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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
ANDREW, Christopher John (Chris) - It is with deep sorrow that the family of Christopher John Andrew, 78, of Hatchet Lake, Nova Scotia, announces his peaceful passing at home on June 22, 2026.
Born in Gosport, England on December 19, 1947, he was the third son of George and Vera (Titmus) Andrew.
In Chris's own words: "If you are reading this, I've passed away. I chose to use MAiD because the pain from my cancer had simply become too much. I've been fortunate to have a wonderful life - a loving wife, Laverne, two beautiful children, Timothy and Leah, and two smart grandchildren, Summer and Jackson.
I came to Canada as a teenager in 1967 and soon after joined the Royal Canadian Navy - the second best decision I ever made (the first being marrying Laverne).
My first ship was HMCS Ottawa, followed by HMCS Bonaventure ("Bonnie"). After she was decommissioned, I joined the RCN Submarine Service, where I spent the next 16 years, including a two-year exchange with the Royal Navy. I then spent two years at Saint John Shipbuilding, while HMCS Halifax was being built, and upon her completion I served as CERA of HMCS Halifax, including three years as Coxswain (Cox'n). Later I returned as CERA of Sea Training, and finished my career teaching in the Engineering School at CFB Stadacona, retiring on my 55th birthday.
To all my family and friends: thank you for making my life what it was."
Chris is now at peace and is survived by his wife of 52 years, Laverne (Hiltz) Andrew; son Timothy; daughter Leah (Jack) Braman and grandchildren Summer and Jackson; sister-in-law Pauline; nephews Mark and James; and niece Claire.
He was predeceased by his father and mother, and his elder brothers David and Michael.
Chris reached the rank of Chief Petty Officer 1st Class (CPO1) and followed a proud family tradition of service: his grandfather Joseph Titmus served with the RN during WWI; his father George with the RN in WWII; his brother David with the RAF; his brother Michael with the Merchant Marine in peacetime. As Chris once said, "The boat can't sail until the chief gives the order."
While at sea, Chris enjoyed working with his shipmates in the service of his country. When ashore, especially in his retired years, he looked forward to the Chief and PO gatherings where tales of the sea flowed as freely as the ocean.
Chris enjoyed golfing, playing bridge, cooking, and travelling in his retirement years. He especially cherished the many occasions visiting the Swinimer family in Lunenburg County, who adopted him as one of their own.
A private celebration of Chris's life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Dalhousie University Human Body Donation Program; Nova Scotia SPCA.
In keeping with Chris's love of the sea, we leave you with these words:
I am standing on the seashore. A ship spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and sets out upon the ocean. I watch her as she glides beyond the horizon, until at last she disappears from sight Then someone at my side says, "She is gone." Gone where? Gone from my sight, that is all. The loss is in me, not in her. And at that very moment, as she vanishes from view, there are others watching her approach. Their voices rise in joyful greeting: "Here she comes!" That is what we call dying. — Henry Scott Holland (adapted)
Fair winds and following seas, Chris. (The Halifax Chronicle-Herald 25 Jun 2026)
Ships served in: * Oberon BSQ Course #18 - Dec 1969 HMCS ONONDAGA - Served in ONONDAGA as a P1ER (CERA). Part of the rededication crew 1984 HMCS HALIFAX - Commissioning crew as Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class Marine Engineer (CERA) HMCS HALIFAX - as Cox'n SEA TRAINING ATLANTIC as CERA CFB HALIFAX, STADACONA, Engineering School as an instructor
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