SHARP, James Andrew (Andy)
Feb. 11, 1923 – July 6, 2009
Died peacefully in Nanaimo, BC after a short illness. Predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Dorrie (1997), his brother Tom, sister Helen and sister-in-law Evelyn. Andy is survived by son and daughters: Jim (Lynda Comber) of Saanich; Linda (Brian) Johnston of Vancouver; Wendy (Derek) McLean of Winnipeg; grandchildren: Kendra; Jamie (Lori); Kristen (Ted); Kylie (Ralph); Fraser (Andrea); Greg; Mark (Denise) and Jocelyn. Great grandchildren: Yemaya; Breanna; Kaely and; “littleSharpie” (due in October); Brothers: Don (Mary); Stuart (Evelyn); sister –in-law Marilyn; brother-in-law Stan and special cousin Margaret.
Always proud of his Sharp heritage and the eight generations in Canada, Andy was raised in Glen Morris, ON. He graduated from Queen’s University in Civil Engineering in 1948. He and Dorrie married in 1947. He became one of Canada’s first Traffic Engineers and worked in many Canadian cities to develop urban transportation systems for the changing times. He became famous for bringing the one-way street system to many places and was nicknamed “one-way Sharp”, receiving a life time achievement award for his work. He joined Mohawk College in Hamilton as Department Head of Civil and Transportation Engineering in 1974 and remained until his retirement in 1988.
Andy and Dorrie bought a home in Qualicum Beach, BC to which they retired and continued with their lifetime hobby of renovating another home. After Dorrie’s death, Andy enjoyed travelling with his children to various parts of the world, and frequently back to his childhood home in Glen Morris. He always took a great interest in his family’s careers and interests and was famous for his ”Whatcha thinking?” line when there was a lull in the conversation. Among many other talents, he could balance a spoon on his nose! In 2006 Andy sold his home and moved into The Gardens at Qualicum Beach where he quickly became part of the community and enjoyed the many friendships made there. The family is grateful to The Gardens Community (staff and residents) and to the staff of Nanaimo General Hospital for their support. Cremation has taken place.
A memorial service and interment will take place
in Glen Morris at a later date.