Dr. Robin Andrews
DR. ROBIN ANDREWS
January 3, 1931 - February 22, 2024
It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Dr. Robin Andrews at the Brandon General Hospital on February 22, 2024 at the age of 93.
Robin is survived by his loving wife Helen, his three children Nicola, Stewart (Janet) and Catriona (Peter), his 4 grandchildren Lucien (Ronna), Marielle (Brenin), Nadine (Mitchell), and Sonja. He also has two cherished great-grandsons, Max and Ben.
Robin was born and spent his early years in India. He was sent to boarding school in England at the age of 8, spending his childhood there during the second World War. Robin graduated from London University Medical School in 1954. He then served 3 years as Flight Lieutenant, Medical Officer with the Royal Air Force.
When Robin returned to England he specialized in obstetrics and gynaecology. While working in Kent he fell in love with a young Scottish midwife named Helen Stewart, which changed the course of his life. Robin and Helen were married and after 5 years of general practice decided to immigrate to Brandon, Manitoba. Robin was a founding partner of the Western Medical Clinic. Family medicine was his calling, and “Dr. Andrews” touched many lives. During his years of family medicine, he made many contributions to the hospital and medical community. He served terms as the President of the Manitoba Chapter of the College of Family Physicians and as the Chief of Staff at Brandon General Hospital. In 1989 Robin felt honoured to be awarded Family Physician of the Year for Manitoba. He enjoyed mentoring medical students for many years and truly loved caring for his patients.
Robin took pleasure in exploring southwestern Manitoba with the family and enjoyed all seasons in the prairies. On countryside drives with camera in hand we discovered spring crocuses, sand dunes, ferries, and he instilled in us a love for nature. We all cherish memories of skiing at Glenorky. He cross country skied at the Brandon Hills well into his eighties. Robin had a passion for sailing, canoeing, kayaking and cycling. His favourite place was the cottage at Clear Lake, exploring Riding Mountain National Park, delighting in the wildlife, and spending time with family.
After retirement Robin became a water colour artist, painting prairie landscapes. He was honoured to have his own art exhibition at the Hamiota Art Gallery in 2016.
Those who met Robin knew him to be a true gentleman and friend. He and Helen had a fabulous social life. Their home was always open to their many friends and family for meals, conversation and laughter.
He will be missed.
The family wish to express their appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Duncan, the staff at Daughter on Call, Glynis with Home Care, and the palliative care unit at Brandon General Hospital.
In accordance with his wishes a cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held this spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Brandon General Hospital Foundation, A3 Palliative Care Unit.
ETHICAL DEATH CARE
Cremation & Life Celebrations
530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg
204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com
Memories, Stories and Condolences
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Carson Loveless
June 23, 2024 at 9:14 AM
Condolences to his family
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Dr. Jeff Reiss
June 17, 2024 at 10:18 AM
I fondly remember my couple months spent as a medical student with Dr. Andrews in early 1982. He was the epitome of the kind, wise, family doctor who intimately knew and cared for his patients, just like Marcus Welby, M.D., for those who can remember that TV series. He was also a wonderful teacher.
My condolences to the family.
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Joy
May 10, 2024 at 11:42 AM
The video collage and obituary brought tears to my eyes. Robin lived the beautiful life, appreciating service, beauty and nature. He inspires me to live life to the fullest! My heart goes out to his legacy of beautiful humans, in particular those I've met, Helen and my dear, sweet friend Catriona.
♥️ xoxo
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Heather
May 10, 2024 at 9:50 AM
Cat, Helen, Nicola and the Andrews family,
My most sincere condolences on the passing of your dear dad, husband, and grandpa.
He did it all! A family man who was very accomplished yet so approachable, well rounded and down to earth.
Every time I saw him he had a beaming smile, with vivacious Helen smiling alongside, both going out of their way to be hospitable.
He was the kind of man you would want for a husband/ father.
I know you’ll really miss him, and remember him well.
He has left a wonderful legacy in his family.
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Christoph, Christel, Joachim, Angela, Tonia, Beatrice Stadel
May 9, 2024 at 3:18 PM
We are very sad and express our grief and sympathy to Helen and the entire family. We are so closely linked to Robin and Helen over almot 60 years in a warmest friendship. We have experienced many beautiful moments with you at parties in Brandon, in our Riding Mountain cottages, on hikes, bike tours and on skis.
Robin loved nature, the sports, family and friends and he celebrated life in all its facets. We are privileged to having shared precious and beautiful times with you and we will keep Robin for ever in our memories
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Helene Pearson
May 9, 2024 at 2:05 PM
Words fail me to express my sadness at the passing of Robin, a gentle and caring friend, as well as Ron's colleague from 1975-1980, when we moved to Edmonton.
