ForeverMissed
Large image
Andrew, our dad, was exceptional - highly intelligent, raconteur extraordinaire, fluent in six languages, accomplished, gracious, charming. Some say the last true gentleman! He was a sought-after dinner guest as he could captivate a crowd with his stories and views on current affairs.

His was a truly great man and inspiring role model, and he will be deeply missed by his family and loved ones.

Andreas and I (his son and daughter) invite you to share your memories and stories (Stories tab above).

February 10, 2021
February 10, 2021
Your father's kindness and eloquence will always
be missed. He was so intelligent
 and found ways to express his knowledge so it was information for all. I have nothing but the highest respect and admiration for Andrew and the way he lived his life!

June 30, 2020
June 30, 2020
As a neighbor of Mr Falkiewicz for many years, I can attest to his elegant manners and delightful charm. I will not forget his smile and unfailing politeness whenever we encountered each other. Whether or not he actually loved my dog Lucy, he made Lucy feel incredibly loved and appreciated. Mr Falkiewicz was a great gentleman. His intellect was immediately apparent and unfailing. He is missed. 
June 15, 2020

My beloved and outstanding cousin left us.Those who knew him grieve an exceptional man who lived an exceptional life. 
He was intelliget ( several university degrees in différant fields,spoke fluently at leaast five languages)he was kind and he had very goodmanners.As for his life few people had lifes as rich of events as his. A Young boy deported with his mother and brother by russian invadors deep into Russia who left the country and throug Meedle East eventually reached Scotland and who later on bacame deputy speaker of White House etc,etc.One could listen for hours to the story of his life.We will never forget him as there are almost no more Great man like him.
May 31, 2020
May 31, 2020
My father, Ambassador Richard Viets, was a very old friend of Andrew from the 1950s. He asked me to please relay the message to his children that he would very much like to be in touch with you directly. His email: rnviets@gmail.com. Please if you could reach out to him so that he can speak with you directly. thank you so much
--Alexandra Viets
May 31, 2020
May 31, 2020
As a young girl, I worked at USIA as a secretary on the Czech desk in the summer of 1968 when your father was PAO in Prague. He was on home leave at the time. When he came to the office and we were introduced, I was intrigued and charmed by this man. When he served in Moscow I went to work for a few months at the Embassy. He invited me to dinner with some other guests and chinese food was being served using chopsticks. Well, I had no idea how to use a chopstick and he saw I was struggling and asked that I be brought a folk and knife. I was forever grateful. Over the years, I would get to know him better and always appreciated his kindness. He had a great smile and a brilliant mind. My deepest sympathy to you on your loss.
Loretta Antonini Phillips

Leave a Tribute

Light a Candle
Lay a Flower
Leave a Note
 
Recent Tributes
February 10, 2021
February 10, 2021
Your father's kindness and eloquence will always
be missed. He was so intelligent
 and found ways to express his knowledge so it was information for all. I have nothing but the highest respect and admiration for Andrew and the way he lived his life!

June 30, 2020
June 30, 2020
As a neighbor of Mr Falkiewicz for many years, I can attest to his elegant manners and delightful charm. I will not forget his smile and unfailing politeness whenever we encountered each other. Whether or not he actually loved my dog Lucy, he made Lucy feel incredibly loved and appreciated. Mr Falkiewicz was a great gentleman. His intellect was immediately apparent and unfailing. He is missed. 
June 15, 2020

My beloved and outstanding cousin left us.Those who knew him grieve an exceptional man who lived an exceptional life. 
He was intelliget ( several university degrees in différant fields,spoke fluently at leaast five languages)he was kind and he had very goodmanners.As for his life few people had lifes as rich of events as his. A Young boy deported with his mother and brother by russian invadors deep into Russia who left the country and throug Meedle East eventually reached Scotland and who later on bacame deputy speaker of White House etc,etc.One could listen for hours to the story of his life.We will never forget him as there are almost no more Great man like him.
His Life

The summary of Andrew's extraordinary life

May 21, 2020
Andrew was born on February 26, 1929 in Lwów, Poland, to parents Tadeusz and Maria Falkiewicz.  His life of extraordinary international service and accomplishments started when he was very young, when he, his brother, and mother were deported deep into the USSR during the Soviet Occupation of Poland during World War II (c 1939).   After 2.5 years, he was released by the Polish Army and made his way to Great Britain.He was educated at the Royal High School of Edinburgh, where he graduated first in his class, having arrived without speaking a word of English.He continued his education at Edinburgh University, where he completed both a BSc and PhD in Engineering with First Class Honours.

Andrew started his career with Ford Motor Company, first in the United Kingdom and then in the United States, before completing the diploma program at the School of Foreign Service of Georgetown University.From here he began his illustrious public career, representing the country that he now called his own.After serving in the U.S. Army (from 1953-1955), Andrew joined the U.S. Information Agency.He then entered the Foreign Service in 1960 and served in Bonn, Saigon, Prague and Moscow, as well as at the U.S. Department of State in Washington.Andrew was an influential and senior statesperson. He was Deputy Press Secretary to President Nixon, Assistant Director of USIA and Assistant to the Director of Central Intelligence, working with the then future President George Bush, Sr. 

As an expert in Soviet and European affairs, he left the public sector to extend his reach and influence into the private sector, first as an independent advisor and then as Director of Corporate Affairs for Philip Morris International.

At the conclusion of his career, Andrew moved back into the public sector.He supported George Bush, Sr.’s presidential campaign as Director of the National Security Task Force.And at the time of his retirement was the Policy Advisor to the Director of U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
Recent stories

The Sailor

May 21, 2020
Our father was a keen sailor.  During my childhood, we spent most weekends during the summer months on the water on our boat   I (mostly) loved these weekends and certainly remember them with fondness.  I think our father was at his most relaxed and happiest on the boat.  The sun and the sea have always featured highly in our lives.

Our 2 last boats were the Gull's Way and (creatively) Gull's Way II.  The name was inspired by one of my father's favourite poems:

SEA FEVER, by John Masefield

I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by;
And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea's face, and a grey dawn breaking.

I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull's way and the whale's way where the wind's like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over.

The Cat Man

May 28, 2020
Cats featured for much of our life.  At one point we had 5 cats, although Dad only ever intended to have 3.  He kept going to the animal shelter in case they had any Burmans, which was the breed he had his heart set on, only to come home with a mongrel in need of a caring home.  Okay, he only did this twice, before giving in to buying the 3 purebreds from a breeder.

And for those of you who are not keen on cats, these were the friendliest most loving cats.  They liked to play with people and with each other.  And needed lots of stroking.  You would be hard-pressed to get very far without at least one appearing for attention.  And indeed the had the additional dog-like trait of enjoying going out for walks.  It was not an uncommon sight to see our father out for a walk with the 5 cats scampering around him.

And again, the cats provide a literary memory and connection - T.S. Elliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats - a delightful book of poems all about cats (the basis for the now famous musical).  This book was my usual source when I needed poems to memorise for school. If you aren't familiar with it, it makes for a fun read.

Invite others to Andrew's website:

Invite by email

Post to your timeline