ANDREW (ANDY) MCDOWELL

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ANDREW (ANDY) MCDOWELL May 2, 1920 - December 22, 2010 It is with both great sadness and countless fantastic memories that our family announces the passing of Andrew McDowell. Survived by his wife Eleanor, daughter Drewe (Ed), son Grant (Olive), son John (Cheryl) and grandchildren: Robyn, Austin, Connor, Amy, Kayla, and Sterling. Andy was predeceased by his sisters Lillian and Mae. Other than living a year in Ireland at age seven and time spent overseas during the Second World War, Andy lived all his life in Winnipeg. Eleanor and Andrew were married in 1943. Andy lived his life with drive and enthusiasm and took nothing for granted. Whether he was hovering over a calculator, tackling yet another project at the family cottage at West Hawk Lake, or engaging in one of his hobbies, nothing was done half heartedly. Family was important to Andy and he had an ability that seemed effortless to nurture, guide and set a standard for his children. We always understood his lead but sadly and predictably we didn't always follow. When he returned from his frequent business trips it was his job to remedy all the evil kid stuff the three of us had done over the last few days. We always feared Mom's words wait till Dad gets home . He usually had presents but they didn't surface until we had come clean on the behaviour issues. It took him half his life to be sure that a holiday longer than one week at a time was a good thing. Much to the delight of Eleanor there was no turning back. After sampling winter trips to several Caribbean destinations, Maui became the winter trip of choice for over a dozen years. Those were treasured times for our parents, forging relationships with people from around the world, knowing they would meet again same time next year. Spending five or six weeks there dodging the tail end of Winnipeg winters only heightened Andy's desire to get back to his electrical wholesale business, McDowell Electric. He started the business in 1974 with son John, and was relentless at expanding and tuning up the operation until the early 1990s when he began to slow down. His unique management style, determination and focus guided the company through the tough starting years. He assembled a strong and faithful group that became the core of the company and he valued everyone's contribution. It didn't stop with the employees, many of the suppliers and customers became personal friends. Prior to running his own business Andy was the sales manager and then general manager of B.A. Robinson from 1949 to 1974. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to all the staff of the St. Norbert Personal Care Home for the outstanding care they provided over the nine year span of Dad's stay. A private family funeral service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Society or a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 30, 2010