A TRIBUTE TO PHILLIP ANDREWS - A Friend is a brother or a sister one never had.

 

There may be moments in our lives when we feel that all we have left are our friends. They are our confidants, friends that are always with us through the good times and bad times. We may not agree on a lot of things, but true friendship would find a way for people to accept each other differences and simply enjoy each others company.

 

I have known Phillip Andrews for over 40 years. I first met him first as a little boy at Maxfield Park Children Home. He was about 12 years old at the time. Later during my time at Alpha Boys School Phillip became my Teacher/Choir master and mentor. Phillip has left an imprint on my mind. As you will know, Phillip was a very unique type of person - not only was he a good administration but he was a person that was always willing to help many of us to achieve our goals in life. In fact he was a joy to all of us boys and young adults. Phillip’s talks and enthusiasm gave the rest of us what we needed, including leadership. He saw opportunity in a lot of things and situations where some of us saw merely problems.

 

Phillip was a friend who stood by you when you needed someone to be there. His death was too sudden. I remember when I heard the news. I simply could not believe it, but as it slowly occurred too me, I realised Phillip lived a wonderful life. He was well loved, respected and had done so much for us all.

 

I will forever be grateful to have known Phillip. I will forever be grateful for spending 40 years of my life with a friend like him.

All memories I have shared with Phillip will forever be cherished and remembered. He will forever live within my heart, indeed, within our hearts. So let us not forget him as he would have wanted everyone to be happy. This is not the moment for us to shed tears, but rejoice and be thankful that we were given the chance to have known a boy and a man - Phillip Andrews. Goodbye Phillip, may your soul rest in peace.  

 

Arthur Carney

November 2010