23 Nov 2009
Peace forever
I always hoped that I would never have to write this post…. but here I am. It is with great sadness to have to write that Andy died very peacefully on Saturday 21st November at home, which is where he wanted to be.
Over the last few weeks as he became more poorly we were able to spend some very special time with some very special people. I thank you all for that time. I know it meant a lot to Andy to have that time with them.
As far as the funeral goes there is quite a lot to organise. Andy has been very specific in some of the things he does and doesn’t want to happen so details will follow as soon as we know.
Its just left for me to say that I’m sure he will be missed by everyone who knew him but it has been a privilege to share so many wonderful and special times with him. Rest in Peace my darling, you fought with such courage and dignity. xxxx
Andy Greig 05.03.1966 – 21.11.2009
Sara, I have no words to express my sadness at this great loss. Andy was a very special, dear friend and we shall all miss him greatly. All our love to you all. Louise, Lawrie, Megan and Lorna x
Louise
November 23rd, 2009 at 1:36 pmpermalink
Sara, our love and thoughts are with you all at this very sad time.
Andy was a unique and special person!
Rachel Elliott and the Thompson family xxx
Rachel
November 23rd, 2009 at 2:16 pmpermalink
Sara, we are all thinking of you and the family at such a sad time. Andy was so inspirational to Carol, threatening to kick her if she went to dram instead of music college when she was younger!
With love from us all…….Helen
Helen
November 23rd, 2009 at 4:21 pmpermalink
ooops, meant to type drama, it came out as dram!
Love to you all, Helen
Helen
November 23rd, 2009 at 4:22 pmpermalink
Sara
Our thoughts are with you & the family. I”m so very sorry. It was an honour to know Andy, he was my mac guru and had the most
fantastic sense of humour. Our day with the big cats is one I”ll teasure forever.
God bless.
Karen and Ray
xxx
Karen Parker & Mr Ray
November 23rd, 2009 at 5:09 pmpermalink
Going to miss Andy lots, but you”re right – his attitude and planning towards the end were an incredible example of dignity and love as he tried to make sure that the loose ends were tied up.
It’’s been a real honour to get to know all of the Greig family over the last few months. It was a great joy to spend the time with you all, Stu and Karen, Johnny and Bryn the other week – thanks for letting us invade your home!
We”re here to help if you need us.
Lots of love to you all.
RobGT
November 23rd, 2009 at 7:11 pmpermalink
I never met Andy in real life. I followed him on Twitter and here on his blog. I was deeply impressed and moved by his determination, his grace and his courage.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Stewart Cutler
November 23rd, 2009 at 7:26 pmpermalink
Sara, Amy Hannah, Emily & George,
Andy was one of the best, we will miss him so much.
We will always remember him sitting on the deck after a good meal, with a glass in his hand, gently snoring.
We send you all our love, as always xxxxxxxx
Gill & co
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:42 pmpermalink
Sara, in the short space of time I got to know Andy he became an absolute treasure to me. I”m so sorry for your loss. He was a very special man. If you need anything at all to deliver on his requests, I”d be only too happy to help. Will keep on running with you. Love and best wishes, Maria x
Maria Kennedy
November 23rd, 2009 at 9:30 pmpermalink
Super post, Need to mark it on Digg
Dougles
Dougles
November 24th, 2009 at 7:10 pmpermalink
I am really sorry, but you will not know me. My name is Phil Peake, and I knew Andy from my childhood, as I was one of first members of Stantonbury Brass. Andy’’s Mum and Dad knows me, and David was my first brass teacher. I knew Andy was ill, but was not aware how seriously.
For what it’’s worth, I am so sorry to hear of his loss from the world. It has made me, and I suspect others of our generation, think of the past, the present and the future with a different outlook. May he rest now, and may the family have happy memories of him.
Even though I have not met you all, you are still in my thoughts
Regards
Phil Peake
Phil Peake
November 24th, 2009 at 7:22 pmpermalink
On Saturday last, I lost one of my closest friends; someone who had been in my life for the last 35 years. Careless of me? Not really.
I’m not a person to share my emotions publicly, normally, but this isn’t a normal situation. I know I am one of many, many people who will mourn the passing of a person like Andy, especially his wife, kids and family. I have been lucky to have been involved in a small part in their lives, and mine is the richer for it. We’ve leaned on each other at various times, and shared some bloody good times together. We’d been at school together, and our lives had turned out remarkable alike. Born 5 days apart in 1966, we both ended up with 4 children each, and running our own graphic design business.
