reliably good humoured and patient with everyone young or old. Here is a shot of Andy with Ania, Matthew and Melicia at my wedding. As ever he got in the mix chatting with everyone, quaffing and boogeying! I know all the Gibbs family will sorely miss him. Love Patrick

Such a loss to us all. Andy was a fabulous guy – kind, humorous and always smiling. Fond memories of meeting each evening when picking up the kids from Maureen’s; those amazing family parties; suffering Charlton Athletic for 90 + mins. loved being in his company and sharing stories. we will miss him greatly. All our love to you and the family Erica.

My dad was caring, funny & full of nonsense, he always made me laugh & I always knew he was there for me! I have nothing but amazing memories! Some of my favourite ones are just him picking me up & heading straight to my Auntie Carols house, as I just knew it was going to be full of fun & laughter. My cousins Kay & Craig would be there with there kids, and that always added to the fun which I will always cherish! When we all got together, we just bounced of each other and all we did was enjoy each others company & laugh! I have so many amazing memories it’s hard to just pick one, I was understandably upset when he moved to London but my dad always made time for me with either a txt or a call or by even playing each other on Words with friends (he always won, but I’m sure he cheated) but he never made me feel like he was far away and always close to us! He was a brilliant dad and I will miss him each and every day! Love you dad x

My most treasured memories of uncle Andrew would have to be all the laughs and carry on we would have when together sometimes you couldn’t tell who was the youngest .. we never got to spend as much time together as i would have liked due to different circumstances but when Erika ,Mathew Ania , Andrew & Natalie would come visit we would all get together at my mum Carols house for crazy laughter and fun ..( plenty Mushroom Thai curry from the local Chinese ) this was a firm favorite of uncle Andrew & Erika who a think lived on these the full time they where here .Unfortunately this horrible disease has taken a friend, father and uncle , and husband far to early but he will forever live in our hearts with that daft smile . Love you always uncle Andrew xxx

Memories of Andy – where to start? Always laughing; and making everyone else around him laugh with a twinkle in his eye, quick wit and silly jokes. Radiating pride in his kids and all their successes. Silly dancing to great music at parties long into the night. Singing Stone Roses at the top of his lungs and sharing obscure band names that no one else had heard of. Talking about stuff – whether it be politics or events or just stuff & more often than not, with his sharp intelligence, showing us another way of looking at things. Pretending to get cross if anyone went near the dishwasher and mucked up his loading order. Or was he pretending? – never quite sure :-). Andy was one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. A gentle man with a generous soul. I’ll miss you mate.

Have many fun fond memories, huge heart, huge soul, wonderful human. Huge love to Erika, Matthew & Ania Xx

Had a great weekend with Andy en Brian ,Eileen drumm. R.I.P Andy ,Hand in Hand Kameraaden

Thanks for the good memories R.I.P Andy

Some wonderful photos. We were all freezing at the Charlton game but I cracked first. Andy and Brian I think gave in once I’d made that decision!! A top man and fun to be around. I will miss him.

Dear Erika, Matthew and Ania, I’m really sorry for your loss. Andy’s witty sense of humour, kind smile and warm heart will always stay with me. All my love xxx

Andy what can l say, there are many memories of you in Glasgow where we were brought up, but my most fondest and fun memories were of the times you came over here to Holland, the first time with your work when you were a carer. l will never forget that weekend it was hilarity from day 1 till you all left, and then the times you came over with Brian for the football, you were simply a joy to be with, you have been taken from us far to soon Andy and you will be sadly missed but those memories of you will stay with us all forever, Rest easy Andy ♥ Erika, Natalie, Matthew, Ania family and friends my deepest condolences at the passing of Andy, he will be sadly missed, my thoughts are with you all ❤

Andrew you will always have a place in my heart and you will love on in Natalie she has lots of you in her fly high

We shared many a good laugh together over the years, and we just wish there had been so many more…one really special memory of Andy for us is from Luca’s first birthday party when he was the only one to spot that Fran’s dad was slaving away at the BBQ on a roasting hot day with no one really speaking to him. So a Glaswegian that spoke no Italian spoke to an Italian who spoke no English for an absolute age and he made Fran’s dad (who was thrilled and for years afterwards would go back to that conversation. God knows what they talked about!!!) feel welcomed and cherished. And that was Andy through and through. Altruistic, inclusive, engaging, funny, dedicated and above all just really really so so sound. We’ll miss him terribly Fran, Paolo, Luca xxxx

To Erika and all the family – from London to Scotland and Oz! Thank you for inviting me to the service. It was wonderful and everyone spoke so well. It’s a very sad day as Andy was a wonderful father, friend to us all. He didn’t deserve either a short life or one that ended with suffering. Let’s cherish the great times… like when he, Erika and co turned out for my Birthday. I was at a very low ebb and everyone was fantastic – Andy got injured sorry…Erika. Or, when Andy came to the Rugby with me and we missing most of the game buying drinks – I think Andy got lost… and was very late back. Sorry Erika. or just our lovely chats doing school pick up – we managed this task with no loss or injuries to report. Thinking about you all now and always. Xxx Dave / Sophie 

