Passing of Andy Henderson

Sadly I must tell you about the passing of yet another former Optimist. Andy Henderson passed away on Sunday, February 26, 2012. Andy marched with Optimists in the early 1960s. He started off on rifle then moved to Guard Captain. In 1964 Andy and Vern Johansson were our Drum Majors and in 1965 Andy was our Drum Major. After the 1965 season Andy moved to Commanders.

Andrew had been living in California since about the mid-1980s. About five years ago he was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer called multiple myeloma. Andrew reacted well to the treatments and recovered very well; however, as sometimes happens, the cancer returned.

At this time we do not have any information regarding funeral arrangements. Hopefully a memorial service will be held in Toronto so that his many friends can gather and celebrate his life. We'll keep you informed.

Memorial Tribute

A Memorial Tribute has been planned to allow Andy's friends to gather and celebrate his life. It will be held Sunday, March 18 at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 344, on Lakeshore Road in Toronto. It will begin around 4:30pm, after the Alumni Corps' rehearsal. Click on the link for a Google map to the Legion.

Obituary

ANDREW J. CAVANAGH HENDERSON — It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Andrew J. Cavanagh Henderson this past Monday, February 27, 2012. Andrew died suddenly of pneumonia at the early age of 68 in Walnut Creek, California. Andrew was born on September 24, 1943 in Brighton, England and proudly described himself as a war baby since his mother Toni Andrews and father Edward Cavanagh met while fighting in Italy during World War II. Raised in Toronto from the age of 3, Andrew went on to become a distinguished commercial film editor and director. Pursuing his dreams Andrew picked up and moved to Walnut Creek, California in 1984. Andrew will be remembered by many for his loving heart, playful loving nature, charm, wit and wicked sense of humour. He described his greatest moments as being spent at family gatherings. Andrew will be greatly missed by his 2 sons, Griff and Tim Henderson and daughters-in- law Sarah Henderson, Teresa Crarer and Sharyn Bradley and his devoted mother Toni, his dear sister Glennis, his loving partner Kate Harling, his step- children Greg and Brad Crarer, Tracy Radcliffe and Julie Clarke and his lifetime friend Jackie. Andrew's greatest impressions will be left on his 13 grandchildren. The emptiness his passing has left with those of us who loved him can never be filled. He was an original and will be forever missed and loved.