Andrew Kwong Lum (September 19, 1959 – January 25, 2025)
After bravely battling health issues in recent years, Andrew passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. He is survived by his father Hing (predeceased by mother Winnie), his sister Nancy (Stephen), and brothers Rocky and Peter. He also leaves behind his loving partner and fiancée Dee, who was his tower of strength and support for more than two decades, as well as her children Michael (Sara) and Erinn, and Erinn’s two wonderful kids Kingston and Whitney, on whom Andrew doted at every opportunity. He also held a special place in his heart for longtime friend Jessica Petman, who made him proud as he watched her grow from a precocious little girl to a fine young lady. As a high school student, Andrew worked summers at the uranium mine in his hometown of Bancroft, Ontario. He then attended McMaster University and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree. After graduating he became a teaching assistant in Bancroft before starting his lengthy career at the City of Hamilton Social Services. His compassionate nature and determination to help others in need made him an ideal fit as a social worker, and he had a meaningful impact on the lives of countless individuals and families for 35 years before retiring in 2021. On a personal level, it’s an understatement to say Andrew was passionate about sports. He was not only an elite athlete who worked out at the gym almost every day, but as a big fan he could also recount statistics, accomplishments and equipment choices for an endless number of players from a variety of sports. His encyclopedic knowledge allowed him to entertain family and friends with stories of athletes and teams that would make any sports historian proud. Andrew was especially fond of track & field, having been an excellent thrower (shot put, discus, hammer) in his day. He was even selected as a volunteer at both the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal and the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton. For all of his personal and professional achievements, Andrew will be best remembered for his unwavering character. His fierce loyalty and generous spirit were felt by all who knew him, plus he was a natural-born leader who would stop at nothing to protect his loved ones and anybody else who needed his help. His legacy shines through in all the people whose lives he touched and made infinitely better. Andrew will be greatly missed but never forgotten.