Andrew “Andy” Tanguay

Andrew Alexander Tanguay of Chatham passed away peacefully at home on Friday March 23, 2012 at the age of 78 years. Andy was born in Chatham to his late parents Marie (Charbonneau) and Napolean Tanguay. He was predeceased by his wife Margaret (Mikus) Tanguay on September 2, 2006. Andy was an educator who made a difference in the lives of many children throughout his teaching career, which began in a one-room schoolhouse in Merlin and ended as the Principal of the Merlin Area Public School. Many students will also remember Andy from his tenure as Principal of St. Ambrose and John Uyen Schools in Chatham, Howard-Harwich-Moravian Public School in Ridgetown, and Zone Township Central School in Bothwell. He also taught at St. Pius X Junior High School and Tecumseh Secondary School in Chatham. While teaching full-time and raising a family, Andy managed to complete a BA in Geography at the University of Western Ontario and a Master of Education degree at Wayne State University. Andy is survived by his children Dr. Brian Tanguay (Dr. Anne Brydon) of Kitchener, Dr. Jeff Tanguay (Dr. Andrea Grin) of Toronto and Julie Tanguay of London, by his only grandson Eric Tanguay of Waterloo and by his sisters Betty Sterling of Chatham, Louise Hunter (Don) of Chatham and Eileen Pickard of Newmarket. He is predeceased by his sisters Rita Twigg and Harriett Glover as well as his brothers Maurice Tanguay and Ogie Tanguay. Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday March 28, 2012 from 7 – 9 p.m. to show their support to Andy’s family. A Memorial Service will be held at the Funeral Home on Thursday March 29, 2012 at 10 a.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Andy with a memorial donation are asked to consider the London Health Sciences Centre’s Regional Cancer Program.