From my perspective, John Andrews was the best father a girl could have. Growing up, he always engaged with me and included me in many of his activities. I was always invited to drive his golf cart when he played at MCC, which was just about daily. On Saturdays, I frequently went with him to work. First, I would skate at Skateland for a couple of hours then walk nextdoor to his shop and help him work on cars. He enjoyed my curiosity and desire to understand how things worked. Put it this way, I learned how to change the oil in my car and adjust the timing belt years before I was able to drive. And, he taught me how to drive and gave me a car before I had a learner’s permit.
One time, we took a car engine apart, replaced something and re-assembled the engine. There was a spare part lying on the shop floor afterwards that I was certain we had accidentally left out. I said, “Hey Dad, there’s a part on the floor, do we need to put that back in the engine?” He responded, “Well, it’s better to have extra parts than not enough.” Then he chuckled and lit a cigarette. He had a great sense of humor.
I played tennis and softball from early youth through high school. He had an affinity for all things baseball and he particularly enjoyed women’s softball. In all those years, I don’t think he missed a single softball game or tennis tournament. He usually arrived right as the game was starting or a few minutes after. I have memories etched in my mind of him walking up to the ball field stirring his drink with his finger (back in the day, he enjoyed his adult beverages!). And, when we got into scuffles with the opposing team, he was in the stands rooting for us, yelling, “Pull her hair!” He took us out for pizza after the games so often, he received a game ball signed by the team, which he displayed in his home like a trophy.
He always embraced my friends. He wrestled and played with us when we were children and in my adult years, he became a regular at my friends’ social gatherings, concerts and art events. And they loved him too, especially the ladies. They doted over him and flirted endlessly, and he loved every minute of it. He was a natural lady charmer!
When I think of Dad, the prominent image of him in my mind is when he was at the height of his golf game (scratch golf anyone?!). He was handsome, strong, funny, a man’s man and a lady’s man.
He never missed an opportunity to hug me or tell me that he loved me. Anytime I walked into the room, his eyes lit up. There was never a doubt in my mind, or anyone who knew us, that he loved me unconditionally.
Best.Father.Ever.