

What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.
Obituary
Andrew Francis Perrin, born on December 31, 1964, in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, has left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Andy departed from this world on December 22, 2024 at Whipps Cross Hospital, just shy of his 60th birthday, of Glioblastoma and Pulmonary Embolism. Andrew is remembered fondly for his wit, intelligence, beautiful character, handsome features and his creativity.
A man of many talents, Andrew possessed a unique ability to blend sarcasm with a genuine warmth that endeared him to friends and family alike. Those who had the pleasure of engaging in conversation with him were often left both amused and enlightened by his dry sense of humour and sharp intellect.
Andrew's artistic flair shone brightly through his photography, capturing the beauty of life and the world around him in each frame. He had an innate ability to see the extraordinary in the everyday, a gift that has left a lasting legacy through his work. His musical talents were equally impressive, bringing joy to those who heard him play.
Nature held a special place in Andrew's heart, a love he shared with Pia and his faithful companion, Pepe. Together, they explored the outdoors, savouring the peace and beauty of their surroundings. Sunflowers were Andrew's favourite flowers. With their iconic brightness and warmth they symbolised Andrew's radiant personality and love for nature's simple pleasures.
Andrew's journey was greatly enriched by his marriage to Pia Tanneraho, and their bond over almost 30 years was a testament to love's enduring strength. Their shared moments, filled with laughter and devotion, are cherished memories that will forever hold a special place in Pia's heart.
To honor Andrew's life, a funeral service will be held at the Finnish Church in London. Friends and family will gather to celebrate the life of a man whose laughter, art, and love touched all who knew him.
Indeed, Andrew's presence will be dearly missed, but his spirit will live on in the stories shared and the vibrant images he captured. He leaves behind a legacy of love, art, and the unmistakable twinkle of a life well-lived.
Donations rather than flowers...
In honour of our beloved Andrew, we invite you to contribute to Maggie's Cancer Charity, that was near and dear to their heart, rather than buying flowers.
Andrew and Pia both received weekly support and advice from the charity throughout the last 2,5 years of Andrew's life.
Your generous donation will serve as a meaningful tribute, perpetuating the spirit of Andy by supporting a meaningful cause.
Together, let us continue their legacy.
Please make your donations here:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/andrewperrin-22122024?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL
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Memory wall
I must tell you about two pivotal moments stand out in my memory. First of all the one morning he arrived at college after you had cut off his infamous ponytail! It was hilarious as everybody started applauding and cheering as he walked into the studio. He just smiled and said "Pia took the scissors to it!". Then there was the day that we were setting up the degree show and he just came in and built this incredible installation (The Perrinscope!) from scratch and absolutely immaculately. We were all thinking, how on earth did he do that?! More generally, there were always lots of cigarette breaks and afternoons in the student bar of course, which were always fun and entertaining.
After college we did not really keep in touch and I had children quite soon after, but later, with Instagram I got to see his beautiful photographs and glimpses into the life he shared with you and Pepe. Then, a year and half ago or so, out of the blue he messaged me and told me his devastating news. I still don't know how you both coped with all of this so amazingly well. He seemed quite calm and really his old self, a bit slower perhaps, but he did say that internally he felt like he was staring into the abyss. Zero self pity, that is what struck me. So stoic until the end. Probably he was not always like that and no one knew him better than you Pia. You have been his absolute rock and his struggle has been yours as much if not more sometimes, I cannot even imagine.
Wishing you strength and sending much love,
XXX Ingrid
As I write this I look out of the window and it is a beautiful sunny slightly cold day with a clear blue sky.
The sort of day when Epping Forest is at its best, the sort of day when I might have bumped into Andy and Pepe walking round the golf course.
I was very sad to hear from Pia that he had passed away just before Christmas.
I always found Andy very interesting and amusing to talk with and over the years I enjoyed chatting with him sometimes just a brief hello and other times for a bit longer.
As is common with dog walkers, you get to know dogs names long before the names of the owners. Andy was the exception, he seemed to know all the dogs and most of the owners names . I think Andy had every dog and their owner graded based mainly on whether Pepe liked them or not.
When Andy told me about his illness I wasn’t surprised that he dealt with it in his usual very matter of fact and slightly humorous way.
As time went on I used to see him less and less and when I did see him I would ask how he was doing and he would often say something like “Oh I’ve the lost sight in one eye now“ or “I sometimes forget the way home” followed by a little joke and a chuckle.
I knew Andy the dog walker, not Andy the ex miner, singer, photographer, IT specialist, nature lover etc. As is often the case there is often so much more to people than you first realise.
I know that Andy got great pleasure from his quiet time in the mornings walking with Pepe.
He will be missed but I will often remember him when walking through that part of the forest.
Tim and Buddy 🐶
(As if it was that easy for everyone). We never managed my music lesson. I think I might have been a tad busy toddler minding.
We did climb up a hill together - I was carrying Sebastian and turning home after the climb. Pia and Andy went for a lovely day hike in very un-Scottish sunshine and came back with burn faces.
I'll miss you Gareth Southgate Badger, much love and precious memories from Tasmin Archer Badger. xxxx❤️🙏
It is very sad to say goodbye - hope to see you again one day on the other side. We’ll try to look after Pia in the choir and will think of you during our concerts, imagining you in the audience with Pepe by your side.


I have many fond memories of times with Andy and Pia. Often they would take place at their flat next to Epping Forest, and would involve alcohol, with perhaps Pia cooking and Andy in charge of the sound system, making a mix tape out of the tracks he played (I have some still, and remember The Cure, The Clash and Leningrad Cowboys). As well as the drink and some dancing there was often a midnight walk in the forest led by Andy and his trusty torch with a flask of whisky to keep us company. Sometimes it didn't get that far because, being a lightweight, or drinking faster, or both, I fell asleep on the sofa in the middle of proceedings, waking up later with a blanket over me and Andy and Pia continuing drinking and talking. The next day always started with a hangover. These memories and the fun we had will always remain. At the time they seemed part of something bigger, but looking back they were the bigger picture, with everything else fading into history.
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Andrew also loved exploring and photographing the British landscape together with Pia and Pepe.
After visiting his brother Glen in New Zealand he was an avid drinker of a good Malborough Savignon Blanc.
However, since Summer 2024 he would only be able to drink Chardonnay due to how chemo changed his taste buds.
Celebration of Life
We will come together to remember and pay tribute to the wonderful person. While we mourn the loss of our dear, we also aim to cherish the moments shared and the joy brought into our lives. Your presence would mean a great deal to us during this time of remembrance and reflection.
Please let the church know if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies via e-mail to kitchen@merimieskirkko.fi
33 Albion Street
London, SE 16 7HZ