Andrew loved his cricket. On game day he did everything from batting, bowling, scoring and even the speeches. With wonderful handwriting he wrote the batting list in the scorebook for every match. He liked to attend the toss before a game. If captain, he would say on winning the toss, “we will bat – long pause – after you” which brought much laughter and delight.
His sense of humour always shone through. He was fond of tours to Central Otago where he was once given explicit instructions by the hostess not to hit the ball into the blackberry bushes as there was a rottweiler in there. Andrew proceeded to hit four 6s into the bush. After another tour, John’s wife Diana asked him how far it was from Oturehua to Ranfurly. He said, “Two beers, a bottle of whiskey and a bottle of rum”.
His long association with Canterbury Country Cricket and allied clubs was extensive. Andrew started with Swannanoa and also played for Flaxton, Hawkswood, Valley of Peace, Honest Trundlers and of course The Willows.
In business as the MD of McAlpines he was outstanding. Under his direction the company sponsored the Rangiora Pipe Band for more than 60 years, and the CCCA and clubs previously mentioned. Andrew’s good humour, drive to assist others and his love of his family and sport will be fondly remembered.