And, as irreverent as some people may think it, I cannot help remembering one of our favourite Python sketches, you know, the one about the Parrot? I won’t repeat it here, but I do laugh now just thinking about it. I can alternately laugh at memories like this, and cry because he’s gone. There’s now an Andy shaped hole in my life. I know that hole will get smaller as the years go by, but I don’t think it will ever disappear. And I don’t think I want it to. I won’t forget him, and neither will anyone who had the good fortune to know him.
Kenton White
November 24th, 2009 at 10:42 pmpermalink
I only met Andy a couple of times, so I don”t feel the loss ”you” will (Sara & children, Chris & Dave, Mel, Linz & Jamie), but I am so sad that Andy lost his battle. He was quite obviously a special person and leaves many happy memories. In time, I hope these will replace the void and sadness you must be feeling now and bring you peace.
Sandra Gillman (Mel''s sister)
November 25th, 2009 at 12:07 pmpermalink
Dear Sara,
We”ve never met, but I came over here from Meg Gardiner’’s blog when Andy (a.k.a. The Webmaster) first got sick. I am so sorry that he died, but very glad that he could be at home with the people he clearly loved so well. Andy doesn”t need our prayers now, but I will continue to offer prayers for hope and support as you and the children find your way.
with the best of wishes,
Patti
Sudbury, Ontario
Patti
November 27th, 2009 at 1:49 pmpermalink
Dear Sara,
Just like Patti, we”ve never met, but I heard news of his passing from Meg Gardiner’’s blog. I am so very sorry for your loss. I feel that I owe him a measure of gratitude as the Webmaster of Meg’’s blog, because of the great pleasure I have received from Meg’’s website. I will keep your family in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Monita
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Monita
November 29th, 2009 at 8:17 pmpermalink
The first time I came across Andy’’s blog was in the past two weeks and he had just passed over. My daughter who is 23 also has an osteosarcoma and her condition is terminal. I know that you all miss him and I wish I had come across his blog sooner. He is still a character.
John McGuinness
November 30th, 2009 at 8:36 pmpermalink
Hi,
I have also found my way here from Meg Gardiner’’s site. I am so sorry for your loss and send you and your family many prayers for the roller coaster days ahead.
Dana Jean
Dana Jean
December 1st, 2009 at 1:33 ampermalink
Dear Sara,
I met Andy through a recommendation from Meg – who said he was a whiz on the Web. He bowled up to my house full of whacky ideas which I didn”t actually use (a Hell’’s Angel type tattoo not being really appropriate for a romantic novelist!) – but we had a great time mulling over ideas.
I was struck by his passion and enthusiasm and his sense of humour. I have dipped into Grumpy Old Man from time to time and his true courage shone through – as did his love for you and his family.
My thoughts are with you at this difficult time – and may your wonderful memories help sustain you.
Sharon
Sharon Kendrick
December 1st, 2009 at 7:04 ampermalink
Dear Sara
I met you when you came to Sutton some months ago but didn”t have the privilege of meeting Andy. We”ve followed Andy’’s ups and downs of this last year or so through this blog and also through Lindsay and just want you to know that we”ve been thinking and praying so much for you all in this difficult time. With our love Mark, Coral & boys x
Mark & Coral Lazenbury
December 4th, 2009 at 9:49 ampermalink
In recent month as Andy’’s postings got fewer and eventually stopped altogether I feared the worst. My mouse has been hovering over the link and clicking with fingers crossed that the news I read today would not be there. I have been reading the blog with sadness, joy and laughs. I am so very sorry for your lost and think of you at this sad time.
Jacqui (from EMI)
Jacqui Prout
December 4th, 2009 at 10:30 ampermalink
Sara and family
It’s been over 10 years since I worked with Andy and to me he’s still the fabulous bloke I knew then. I’ll miss him, just as everybody who ever met him will.
Martin
Martin Long
December 7th, 2009 at 10:31 ampermalink
Sara, Amy, Hannah, Emily and George,
Thinking of you. Thinking of Andy. Salt & vinegar chips will be very special forever. All the best to you all.
“Bye gorgeous.”
Arna
Arna
December 9th, 2009 at 2:15 pmpermalink