Geophysicist in the oil industry and vigorous sportsman who lived life to the full at home and abroad.
Londoner Andy studied geology at Durham University, graduating with a BSc (Hons) in 1980. He immediately secured a job with Gulf Oil working in Houston and Calgary on offshore projects. Moreover, the proximity to the Canadian Rockies enabled him to pursue his passion for skiing, returning to North America on numerous occasions to heli-ski.
In 1984 he returned to the UK joining BP Exploration then Trafalgar (Hardy) Oil in 1986. Andy moved to Ultramar Exploration as a Senior Geophysicist rising to Team Leader evaluating new ventures in Syria, Algeria, Libya, South America and South East Asia. I was privileged to work with Andy during this time and admired his rigour, tenacity and determination to evaluate, secure and explore the newly acquired acreage. He was often the last to leave these reconnaissance trips, continuing to work to complete the task.
On the sporting front, Andy showed the same commitment as many of us suffered his ferocious tackling during our ‘friendly’ lunchtime five-a –side football matches. A talented sportsman he continued playing football regularly as well as honing his skiing skills. Latterly he graduated to participating in triathlons.
From 1992 to 1997 Andy continued his career with British Borneo growing and developing an international portfolio of assets. It was then he fell in love and married Jill (pictured) who accompanied him when he took up the post of Exploration Manager, Gulf of Mexico in Houston. Jill and Andy returned to the UK in 1998 where he played a key role in the sale of the company to Agip.
Subsequently, during his time with Waterhouse International he advised clients on the sale of numerous assets. While Exploration and Technical Director with Sterling Energy (2005 - 11) Andy secured two large PSCs offshore Madagascar and farmed them out to Exxon. Securing, then farming out, the Sangaw North PSC to Addax Petroleum and Korea National Oil Company culminated in operating the challenging Sangaw North 1 well, drilled on the crest of a massive surface anticline.
Latterly Andy joined Energean in 2011 where as Exploration Director he expanded its portfolio of exploration and development projects in Greece and in the Mediterranean, all while dealing with a damning cancer prognosis. He continued to work in Athens and London and never flagged until his death nearly three years later on 25 May 2016.
Andy had a passionate love of trees and ornithology. Testament to this was his delight in securing three disease-resistant elms, which are now flourishing in a corner of Buckinghamshire. The celebration of Andy’s life was packed with family, friends and colleagues. He is buried beneath one of his beloved oak trees.
Andy’s tenacity and spirit never left him, even as his health deteriorated, finding energy to pursue his passions - which embraced wife Jill, work, wildlife and adrenaline-fuelled sports. He is sorely missed by Jill, his family and friends. A fastidious planner, their 20th wedding anniversary was to be celebrated in style. Sadly, he died just before.
By Steve Jenkins
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