I met Andy in 1981 when I started work at Barclaycard. My first real memory is picking Andy up at 5:30 for my first work trip to Liverpool; I was 18. Andy was not a moring person (probably been out the night before!) and quickly fell asleep in the car while we travelled. He wke up and asked if I had turned off up the M6… of course I hadn’t! We had a long but enjpyable diversion via Matlock Bakewell and some very sceninc roads before eventually arriving in Liverpool. We also spent a night out in London after a day working there and it was VERY entertaining! Move on many years and we met again working at Santander where we realised my daughter was dating his son Anton!. Andy came to my 50th Birthday party at the Black Bottom CLub and I think that was probably the last time I saw him. Fond memories and some great times.

We were so sorry to hear the sad news about Andy. Our paths crossed in the mid-eighties when we worked in the same office at Barclaycard. As everybody who knew Andy has already said, he was a happy, funny guy who was always smiling – but also an extremely hard worker. We didn’t keep in touch over the years but heard of his marriage to Sue through our mutual friend, Lisa. Such a lovely family and our thought are with them at this time.XX

Although it was over 30 years ago, I remember meeting Andy when he was on the Barclays debit card business. We had an idea for doing a joint promotion with Safeway (our client) and Andy heard our pitch, loved the idea, and we went into test. It worked well enough that we expanded it to include Sainsburys, BP, Threshers in what was at the time one of the largest co-promotion campaigns in the UK. Andy had the vision to see the potential of the idea, and was an absolute delight to work with – willing to call a spade a spade, and strong on analytics, but with a sense of humor in our dealings with him. It’s with huge sadness to hear the news of his passing, and my prayers are with his family during this time.

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Andy Croft. I will always remember that Andy was a kind man, who loved his family and the church and his faith. I remember that Sue and Andy welcomed me to church Witt open arms , a steady faith, a sense of humour and a kind listening ear when I needed it. I Will remember Andy when I play harmonica, and sing and keep learning this throughout the pandemic, as well as when I am learning musical instruments and making or eating pizza as I think that’s one of the things Andy liked best. Andy I will remember you when I face challenges as well. My sincere condolences to Sue and all of Andy’s family and friends. I’m right here if you need anything. Love and God Bless. I think Andy is looking down and smiling at me, at the joy and complexities of life. Andy your thirst for knowledge and education is similar to mine, everything you learned is impressive, and when we face and challenge discrimination, I Will remember you, with a smile. Much Love, from Cara xx

I’m so shocked to hear of Andy’s passing. I worked with Andy shortly after I joined Handelsbanken in Sept 2019. He was a great collaborator and sharer of knowledge and a great laugh. I know he made my start in the company easier and was certainly a part of making my project a success. Although I sadly did not stay in touch after he left Handelsbanken I am saddened knowing that he is no longer around.
My sympathies to his family during what I can only imagine has been a terrible couple of years while Andy battled his cancer.

Andy was a genuinely lovely man in so many ways. He was a very positive presence in all situations with an optimistic outlook born out in his wearing of shorts on even the most inclement of days. Andy was good with tech and generous in sharing his expertise. I remember fondly Andy’s tenacity and success in sorting out the tech when filming a piece for a service at church, against the odds, during Lockdown.
Andy and Sue were a match made in heaven and their deep love for each other was evident for all to see. We have happy memories of their wedding at church, and always being a vibrant part of the church family. Andy was a great host and we remember him enthusiastically operating his newly made pizza oven and fire pit. He was unique, a really kind and generous person and we will miss greatly.

Andy worked with us at DMFCO as his last assignment before he lost his fight to cancer. Even though Andy was desperately ill, he always portrayed a very professional stance, with a calming disposition. We were all deeply saddened to hear the news.

We are sending our condolences to Andy’s wife, children and all his family at this very sad time.

I remember back in 2010 during Christmas, I was staying in a hotel for all and i had no where else to go. Then, I was blessed when Andy and Sue invited me to their house to spend Christmas with them. This was my first experience of eating a British Christmas dinner and back then, Andy encouraged me to eat lots of food including Brussel sprouts. My reaction to the Brussel sprouts had Andy laughing hard for a while. It makes me so sad to think that such a happy, loveable person is gone so early.

Andy was a very good man, kind and completely practical. A good neighbour, family man, friend & role model.

Something he said once really struck a chord: “If I can’t think of a reason to not go…… count me in”. So refreshing to have someone who always said ‘why not!’.

So, off to Spain 🇪🇸  on holiday. He came with a group of my friends – and promptly became their friend, he was good at that. He impressed us all so much with his wickedly sharp but dry humour.

I remember him taking charge in the kitchen. Always gently steering the ship – but in a lovely disarming way.

I will forever treasure our evenings on the roof terrace, talking into the wee small hours – Gin & Tonic in hand!

Then – the following day kayaking, just the two of us paddling off the Mediterranean coast in choopy seas. In hind sight, not a very good idea, but I’m so glad we did it. I am fortunate to have such wonderful memories to treasure, of such a lovely man.

You will be so very much missed “Crofy”. Xxx

P.S. I will wear the loud shirt you gave me with immense pride!

