Obituary of Andrew Ross Aitchison

April 13, 1928 - Calgary, Alberta

November 17, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Andrew Ross Aitchison, lovingly known as Andy, passed away peacefully at the age of 96 on Sunday, November 17, 2024, with his devoted daughters by his side.

Andy was a quiet man, an attentive listener, and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He was also a lifelong sports enthusiast. While Andy's passion was sports, his heart and his love belonged to his family — especially his cherished wife Alice, and their two daughters, Sandy and Leslie.

A born and raised Calgarian, Andy’s life began in the community of Riverside. His parents, Andrew and Jeanie, emigrated from Paisley, Scotland in 1923. The family later moved to Hillhurst, where they lived until the 1950s. As a boy, Andy played hockey, baseball, football, soccer, and basketball. He then focused on hockey and baseball well into his 40s, added curling to his repertoire, and picked up golf at 50. Over the next four decades, he achieved three holes-in-one and played golf into his early 90s. Andy was a proud, forty-year member of the Winston Golf Club (formerly the Regal and the Elks) and curled for 62 years at the North Hill Curling Club. When not playing, he was an avid fan of watching hockey, baseball, and curling on TV.

In the early 1950s, the game changed when he met Alice. Their marriage of 62 years was a testament to enduring partnership, love, and affection. The years were filled with family, friends, and fun; and upon retirement, they enjoyed their many travels together — be it a car ride to Cochrane, a flight to Scotland, or a cruise in the Caribbean. When Alice's health began to decline, Andy was there when she needed him most. Without question, he took on new roles, and a softer side of Andy emerged. He missed her deeply after she passed. His devoted care for her will forever remain in our hearts. Thank you, dad.

Andy is survived by his daughters, Sandy Aitchison (Dave Chromy) and Leslie Gruendel; his three grandchildren, Leanna (Ryan), Katy (Spencer), and Mike; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Alice, his brother Hughie, and his son-in-law Bert Gruendel.

In 2017, after Alice's passing, Andy wrote these parting words:

"Andrew R. Aitchison, esquire — six foot and no higher. Got my bags packed and ready for the trip, wherever, to meet Alice, my soulmate. Goodbye. Love to everyone. Take care. Lang may yer lum reek."

Andy leaves behind an abundance of stories, wonderful memories, and a legacy of love. His life was a game well-played, and he will be deeply missed.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Andy’s family here.

In living memory of Andrew Aitchison, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Calgary Crematorium, 3219 – 4th Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2M 3A6, Telephone: 403-299-0111.