I lost my good friend and colleague, Andy York, on Tuesday.
Exactly when I first met Andy is one of many things I can't remember. A show at the Midland Railway Centre comes to mind, but I could be wrong. It was certainly a long time ago.
We became better acquainted while I was running MREMAG.com, and our biggest “competitor” was this forum called RMweb. In truth, we complimented each other, and so Andy and I would chat by phone and email quite a bit, comparing notes, and bantering about model railways.
A while later, I found myself working for BRM, something I think Andy might have had a hand in. He was certainly involved with my taking over the editors chairs at Garden Rail and Engineering in Miniature magazines. For this alone, I owe him a debt of thanks.
Over the years, I helped out herding the cats on the forum. Andy trusted me, a rare honour. With his encouragement, I took on more layout photography for the magazine too. He would offer advice politely in a supportive way, and I think was pleased as my abilities improved.
This tribute could go on and on, but right now, I'm not in the best place to create content. I suggestthat for more memories, you read the thread on RMweb.
Suffice to say, Andy and I were good friends, and like the rest of the team, I'm going to miss him a heck of a lot. Yes, he could be grumpy, but then so can I, and now I don't have someone to enjoy a mutual moaning about work/hobby/other stuff with so easily. There is also the Andy-shaped hole in our team at work that we're trying to cope with. I'm doing what I can, I don't want to let him down.
Farewell Andy. I'm going to miss you.
It's a tradition that I include colleagues names on the layouts I build. Andy appeared on Ruston Quays, with, what I thought, was appropriate business...
5 comments:
That's very sad news.
I think your pic with the Pest Control sign is the best tribute I've seen, Phil.
Really sad about Andy, I always saw you two as a pair, must be hard him not being around, such a shock. I hope your doing ok.
I met Andy a couple of times in connection with the BRM Doncaster show. I was impressed how friendly and interesting to talk to he was, all wrapped up with a slightly mischievous sense of humour. Sad to hear he has passed away. My condolences to his wife and family, and to you Phil.
Only just found out - to say that this came as a nasty shock would be a gross understatement.
I got to know Andy through his forum site RMweb - which I initially joined because I liked the way he sorted out a notorious trouble maker.
Over the following years, I also got to know him - as a thoroughly decent person and as a real friend. I met him at a number of model railway shows - and I always looked forward to any chance to catch up with him.
I liked Andy - and I'm going to miss him.
I know these words sound hollow - they always do - but my condolences to Andy's family (also to the people who worked with him).
RIP Andy - you will be missed.
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