To Andy, I will miss you very much. I have loved having you as one of my key workers from Access for Living. From Michael Haughney and family

What a wonderful time we all had when Andy, Erika, Matthew and Ania came to Cape Cod in 2018. The photo attached is on a whale watch trip out of Provincetown. Ania was able to get a fantastic video of a whale breach. I can confirm Andy’s sweet tooth and also confirm that Ania inherited it, they would both suddenly disappear only to return a short while later with an assortment of “American sweets” as Ania would say. Cape Cod is well known for lobster rolls and he took advantage of the situation as often as possible. He loved sports and took an interest in Baseball and even went to Fenway Park, the iconic home of The Boston Red Sox, no game unfortunately, but he and Erika walked around the outside. He and Matthew were big supporters of Spurs, and I remember going with them to Wembley to watch a game. He was always fun to be with no matter what the situation. He will be sadly missed.

‘Life Belongs To The Curious’  Andy was full of prankish delight…with boundless curiosity & energy to explore new things. He was adept at diaper changes, even in the rear of a caravan doing 60mph on the way to Coney Island. He shared his humor with Matthew when his son was just beginning to speak.  He taught him to deliver a joke, timing exactly when to pause, and when to deliver the punch line.  It was startling to see a 3 yr old master such a delivery. Dad was proud.   He was a grand host, offering cups of tea, coffee or a beer whenever they would refresh. He was  over the moon when he received a new coffee maker…and there were endless cups of coffee for all! Oh, and those ginger biscuits dipped in dark chocolate were such a favorite after meals at Andy & Erika’s home. They found their way to us in NY on more than one occasion to brighten our Christmas celebrations. He lived his life full of love, determination, and gratitude. Nothing seemed to stymie him, with his family by his side…he could do anything. With laughing eyes and an open heart he drew  everyone toward him…our world was made bright by his presence. His light will guide us forward. We love you, Andy. oxXxO

After hearing and reading people’s memories of you, dear Andy, I feel sadder than ever not to have had the chance to know you more. Our paths crossed more than once, often in somewhat haphazard ways – I being the haphazard one, to be honest -, not least when I crashed into a family Christmas holiday following my separation. Then, I got to know better and cherish your welcoming and loving personality and your contagious sense of humour. There was something so beautiful about how your jokes would make Erika, and especially Matthew and Ania, laugh till they cried; that is surely the sign of an incredible father, a quality that matters more than any in a man. While I enjoyed your sharp wit and humour, I must confess, in the hope you will forgive me, that the combination of my not being a native English speaker and your Scottish accent meant I missed some of the subtleties. You can rest assured that Mike has told me the cheese jokes so many times that at least these ones I cannot forget. C’mon, bear! I was also struck by the many testimonies of your colleagues and of people you supported in your work, in particular by the much-repeated point that you were the one who could effectively deal with the most difficult cases. In plain English, this means you had the ability to muster love, empathy and support for people without judging them, no matter what. I do not know what drove you to dedicate yourself to such difficult work, and what toll it took on you, but the value of doing this, of being there, for your family and for other human beings who needed it so much, is not lost on me, nor on any of the many people who will miss you dearly. Whatever the vagaries of life, and even if your last months must have been incredibly sad and difficult, I cannot help think of you as a man who succeeded; the love of your incredible wife and children, the fact that all three of them are such beautiful human beings, is something you were no doubt aware and proud of. Lastly, I am very sorry I never told you, but I loved the Caravan Palace tune you shared with me. I’ll miss you Andy. Nicolas

My dear Andy Richard and I did not think of you as a son in law but as a son When we first met you you seemed shy but that was probably because I , being a protective mother was questioning you about where you came from etc I think that you were wondering what you had come to when you came down to crowborough for the first time and Richard,Will and Mike blew up a whole box of fireworks in the garden shed!!! Gradually you became more relaxed with us and part of our family , I know that our boys felt that they had found a brother When we had our family get togethers we all played games and you entertained both adults and children with your jokes and fun In the future our family get togethers will never be the same as there will always be a spare place at the table. I have a personal debt of gratitude to you Andy for making Erika so happy and for giving us such loving and caring grandchildren You will always live through them Richard and I can never fully express our feeling of sadness and loss but we will try to honour Your memory by always loving and caring for Erika and your children as you would have done had you been here Lots of love from Vlasta and Richard. Xxxxxx

Dear Andy i remember that first night you met Erika so well. I knew straight away that you were going to be together just be the way you looked at each other. So many happy memories over the last twenty or so years our families have shared together. Fun and silly times, serious and happy times and the highlight of every year: the Christmas panto!! Even better when we ended up on Steve’s winning side of the song song!! Missing you so much. All my love, Sally

Still can’t believe we won’t see you again but boy do we have some fantastic memories to enjoy. Our family all had a special place in our heart’s for you and as we had Natz to watch growing up there was so many similarities to you both that big smile for a start Natz has the same one and people are drawn to her too and she makes them feel special just like you. R.I.P Andrew gone but never forgotten xx❤