Obituary of Andrew Graham Townsend

Andrew Graham Townsend of White Rock BC passed away suddenly, October 15, 2015 at the age of 47. Andrew was born April 21st, 1968, he was the son of the late Amy (Graham) Townsend of St. Andrews, NB and Brian John Littler of South Africa and Wayne W.C. Townsend and Laraine Miller Townsend. Andrew is survived by his wife, Sharon, and his sons Adam, Logan, and Declan; his parents Wayne and Laraine Townsend and Brian Littler; his sisters Lara, Lindy, Sidney, and Rachel; and brothers Matthew, Aaron, and Marc; his aunt and uncle Shirleigh and James Andrews, cousins Sean and Brandon, uncle David Graham, cousins Michael and Peter; uncle Clayton Dickson, cousins Clayton and Blair; and 14 nieces and nephews. Andrew was a devoted husband and father. He and his wife Sharon enjoyed traveling to many countries before beginning their family together, especially family vacations with his immediate and extended family. His passion for travel began with serving a mission in Japan for the LDS church. Whether he was home or abroad, Andrew loved to connect with everyone. He never met a stranger. When Andrew learned Japanese the local Okinawans nicknamed him the “omoshiro shiroi Kyojin” which translates to “funny white giant” and they found it very humorous that he spoke Japanese, which Andrew maximized to keep the locals entertained and laughing. After serving his mission Andrew stayed connected with the Japanese people and did business with them, returning to Japan several times. After his mission, Andrew met Sharon Brosnan in Toronto. He knew instantly that she would be his wife. She reminded him of his late beloved mother Amy, he said Sharon was beautiful, smart, loving, and kind. When Andrew and Sharon married they both knew they wanted children, however they never dreamed that they would raise 33, 3 biological and 30 foster children. They took in all of the children that no one else wanted, those with mental and physical disabilities and those that were born with addictions; there were those that couldn't even speak because their handicaps were so profound– but Andrew loved them all. Andrew was raised in a blended family by his parents Wayne and Laraine Townsend. He learned from his parents very early on that parenting is about love, not biology. Andrew was a kid at heart and therefore related easily with all the children he raised. Andrew was gregarious and never stopped being a kid, he always made everyone around him laugh and entertained them, adults and children alike. The harsh realities of the lives that the children Andrew and Sharon cared for required Andrew’s light hearted spirit. Not only was Andrew full of laughter and energy, he was also a deeply spiritual man and was very involved in various capacities within his church community. Andrew will be deeply missed by family, friends, and all who knew him, and we look forward to the day we are reunited with him. A memorial service was held on Saturday, October 24th at the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, St. Stephen, NB, with Bishop Brad Doskas officiating. Opening Prayer was given by Elder McAteer. Rememberances from the family were given by his wife Sharon, sister Lara, sister Sidney, sister Rachel. Closing prayer was given by son Logan. A reception immediately followed in the church hall. Andrew will be laid to rest at St. Andrews Rural Cemetery with his mother Amy. Active pallbearers were Michael Verstappen, Aaron Townsend, Ian Verstappen and Elder McAteer.