Andy passed away suddenly on Friday 12th July on his way to an ALD Executive meeting, where he was due to discuss the next issue of Focus and the ALD website, both projects that Andy was intimately involved in.
Andy joined the Executive in October 1995, and filled several key positions starting as Associate Member Representative, then as Corporate Member Representative, before excelling in the role of editor for Focus, re-generating it as a full colour magazine that led from the front page with its pictorial content as well as the grammatically incorrect tag line that he judged each article submission by: "More Art, Less Tools", a direct response from the membership when asked what they wanted to read in Focus.
"This a huge job, was made so simple by a man who loved light, design and how to communicate that widely to all ALD members and the wider industry, and where his knowledge and experience was perfectly encapsulated in 40 pages every other month," said a statement from the ALD.
It continues: "The news has come as a great shock to those of us who regarded Andy, not only as a colleague, but as a friend and mentor. He was always happy to have a chat via the phone or in person over a cup of tea, or a pint of beer, and discuss ideas, thoughts and plans for either the ALD, or life in general. Our thoughts and sympathies are with all of his family, his business partner from Technical Marketing Ltd David Brooks, but especially with his wife Margaret, and son Ben."
"Andy's unique personality and quite exceptionally wide-ranging experience made him an indispensable figure in our world. He was always the most positive, most giving, and one of the most dedicated men I've ever met. He will be deeply missed personally and professionally," said ALD president Richard Pilbrow.
"Andy has been such a magnificent positive force in the industry and for the ALD," added ALD vice-president Rick Fisher.
"Andy has been such a guide and enthusiast for the ALD and has committed his considerable skills, taste and knowledge to both the production of Focus and to all aspects of the association. In the relatively short time that I have been Chairman his support has been fantastic. A lovely man and a great ally - I can barely conceive the loss," comments ALD chairman Peter Mumford.
ALD vice-chair Mark Jonathan added: "Andy worked tirelessly for the ALD and his knowledge and understanding of so many issues enriched all of us and the ALD along with his kindness, warmth and generosity. He was a theatre man through and through. He loved going to the theatre and was always so enthusiastic about the creative work that we do. He had a great sense of humour and wit not dis-similar to the finest and driest champagne. He was the dearest, most reliable friend and colleague you could ever want to have."
ALD Professional Members' Rep Johanna Town said: "He was our biggest champion in all things and people who created lighting, I will miss him very much. If we weren't talking about lights we were chatting about classic cars, our joint passion."
(Claire Beeson)
