Obituary of Andrew H. Holliday

Andrew H. Holliday President A Holliday & Company Passed suddenly, at the age of 75, on Sunday, September 22nd, 2013, in Venice, Italy, returning from a Mediterranean-Adriatic cruise to celebrate his 50th year of marriage to his wife Kathy. Andy was born on May 2, 1938 in Oshawa, Ontario. Son of the late Doris and Douglas Holliday. He had many fond memories of his time spent at St. Andrews College in Aurora, in particular playing for the varsity football and hockey teams. He continued to love hockey his entire life, and was a Toronto Maple Leafs fan through better or worse. Mostly worse. He recently celebrated the 55th anniversary for his class of '57 at SAC. Andy met the love of his life Kathy while offering her his seat on the subway. They were married shortly after on August 15th, 1964. Andy started out as a banker, but his interests quickly shifted to the more adventurous world of the tea trade. He began selling tea for Anglo-American Direct Tea. He spent a year and a half of his twenties in India and Sri Lanka learning the tea trade hands-on. He later became president of two companies simultaneously, James Finlay Canada, and R.B. Hayhoe Foods, one of the first tea, coffee and spice companies in Canada. In 1975 Andy launched his own business from an office in the basement of his home in Clarkson, Ontario and 38 years later A. Holliday and Company is a thriving business specializing in not only tea, but coffee, extracts and nutraceuticals. His profession meant travelling to all corners of the world. Andy was very active in tea and coffee associations in Canada and the U.S. He loved the business, and worked until the end. Andy worked hard, but always made time to enjoy life outside the office. He spent many a summers' day at the family cottage on a small island on Lake Muskoka - "Republic of Holliday." He spent many an early morning trolling for the elusive lake trout. In the winter he spent his vacation time in Bonita Springs, Florida. He loved golf, and it liked him back. He was fond of westerns, and had recurring dreams of the wild wild west. Friends and colleagues of Andy will remember him most for his sense of humour. Many a dinner ended with Andy telling a joke, trying to contain his contagious laughter 'til the punchline. Andy is survived by beloved wife Kathy Holliday (nee Murphy), dear son Josh Holliday of Toronto and daughter Sarah Holliday-Manchul and her husband Bryan of Calgary. Andy was very fond of his grandchildren MacKaylan and Hunter. He leaves behind a sister, Jane Martin of Burlington. He will also be greatly missed by his second family at A Holliday and Co. And of course his absence is already felt by two of his very best friends, Bonnie and Clyde the family dogs. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES CHAPEL LIMITED, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 30th. Service will be held in the chapel on Tuesday October 1st at 11:00 a.m., with reception to follow. If desired, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.