Obituaries Australia

One of the best known and most popular businessmen in Canberra, Mr. Clyde Osborne Andrews, died at 3.30 p.m. on Saturday at Gloucester House Hospital, Sydney. Mr Andrews, aged 58, had been ill for some months.

For the past 16 years Mr. Andrews had been manager of the Canberra branch of the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney.

However, he was known to Canberra residents not only as a businessman and banker, but as a participant in almost every social and education activity in the city.

Business associates and friends from all walks of life paid tribute to him yesterday.

A close associate and client for many years, Mr. W. D. MacDonald, summed up the tributes by saying: "I regard him as having set a very high standard as a banker in Canberra. My admiration for his kindness and tact grew as I knew him over the years.

"I know dozens of people who owe their present standing and success entirely to him. If he was sure a man starting in business needed help, he would back him personally to his limit. He was always kind and helpful, and looked after the interests of each of his clients, especially during the war years, when he advised and assisted hundreds of young wives whose husbands were away.

I know he had many hundreds of clients and I can safely say he never lost one."

Many other people paid tribute to Mr. Andrews as an energetic worker in social, educational and welfare spheres.

He was undoubtedly one of the most popular business figures in Canberra and took a most active part in a large number of community movements.

He will be particularly remembered for his work in post-war rehabilitation activities.

During the war he was untiring as treasurer and chairman of the Services Hut.

At the conclusion of the war he became, and remained for many years, a member of the A.C.T. local repatriation committee. During this period he was instrumental in establishing many ex-servicemen in business and furthering repatriation benefits for returned servicemen. For two years he was chairman of the committee.

He was also a prominent member of the Canberra Rotary Club and acted as its treasurer for some time.

Among his many other activities he was a member of the Canberra Chamber of Commerce and was on the board of the Canberra Girls' Grammar School. He was also a member of the Canberra Rose Croix Chapter and the Lodge Gowrie, and gave a great deal of assistance to the Red Cross.

Mr. Andrews was born in 1895. At the age of 18 he joined the Commercial Banking Company at its Sydney office. After two years’ service there World War I interrupted his career and he joined the Army. However, he did not see service outside Australia, and left the Army in 1917 to resume his banking career.

After several years' further service at the head office, he was transferred to the country and spent the following years in a number of country towns.

He was promoted to accountant and was then sent to the Bathurst branch. While at Bathurst in 1928, when he was aged 33, he met and later married his wife, Effie, who survives him. Their daughter, Joan, was born the following year.

Had Mr. Andrews lived, he could have celebrated his silver wedding anniversary this year.

About 1930 Mr. Andrews was appointed manager of the bank's branch at Mandurama, near Parkes, from there, in 1936, he was transferred to the position of manager of the Canberra branch, of which he was the second manager.

During his period of service in Canberra he was a tireless worker and earned the respect, admiration and friendship of thousands of people with whom he came into contact.

Mr. Andrews became ill last year. Approximately two months ago he went on sick leave prior to his retirement, which was to have taken place on December 31, last year.

Several weeks ago he was reported to have been improving, but he suffered a relapse and was taken to Sydney by ambulance where he underwent an operation. His death yesterday came as a shock, however.

His wife and daughter are at present in Sydney, where they are expected to remain until later this week.

After a service commencing at 2.30 p.m. to-day in St. James, King Street, Sydney, his remains will be taken to Northern Suburbs Crematorium for cremation.

Many leading Canberra citizens are expected to attend the funeral.

Apart from his wife and daughter, Mr. Andrews is survived by one sister, Miss Edith Andrews, of Mosman.