Maribeth and family,

Working with Andy and coming to know him and his family was a blessing. He treasured and loved all of you and was so very proud of all the children and the grandchildren. Stories he shared over the years with me showed how happy he was with his life. One of Andy’s joys, I think, was being able to work with companies trying to make Canada a better place for everyone. But the real joy I came to know was when he could help people. And most times the people didn’t realize how effective and supportive he was in the background. Helping people and not expecting nor needing acknowledgement.

He will be missed and thought of often. As you celebrate his life tomorrow, know that many people are with you, and I shall be remembering our time working together.

Mary

To Mary-Beth, Jim and all of Andy’s extended family,

I hope these few words of condolences reflect the love that you feel and felt for Andy. Please convey mine and my family's most sincere condolences.

I first got to know Andy in December 1988 and we first met in January 1989. Andy was a very special man. He welcomed me and my wife Olga into his life and made us feel always as if what we said mattered and that we were a part of your family. How fortunate, for yours is truly a family that relates one to the other with concern, compassion and kindness. These are the suttles from which the Gilliland family are assembled.

It is hard to address death. In one brief moment, Andy traveled from present to a kinder and more gentle world. I hope you find solace and comfort from the knowledge of your love for him. He was a loving husband, father, brother, and attended to by caring children and grandchildren who valued and respected him

Andy knew it was time. With dignity and grace, as he had lived his life, he quietly exited. You told me that he was a kind and gentle man: bright, charming, independent and talented, and will be remembered ever so fondly.

Mary-Beth, losing one's husband is hard. The good life he led, your shared life experience, and the manner in which he died cannot cushion, nor eliminate, the blow.

Olga, Alexei and I are with you and your family in spirit during these difficult times. May you take comfort in your memories of your husband and in the common experiences you have shared as a family. May you find comfort and strength from your family, friends and your faith.

From the d’Entremont family with love and compassion,

Craig Olga and Alexei

Dear Gilliland Family:

Andy was one of the “good guys” who I was privileged to call a friend and a colleague. I was saddened to learn of his illness last fall and was honoured to share some thoughts with him before he passed. The “Andy” you shared in his obituary was the Andy I knew...passionate, professional, caring, articulate, and the list goes on. I know his passing has left a big hole in your lives, but he leaves many wonderful memories and a legacy that makes every day a bit easier to live. I’m sure your celebration in July will be a true celebration just as Andy would want it to be.

Thanks for sharing Andy with all of us. We miss him too, but we are better people because he was in our lives!

Sincerely,

Ron Woodward (Parksville, BC)...my connections with Andy included:

Government of BC, Saskatchewan Research Council, Red Deer College, Alberta Research Council Board, NRC IRAP National Advisory Board

I came to know Andy while at the Esso Research Centre and while at the U of C Research Office. Andy 'drew me in' to his NRC IRAP 'orbit' in order to supplement his vision of helping small Alberta enterprises and technological entrepreneurs become even more successful. Andy was a natural leader who led by enthusiastically inspiring his Team Members of Industrial Technology Advisors by encouraging all of us seasoned engineers to keep his vision in mind. Andy gave each of us the freedom to help achieve his Vision, IRAP clients' success, and benefits for Canada in our own ways. Andy was a true leader and friend.

Respectfully,

Ken Putt P. Eng. (retired), FCAE, FCSSE, FEC, FEIC, FGC

The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) is grateful for the many years of service that Andy Gilliland shared with his profession. Comments from Past Presidents upon hearing the news of Andy's passing included, "Andy made a strong contribution to Alberta - we need more like him" ... "He was a true gentleman and served the professions with dignity."... "Andy was a good colleague and a good friend, and continues to be a good role model." and "I was privileged to be on Council with Andy for several years and very much appreciated the calm, well thought out approach that he brought to discussions and decisions. He was a pleasure to work with." We are thankful for the time and talent that Andy saw fit to dedicate to his volunteer work with APEGA. Our thoughts and prayers go out to our Past President, Jim Gilliland, and the entire family.

Andy was an inspiration for those professionals who sought to become involved in leading the profession. His energy and enthusiasm for life and our professions was a clear demonstration of a man who chose to make a difference in the lives of many. The members of our professions of much to be grateful for in his life's work and dedication to serve the public. My condolences g out to his family. He will always be present in their prayers and thoughts and undoubtedly many memories to cherish their time with him.

Jim Smith

Maribeth and family,

I offer my condolences, prayers and a deep sense of thankfulness that Andy was in my life. I came to know him because of his passion for the work he did at NRC -- a passion I share. Andy was a steadfast and utterly reliable colleague and friend. Besides he was fully human and funny. I could not ask for more.

Ruben Nelson

Maribeth, my prayers and love to you and your family. I share your grief and am so deeply saddened by Andy's passing. He was a prolific contributor to The Salvation Army and though his health brought an end to his many years of volunteering, he continued to be deeply interested and genuinely moved to help those in need. His generous donations restored the dignity and gave a hand up to our vulnerable population. His compassionate care for complete strangers that benefited from his generosity - they may never know of his love and kindness but so many of us do know that side of Andy. We suffer your loss along with you Maribeth. We are here to support you in your time of grief along with your family, friends and neighbours. Andy touched us all so deeply and the impact of his kindness lives on in the good works that we can all do every day. He was a gracious, humble man who left a legacy of caring.

Maggie McTurk

The Salvation Army

Dear Maribeth and family,

Our hearts will always hold special memories of Andy as the friendliest neighbour on the block!

He was always had an encouraging word for our children and Carey and I.

Andy inspired us with his dedication to keeping active and looking out for others.

It was so evident that Andy cherished his family as he spoke of each one with great affection.

We will miss Andy with you!

With love,

Shirley and Carey