Tribute to Andy Wainwright

The Watford Rotary Club has lost one of its champions. Andy Wainwright had been in poor health for some time and sadly passed away in January after a short spell in hospital. Andy had been a Rotarian since 2000 and had made a major contribution to Rotary’s work. He was a particularly strong supporter of youth activities and worked enthusiastically to establish competitions like Young Chef, Youth Speaks and Young Photographer. He was also keen to promote local youngsters in the national Rotary Young Citizen awards, one of his candidates reaching the finals and receiving a special commendation. Andy was a larger than life character who looked for fun in everything he did. He always enjoyed taking his turn as Santa for the club’s Christmas collections. Last year Andy was honoured with a Paul Harris Fellowship for his service to Rotary.

Andy grew up in Bushey Mill Lane, Watford. He went to school at the Rudolph Steiner School in Kings Langley. As part of his education he spent a term in Germany with an associate school.

Andy’s father worked for Woolworths and Andy’s first job was with them. However he wasn’t happy there and moved on. Over a long working life he worked for TESCO, Whitbread, a hotel in Minorca where he sold car hire, and a sports company where he became an expert on ski equipment, never having skied in his life!

He was also involved in charity work outside of Rotary. He was a strong supporter of the hospice movement and was an ambassador for Keech and St Francis Hospices. 

Andy is survived by two daughters and five grand children.

The funeral was held at the Watford Crematorium and was attended by many fellow Rotarians from Watford and the Rotary District.