Andrew John Perkins
"To us you are simply the best"
Date passed: 7th of December 2017
“To us you are simply the best”
At Barnsley Hospital in Yorkshire, after a brave fight, Andrew passed peacefully away on 7th December, aged only 46 years. The beloved son of Doreen and John, cherished partner of Nid. Also a dearest friend who will be so sadly missed by all his family and friends. Donations are welcome to The British Heart Foundation.
Andrew was born on Friday 13th August near Stafford to proud parents Doreen and John. At school Andrew was popular with both teachers and pupils alike. He loved the outdoors and was a member of cubs at the age of 6 years where he learned the importance of team work from an early age, something that stayed with him all his life. He loved lads and dads football, his agility and height made him a natural goal keeper but once he got a BMX bike the muddy football pitches were left behind. At 16 he joined the Royal Signals, it gave him the adventure and challenge he needed. Whether it was getting his first stripe or becoming a full corporal, his family were his biggest support and proudest of his achievements. Andrew was a man who could think on his feet and knew how to get the odd weekend leave back home, asking his mother to send a bogus invite to a wedding or christening. It stopped when the sergeant cottoned on. Soon after moving to Blandford, Dorset, with the Royals he was sent to the first Gulf war on 1990/91.
Leaving the army Andrew, like many friends found civilian life a challenge. he lived abroad for many years. He loved Spain and Thailand and lived life to the full. He was a loyal friend and never took life or love for granted. Andrew was indeed a star that shone brightly and perhaps was never meant to grow old and weary. Friends like Scott, the two Tims’, Ian and Dave testify to the love Andrew had for life. Unfortunately ill health became a feature of his life since 2006. It was in Barnsley where he eventually settled, that he lost his fight for life. His Geordie friend Andy has been especially mentioned for his great support to Andrew in very difficult times.
Andrew’s Funeral will take place on Thursday 21st December 2017 in Crewe Crematorium Chapel at 10.40am. Any donations in Andrew’s memory are for the valuable work of the British Heart Foundation.
John & Dor
You know our thoughts are with you. Our prayers are for you. Words could not express our sincerest condolences. All our love goes out to you.
- Approved by oconnellKath & Steve
Our thoughts are with you aunty dor and
- Approved by oconnellUncle John. Such a sad time. We will be strong with you both. Love and comfort in your time of need. Mark and Maria.
Through thick and thin my cousin Andrew had the sharpest wit!..
- Approved by oconnellWhen Dor and John came to stay, Andy would call them..they would pass the phone to either me or my husband john..within seconds we would be laughing until our sides hurt!!
..a gift that stayed with him until the end..he came out of Barnsley hospital 2 weeks ago before having to be re admitted shortly after ..I spoke to him on the phone and I was astounded that he sounded so cheerful. ‘You sound amazing!’i said ‘I can’t believe it after what you’ve just been through!’
‘What are you talking about H …it was just a cold’ !!!!!!!
I will miss those hilarious phone calls and his unbelievable courage throughout his illness..what a very very brave boy…a credit to his dear mum and dad!
God bless you Andrew Perkins
Our love and prayers thinking of you John and Doreen at this very sad time. We have happy memories of Andrew in Crewe. May he rest in peace in heaven. Love Margaret Tommy and family.
- Approved by oconnellDear Doreen and John
- Approved by oconnellDeeply saddened at the loss of our dear cousin. Thinking of you both at this heartbreaking time.
Much love Paul, Ruth and children
I’m deeply sorry for your loss and I speak on behalf off all Andrews friends from Spain. Even though we have all gone in different directions, we all stayed in contact and me and my friend said the other day, not one of us can remember a bad memory in Andy’s company. He was very very quick witted and funny. He will be missed. Once again I’m deeply sorry for your loss as we all are. Simon, Lee and Tony xx
- Approved by oconnellDear Doreen and John, we are both extremely sorry to hear of Andy’s passing, he was a real character that we remember fondly from school.
- Approved by oconnellDearest John and Doreen, our love, thoughts and prayers are with you at this saddest of times. May Andrew rest in peace and god give you the strength to bear such a loss. Love Mary, Dave and family.xx
- Approved by oconnellHi Aunty Dor and Uncle John. Just heard the very very sad news from Faye about cousin Andrew….words cannot express the sadness and shock I feel right now and all my love and prayers go out to you at this extremely sad time, may you find strength and comfort over the coming weeks and months. No just in each other but in family and friends too. I feel so sad that we saw so little of each other but will take comfort in my faith in God who will keep everything about Andrew safe in his memory for the future hope of the resurrection. All our Love Sue Steve and family xxx
- Approved by oconnellThinking of you and John at this very sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both. All our love from sister in law Beryl, and nephew Gary and family. Xxx
- Approved by oconnellHi John and Doreen
- Approved by oconnellThoughts and prays with you both at this sad time,sorry to hear of the passing of Andrew,All our love John & Leanne Barrett
Doreen and John such a shock at the passing of our cousin Andrew. Our thoughts are with you bot. We know we hadn’t seen Andrew since we were kids and were really shocked when he became ill, he crammed so much into his short life and all the family were so proud of him. May he rest in peace with others we have lost in the family. All our love Faye, Andy and both of our families xxxxxxx
- Approved by oconnellAfter Andrews Funeral on the 7th December,we cannot recommend Joseph O’Connell Funeral Services enough.
- Approved by oconnellIt was a very difficult and traumatic day for us both, but with the invaluable help from Joseph O’Connells, the pain was significantly alleviated.
Their professionalism and flawless service shone throughout the day.
Joseph’s help before,during and after the service has gone above and beyond what we expected. He is a truly selfless and generous man.
Thank you all.
We would also like to thank all family and friends of Andrew for coming to the funeral and thank you for your generous donations that will go to the British Heart Foundation.