Obituary of Cyril Robert Andrews

November 1, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Cyril Andrews, beloved husband of Elaine Andrews (nee Bullshields), of Calgary, Alberta passed away on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at the age of 94 years.

Cyril was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on October 25, 1929. He attended the Balfour Technical High School in Regina, SK.

Cyril joined the RCAF on April 28, 1948, and was stationed in various bases, including Clinton, ON, Trenton, ON, McCord USAF Airforce Base, Washington and Moose Jaw, SK, Lincoln Park, AB, Hull, PQ and Alert, NU. He rose to the rank of Corporal and served as a Communications Technician servicing communication and radar systems on aircraft and NORAD’s radar systems. Cyril briefly worked for CP Air servicing military equipment (1957 to 1961), when he resumed his service in the Department of National Defense from 1961 until 1972 as a Senior Electronics Technician.

Following his service, Cyril returned to Calgary. He continued his studies at SAIT in 1972, earning the designation Certified Electronics Technologist (C.E.T) and was a member of the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta. He began his next career with CP Rail in 1972 as an Electronics Technician and was promoted to Supervisor, Electronics System, Alyth Yard in 1976. He retired from CP Rail in 1994.

Routines defined Cyril’s daily activities; since returning to Calgary, he enjoyed a daily early morning coffee at the Greyhound station until it closed. He then began his new routine at Delightful Doughnuts, he made friends with his second family and, over the years, taught the owner to speak and write in English; he was a companion to other early-morning regulars. He read science fiction daily, completed three or four novels per month, and was a regular at local used bookstores. He routinely watched The Young and the Restless. He kissed his wife when he left for work. 

Cyril remained wedded to Elaine for 62 years, marrying on June 08, 1962. He was a committed, loving husband, and despite the deterioration of his physical, and mental health in his later years, he was resolute in his vow to “Take care of my wife.”

He was a loving and protective father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He healed our wounds. He led his family with gentleness, kindness, compassion, and affection. His presence reassured all those around him.

Besides his loving wife, Cyril is survived by three daughters and three sons-in-law, Pam Shields, Brenda Andrews Priolo, Lisa Anne Marie Evenson and sons-in-law David M. Apelzin, Francis Priolo, Jeffrey Evenson; one son, C. Robert Andrews and daughter-in-law, Carol Anne Ferchau. He also survived by three grandchildren, Breht Damon Clark, Jeffrey Robert Evenson, and Joel Curtis Evenson; and three great-grandchildren, Taylor Marie Clark, Ryan Breht Clark, and Ethan Jeffrey Cyril Evenson.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6) on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Cyril’s family at www.MHFH.com.

In living memory of Cyril Robert Andrews, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.