John McAndrew
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Ballinvoy, Aughagower, Westport
John grew up in Keenaghmore near Crossmolina. The eldest of six children of the late Bridie and Eddie McAndrew. He grew up on a farm and developed a deep love of the great outdoors and nature in general. After completing his education in St Tiernan's in Crossmolina, John started his apprenticeship as a maintenance fitter with Bord Na Mona.
He later joined Asahi in Killala before moving to Allergan in Westport in 1980.
He married Kathleen Boyle in September 1981, they set up home in Ballinvoy in 1982.
John loved the sea and after moving to Westport, bought a boat where he enjoyed sailing on Clew Bay for many years up until his illness first struck in 2016. He was involved with amateur radio and was a member of the Mayo Radio Club. He was a regular climber of the reek for many years, he would climb it at least once a month. His other great hobby was painting, he reflected his love of the sea and nature in his pictures. John had an interest in all things mechanical and would spend hours taking engines apart and putting them together again. He loved to read about the great explorers and inventors.
John and Kathleen had 4 children, David, Caroline and twins Kevin and Gary. Tragically, Kevin was killed in a motorcycle accident in 2004. This put his faith to the test, but he remained deeply religious until the end of his life.
His illness returned in April and he passed away on September 9 at University Hospital Galway, aged sixty six. John was a quiet unassuming man, patience and tolerance were two of his many virtues. He will be remembered as a true gentleman, a description so many people have used at his funeral. He is deeply mourned by his heartbroken wife, Kathleen, sons David and Gary, daughter Caroline, daughter-in-law Róisín, brother Eamonn (Ballina), sisters Marian (Reading), Angela (Keenaghmore), Carmel Walsh (Bofeenaun) and Teresa Kelly (Castlebar), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. May his gentle soul rest in peace.