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P043687X Band Corporal Andy ThomsonIt is with deep regret we inform you that Band Corporal Andy Thomson, of CTCRM Lympstone Band, lost his brave fight against cancer at 1820hrs 23 July 2008 aged 34 years.
Our deepest condolences go to his wife Cathy, daughter Holly and the family...
RIP mate, you were the greatest dive buddy and it was an honour to know you...
It is with great sadness that I must report the death of PO46387X, Band Corporal Andy Thomson who passed away at St Luke’s Hospice, Plymouth on July 23, aged 34.
Andrew Thomson joined the Royal Marines Band Service in 1990, as part of troop 2/90, with well known characters Andy Gregory, David ‘Granddad’ Johnson, Steve Perry, Dave Prentice, Dom O’Connor and Michael Robinson to name a few. After passing out of basic training, Andy moved ‘upstairs’ to training company accommodation only to be christened ‘Dave’, due to his new room i/c already being called Andy. This nickname stayed with Andy throughout his time in training and continued through his time in the RMBS, although many people often didn’t know who was being referred to! During his time in training, the first women musicians were accepted into the Royal Marines, and Andy met his future wife, Catherine Phillips.
He passed out in 1993 and was drafted to BRNC Dartmouth where he learnt his trade on many a cold morning on Divisions and progressed to sitting first horn. It was also during his time in Dartmouth that Andy developed a passion for rugby, a game that he played and loved throughout the rest of his life.
In 1997, Andy attended and was successful on the JCC (B) and the following year he and Cathy were married, setting up their family home in Torpoint, Cornwall, where Andy became a fully and well integrated member of the local community.
During his time in Torpoint, Andy got involved in many local clubs, especially Torpoint & St Columba RFC where he was the secretary; as well as being an active member of the Torpoint Mosquito Sailing Club where he regularly raced as a crew member of The Dogs Jorrocks and helped as a member of the safety boat crew.
1999 saw Andy move to the band at the Commando Training Centre, Royal Marines and quickly became active on both the sporting and social front. It was also during this draft that, whilst on a run ashore, Andy unwittingly self-appointed himself a second nickname, that of ‘the best looking man in the South Hams’, a name that few have let him forget!
Eventually, Andy got a draft to RMB Plymouth, at last serving with his wife and brother-in-law. This came in useful on a couple of occasions, not least when a mix up at a hotel saw Andy and Cathy accommodated in the honeymoon suite for an overnight stay, four- poster bed and all!
In 2006, Andy was successful on the SCC(B) and went on to pass the M1’s, unfortunately Andy was unable to pick up his promotion to Sergeant in March of this year due to his illness. In December 2005, Andy and Cathy had their first child, Holly, on whom Andy doted.
During his time in the Royal Marines Band Service Andy took part in two major expeditions, one to the Red Sea scuba diving and the second as part of the Band Service team who climbed Mount Blanc. However, Andy’s first sporting love was downhill skiing, he regularly attended the RN/RM Ski Championships and he was fortunate enough to ski both the American and Canadian Rockies. His enthusiasm for this sport was infectious, with Andy encouraging many novice skiers to take up and enjoy the sport as much as he did.
During a routine scan following an operation three years ago, it was identified that Andy needed an operation to remove some cancerous cells in his neck, this was carried out in October 2007. Unfortunately another operation was required in February. During the follow-up appointment after this operation, it was discovered that Andy was suffering from malignant melanoma and he embarked onto an aggressive course of chemo and radiotherapy.
Unfortunately, the illness took hold and Andy was admitted to the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital, eventually moving to St Luke’s Hospice in Plymouth a week before his death.
Throughout his illness, Andy never gave up the hope that he would be back doing what he loved and enjoyed, whether that was playing his french horn at MFM or playing one of the many sports of which he was a fanatic.
Andy was a true gentleman, always impeccably turned out, often taking hours to get ready, ensuring his hair was just so. He was a fantastic father to Holly and a loyal and loving husband to his beloved wife Cathy. Andy will be sorely missed by all those who knew him, not just as a musician and NCO, but as a husband, father, brother-in-law and true friend. The world is a lesser place without you. God rest.
BdCSgt M Phillips RM Devonport Volunteer Band Instructor
BdCpl B Simpson RM RM Band Portsmouth
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townsergeant
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Again, more sad news...
Tragically taken away at such a young age.
RIP.
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Wolfy
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Can't Believe the very sad news. I was Andy's Instructor at RMSM in Deal when he first joined. You couldn't have met a nicer guy. RIP Andy. Heartfelt sympathy to your family. 