A man of few words but big actions starting with meeting us with Helen at Winnipeg airport on that freezing (-25 deg) January. You welcomed us in your home, warmed our hearts to your friendly family and Canada, forever. A beautiful and cosy home always buzzing with talk and laughter and good food.
For Claudine, our 4 year old daughter, and son, Lindsay, barely a year old then, it was soon "coats off, coffee on, Aunty Helen" while I changed the "Threesome Helen group" to a close knit foursome. Such wonderful memories I will always cherish. So Doctor, Flight Lieutenant and dear friend, your wings have taken you on to past and dear Partners, amongst them, Dr & Flight Lieutenant Ron Pearson, my husband, who prepared a place in the "The Practice Beyond" as you had prepared a place in Brandon in 1975 for him. We'll meet again.
You did well, dear Robin. Time to rest.
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Thomas
May 9, 2024 at 1:56 PM
Dear Helen
It’s not easy for me to express in another language what Robin meant to us, he was a very polite and courteous friend who was always there you needed him. I’m very grateful that I was able to meet Robin, Helen and their loving family, a family where you were always welcome.
I always had great respect for Robin and will always keep the wonderful memories.
In your deep sadness, my thoughts are with you.
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Chris and Derm English
May 9, 2024 at 1:55 PM
Helen and family, our condolences on the passing of your husband, father and grandfather. The few times we met Robin , he was a true gentle man and interested in hearing everyone’s stories. May you remember all the good times with him.
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Anonymous
May 9, 2024 at 1:54 PM
Helen and Family,
This is from Mary and Eddy in Barwick, Leeds...We grieve with and recall the happy times we had with you and Robin on our trips to Winnipeg. Take Care Helen ...we will be in touch
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Helmi
May 9, 2024 at 1:48 PM
Helen and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
it was a great pleasure to have Robin as a friend for over 30 plus years. The skiing trips that Robin, Gordie and Myself had were awesome. What wonderful memories to cherish.
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Anonymous
May 9, 2024 at 1:48 PM
Anonymous
May 9, 2024 at 11:19 AM
Dear Helen and family,
My heart left condolences, dear Helen. Brita and I are so sorry to hear of Robin’s passing. We will always remember his wonderful smile, interesting conversations, laughter, and Robin and your tremendous hospitality. We treasure the times spent with you both at your lovely home in Brandon and the happy times at the cottage. The X-C ski outings with Robin at Riding Mountain were so much fun and memorable. These happy events will always be treasured and be with us in our hearts and thoughts.
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Paulette Wiens
May 9, 2024 at 11:18 AM
Just now. I often wondered where Dr. Andrews went after he retired. I was his patient from the age of 14 until he retired and he gave me a lady Doctor as he didn't think I would want another man for a doctor. He was so kind to me. I asked him when he got his Doctor's license and he told me ten years before he had me for a patient. I would have been 4 years old. Rest In Peace Dr. Andrews.
I always remembered you all these years. I will be 74 on March 13/24.
I did a search today and found you had passed away.
My condolences to your family. You will be missed by all who knew you..
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Christine and Harvey Sawchuk
May 9, 2024 at 11:17 AM
What a beautiful video tribute, so many lovely memories. We met Robin and Helen during our condo community get togethers. Robin was such a gracious, gentle man with a quick sense of humour. Rest in peace Robin, we will keep an eye on Helen for you
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Gwen Sutton
May 9, 2024 at 11:14 AM
Dear Nicola and family,
Sorry to hear about your dad and grandpa truly a lovely obituary.
May your beautiful memories guide you all through this difficult time. I had the pleasure in meeting your dad at the family cottage at Clear Lake, a very gracious man.
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Linda and Andy Juroszek
May 9, 2024 at 11:07 AM
Robin and Helen were unable to attend our wedding but invited us to visit them in Canada. Andy and I accepted their kind invitation and in 1977 we visited them for a holiday.
It was the first time Andy had flown and been abroad. Robin and Helen were so generous and hospitable, they made us feel part of their family and we had a fabulous holiday that we have never forgotten. Robin was always a-sincere and interesting and we always enjoyed his company.
Catriona
May 9, 2024 at 10:53 AM
Please visit this site again next week when there will be some photos of Robin and family, and a few of his paintings.
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Former patient
May 9, 2024 at 10:47 AM
Dr Andrews was my Doctor from when I was a young child up until I was a young adult. He always greeted by name and knew everything that was going on with me.
He genuinely cared about me. When I was 7 and needed my tonsils out. I was terrified and he assured me he would be there. He came into the OR and held my hand and talked to me as I was going under.
I also remember him coming to see me at home I was so sick. I remember his black doctors bag and his boots as he walked through a big storm to get to our house.
Truely sad for his family. He was one of a kind, sincere condolences.
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