A speech made by Andy's brother Rod Jr. at the April 27th Plaque Ceremony.
Our Brother
University of Ottawa
April 27, l999
Andy was all that I or Mike could ever have hoped for in a
brother. He always made sure family and friends came first,
making sure our needs were met, well in advance of his own.
He had so much patience, more than I could ever imagine
having myself. I remember the previous summer when he was
teaching me to play golf, how he spent so much time to help
me get it just right. When someone lost their temper it was
always Andy who was there to calm both sides.
We must remember the good times we have had with him and
his many accomplishments. Andy was very close to completing
his goal of a university degree. In the process he had
become an accomplished engineer, working as a co-op student
both full and part time at Nortel. He had become my peer in
computers and engineering - to the point where I was
consulting with him on technical matters.
Andy hacking with a computer
I think Andy had a great balance of both sports interests
- hockey, baseball, football, tennis and especially golf -
how he enjoyed golf - and a love of computers and
engineering. This balance helped make him a wonderfully well
rounded person who had something in common with everyone.
Combined with his outgoing personality, it is not surprising
why so many people were Andy's friend.
I would like to thank everyone for attending today's
ceremony. Today means so much to my family, it marks not
only the unveiling of a plaque yet also the official
announcement of the 'Andrew Moffitt Memorial Scholarship'.
As of April 19th the fund was at $129,459.52 - this is
thanks to all of the generous individuals and organizations
across this great country who have donated and organized
fundraisers. Of course we would only be at roughly half that
if it were not for the Ontario Government's wonderful
'Ontario Student Opportunity Trust Fund'.
Andy enjoying a summer day
There are two goals that we hope the scholarship will
help accomplish. One is that Andy's memory will carry on for
many years to come. In fact thanks to the size of the fund,
the interest alone should be enough for several thousand
dollar scholarships each year, in addition to money to be
put back into the fund to help increase the principle.
Therefore the scholarship fund will be around forever,
ensuring that countless generations of students will know
about Andy's sacrifice.
Secondly the scholarship will be helping those with
similar interests in computers and engineering. Andy lived,
and gave his life helping others,
and now through this fund countless others will be helped as
well. It is a fitting tribute that a memorial such as this
be made for someone like Andy.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the
people at the university of Ottawa, who without there help,
there would not be a scholarship in Andy's name: Dr.
Aboulnasr, dean of engineering, Julie Morton and Alistair
Mullin, communications officers at the university, Judy
Meilleur and Celine Gagnon of the Alumni and Development
Office. And once again I would like to thank all the
generous individuals and organizations who have donated and
organized fundraisers - of which there are too many to
name.
Thank you.
You can read more about Andy's Memorial Scholarship
Fund.
Andy Moffitt