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2nd Clarinet
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Sorry to hear the news of one of our own being taken so, so young.....
I was before his time and didn't know him, but it is still sad news to loose one of 'us'.
R.I.P. Andy.
My condolences to his family.
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Josie1100
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Such sad news. Andy was the nicest person you could meet and also a great work colleague for many years to Martyn (H or Martyn Hancock). Unfortunately Martyn is away in Hawaii but I wanted to respond on behalf of all of us. Our thoughts are with Cathy and Holly at this time. Andy was a wonderful person and will be so missed. Again, just sat devastated at more sad news.
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lovecello@yeah-right.com
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I will miss him greatly, my thoughts are with Cathy and Holly and also Egor (Mark Phillips), Andys Brother-in-law at this very sad time.
As I was reminded today of two much loved phrases....
"That's not entertainment" ......"You call that custard?".....
great memory, great bloke.
Rest in Peace
Andy
Troop 2/90
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evs131
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I knew Andy during our time in Dartmouth and he was one of the best guys - honest and trustworty. He shall be missed.
My love and thoughts to Cathy and his family.
Rest In Peace Andy
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Bilvers
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Andy, will be missed all those who new and met him. He was a fantastic bloke, work collegue and friend, but most of all he was a great husband and father.
I will miss him and my heartfelt condolences go out to dear Cathy and Holly and the rest of their families.
Andy, Rest in Peace, I was honoured to be in your presence.
Stu
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RAB
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So sad we have to be once again visiting this thread to pass on condolences to the family of one of our own family, especially one so young and popular. Never met you my friend, but RIP and deepest sympathy to the family....
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Kratos
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RIP Andy, My condolences to your family and all your close friends within the RMBS.
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Doris
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RIP Andy, going to miss you moaning about the caravans and the food and .....
Great friend, genuinely nice bloke, you will be sadly missed.
Bottie
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selwyn
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andy thompsonJust to say i can't believe it. My thoughts are with Cathy and the family and words cannot express the sadness that i feel at this time.
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bootybandy
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This is without doubt the thread I dread seeing in Orange. Condolences to his family.......Bri.
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Bomber
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RIP Andy,
Love and condolences to Cathy, Holly and family.
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Nick B
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I am so sad to hear this news, such a young life taken from our Family.
I too was an instructor in Deal when Andy was there and remeber Him well a good lad.
Our deepest sympathy go to Cathy, Holly and Family.
Nick & Pat Buckley
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sticky blue
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RIP Andy
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Baby Bug
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We are very sad to hear of Andy's passing. Our thoughts and hearts go to Cathy, Holly and all of Andy's family at this time.
Amy, Jon and Evan. xx
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dustydrums
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My deepest sympathy to Cathy and family at this sad time.
No words will ever replace him, but your memories will last forever.
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Hornblower
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RIP Andy and condolences to your grieving family.
I am another that never had the pleasure (as I'm sure it would have been) to know you. It doesn't dent the hurt felt at the taking of such a young and obviously popular person.
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admin
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Location: St Jame's Church Torpoint PL11 2BH
Time: 1100Hrs Wed 30 July 2008 Followed by private cremation
Dress:
Officers: No1 Dress (Blues) Neg Swords, with gloves and medals, Mourning bands to be worn by all officers.
SNCOs: No1 Dress (Blues) Medals, gloves and white belts, Mourning bands worn by all SNCOs.
ORs: No1 Dress (Blues) Medals, gloves and white belts. ORs are also to cover the second button of their blues tunic with black cloth.
Family floral tribute only. Donations to St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth and a collection will take place during the church service
On completion of the church service to the Torpoint Sailing Club to say goodbye to Andy
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Dan A
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This is so sad....did not know the guy but RIP Andy.....
Dan
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General Melchett
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What can you say without sounding overly contrite? Andy was a fantastic guy, good horn player and a great guy to go for a pint with. Sometimes tragedies like this put your life into perspective.
Our depest sympathy to Cathy, Holly and family
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jonsey
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My deepest condolences to Cathy and family.
Mark
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Mr Bass Trombone
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Obviously Andy was well after my time but as others have said it makes no difference, where and when you served you are always a member of the family. Taken at such a young age is hard to believe, RiP young man my deepest condolences to all of his family and to you all that knew and served with him, it certainly sounds that he had everything going for him, and then tradgedy strikes. life is just not fair sometimes.
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