Andrew Cusick was born as the second of three triplets on 4th March 1956.
With his sister Martha, brother Martin, and elder sister Patricia, he would ensure that his parents, Martin and Evelyn, remained totally frazzled all the way through the late 1950s, the entirety of the 1960s, right into the early 1970s.
In 1973, with relief, his parents saw him join the Police Cadets. Then in 1975, at the ripe old age of 19, he got married to Mary. It was now Mary's turn to look after Andy, and she always remembered Evelyn's advice: "If you are going out for a meal with friends, give Andy a three-course meal beforehand, so that he doesn't show you up!"
As Andy served with distinction as a police constable; as a beat officer, in the heavy squad (sorry, Support Unit), and Tactical Firearms (like the heavy squad, but with guns); Mary brought up four boys: Andrew the Younger, Patrick the First, Christopher the First, and Sean or Matthew the First.
The 80s and 90s were a period of excitement in the Cusick household, with high jinks probably not seen since the glory days of the 1950s and 1960s household of the previous generation. Many great family holidays were had during these years, with the only casualty being the collapse of a certain famous vacuum cleaner company.
The 2000s saw a gentler wind for Andy, as he rejoiced as a First Aid trainer for the police, and was able to take Mary on many fabulous Cruises around the Mediterranean, Caribbean and, most romantically of all, the Arctic. The joy continued as the children fled the nest.
But a gentler wind can only last for so long, and there were some new arrivals for Andy to take care of: {deep breath} David, Patrick, Joseph, Eliora, Michael, Reya, Caleb, Freya, Everett, and Niamh (pronounced: NYE-AM)
Andy managed to survive the shortage of butter brought about by tiny Caleb's need for bread and butter pieces, but times became hard as Mary's health declined. Andy stoically stood by her to the end, and fulfilled her final wishes of living at home while in need of permanent care.
Neesha (the dog, not a grandchild) brought a ray of light into Andy's life, and he was able to experience a later life renaissance spending time with Neesha and his new companion Diana. Neesha became disappointed in the lack of frazzlement in the household, and birthed 13 mastiff puppies, ensuring that Diana and Andy experienced their fair share of "hands full".
The plague of our times, the COVID virus, did a number on many families across the country and around the world, and it was during this period that Andy was diagnosed with leukaemia. He got on with it, with the same attitude he once had to 3am hooligans while in the heavy squad, and for three and a half years was able to enjoy a walk his dogs, two of Neesha's puppies, Umbo and Charley, every. single. day.
On Christmas Day 2023, Andy had a glass of whisky and a cigar and gave the viccy to the doctors on his Facebook friends list, two months after he was supposed to be dead.
On 27th January 2024 he passed away, surrounded by those closest to him.
Andy Cusick. I'd say he was one of a kind. But he was one of three of a kind!
My Uncle Andrew. Couldn't come to say goodbye at the funeral or parlour. Much love to my cousins and families. Also to his brother and sister. Hoping that there is a God and he's with those who have also passed. I loved him and know that he loved me and he will live in my heart until it's my time to go.
On the shift when I joined in 1976, in the pub in 2023, and everything in between, it was just a pleasure to be in his company. A colleague, a mate and an inspiration. However, I'll forever picture him intelligence-gathering halfway up a back court drain pipe when we were EB plainers.
He enjoyed telling that story too :)
I was on the periphery, no professional connection, but I will never forget the kindness and friendship shown to me by this one in a million man.
'Do not cry because it is over, smile because it happened.' (Dr Seuss).
Remember your mum and dad well from living in Eastwood and attending Holy Name
Thought are with you all
Me and Andy are pretty much the same generation ! he joined the police a wee bit before me, we met a few times through our service and he was a gent, great at his job great at teaching others (me included). After retiral for both of us I got to know him better , him walking Neesha me walking Dixie our trainee guide dog, had many a good chat, old and new times. Kept in touch mainly online as he fought his illness, sad to see him go, he was definitely one of a kind, he lived his life well. His love and devotion to his wife was an inspiration, if there’s a heaven then the two of them are together forever. RIP Andy
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