I had the pleasure of knowing Andy when we worked together at Aldermore Bank, Peterborough. I’m shocked and deeply saddened to know Andy has left us. My heartfelt condolences to Andy’s wife, children and family, I can only imagine how painful his loss is to each one of you. Andy always had the most excellent sense of humour and wit and never took himself or anything too seriously. He always found the humour in any situation, he was a very funny man, he made me laugh many, many times, thank you for that Andy. I can genuinely say, at work I never saw him get angry, annoyed or upset with anything or anyone, he was always able to smile, be happy and get on with things. I now know this was the sign of a man who loved life, loved his family and was truly a very happy, blessed and loved person. It was a joy to know you Andy, if the world had more like you, we’d all be in a better place. God rest your sweet soul in eternal peace Andy, you and your family will be in my prayers. It was a privilege and delight to know you. With love, Jo.

I was so very shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Andy’s passing. Having worked with Andy in the early 2000’s, I found him to be an extremely likeable, talented, supportive and respected colleague, friend and mentor. I have also really enjoyed attending some of Andy’s friends and family parties over the years, where he was a great, funny, friendly, and hospitable host. My heart goes out to Sue, Stanley, Alfie, Minnie, Anton, and the grandchildren. Andy loved his family dearly and he will be missed by all he knew in this physical realm. For those that have already passed, I’m sure knowing Andy, he’ll already be organising a good get-together on the other side. Dearly departed, but never, ever forgotten ! RIP dear friend. Denise.

I was lucky enough to work with Andy in the early 90’s at Barclays, when Personal Sector Marketing moved from Juxon House in London to Westwood Park in Coventry. Andy was a great character who worked hard but managed to have a laugh along the way. It was privilege to be part of that team and wider work community. Great memories!

Andy, I remember your gentle soul, huge heart, fab humour and a collective mix of joyful shirts. Keep shining, you will forever remain in our hearts. 💖

Andy was our friend and neighbour. He really loved his family, and his holidays! I, Diane first met him both as a Governors at Boothville Middle School and he always had great thoughts and ideas to make things better for the pupils there. We got to know him as our neighbour then he and the lovely Sue joined us in our Rowan Ave wine circle

Sincere condolences to Sue and Family.
A brilliant funny friend who will be sadly missed! RIP Captain Andy! Such an inspiration for all that met him!

I worked with Andy at Barclaycard in the early 2000s – he was smart, funny, articulate, supportive, authentic, and a man of integrity – he was definitely a rare breed! I had the pleasure of working with him but also learning shed loads from him both professionally and personally.

Our relationship then moved from colleague to friend which I will be forever grateful for. There have been numerous dinner and events that we’ve been to at The Crofts’ including many Birthday (Sue’s)/Christmas parties, Burns Night Supper and Pizza parties in the garden with the infamous homemade Pizza oven! We’ve also enjoyed nights out in Northampton – including the Balti place along the Wellingborough Road, and seeing Gary Numan at The Roadmender.

We will dearly miss Andy, but am privileged to have had him in our lives and will treasure some very happy memories of him – he was The Best.

Knew Andy through Abington Ave URC. An absolutely genuine bloke, chilled, devoted to Sue & his family & faithful to our Lord.

I joined HB back at the start of 2015, and like any new job I was ‘all at sea’. Andy immediately proffered much needed and most welcome help and expert guidance. We used to meet up in Thomas More Square on Thursdays, grabbing a cuppa and an armchair then going through the project events of the week. Sometimes we would combine our catch-ups with a trip to ‘Mama Thai’s’ – a favorite lunch-spot of Andy’s. I always really looked forward to those lunches as I knew Andy would be on-form, radiating warmth, positivity, humor and great conversation. We would talk about anything and everything, and Andy was always insightful and lively, but mostly just such good company to be with! I dearly miss those times with Andy, but am glad to have some very happy memories of him at his wonderful best.

Andy? What can I say? First and foremost he was a great friend to me. Always supportive, advice and there when needed. Very funny and we had some great laughs & chats down the years over curry or beer down the ‘Wellie Road or in London. He will be sorely missed. Nick

I can see from these moving tributes that Andy was very special and was loved and appreciated by many people. I only met him in person a couple of times at Handelsbanken and although we have Barclays in common, I never knew him there. Upon joining SHB – as it was, I immediately realised the huge impact he had made in being instrumental in the launch of our IF offering. I met him in London at a supplier conference. He was great company – a rare package of fun, presence, professionalism, with great drive and determination to succeed. He will be missed greatly. Sincere condolences and prayers for Andy, his family and friends.

I was very fortunate to be part of the team on Andy’s first project at Handelsbanken. It was a complicated implementation involving a third party supplied product running on multiple overseas servers and fully integrated with the UK core banking application. Andy took all of this in his stride and steered the project through to a very successful conclusion, on budget and on time. As a colleague remembered yesterday; most things we did involved the words “check that with Andy C first!!” I’m sure that my colleagues would all agree it was one of the best product implementations the UK bank has had. Management were so impressed with Andy they kept him on and he went on to implement several more key projects with the infrastructure and software development teams. He was always good fun to work with and I’m sure he will be sorely missed. My condolences to you all.

I knew Andy from our time at Barclaycard in the early 2000’s and our paths frequently intersected in the technology and operations change space. Andy was a smart, articulate highly informed professional. He always brought a strong perspective to the table, most often from the front-line colleagues point of view but also backed with a solid understanding of the underlying processes and what worked or did not work. He always gave 100% and always brought his authentic self into any meeting. He was selfless and genuine to the core and I admired him greatly for this. I have nothing but good memories of Andy and am sad that he is no longer with us. My condolences go out to all his family and friends, Andy’s passing is a great loss but we can all draw strength from the example he set in the way he led his life, and the straightforward unconditional way he helped those around him.

So sad to hear this news, my thoughts are with his family. It’s several years since I worked with Andy in Santander, but I was always impressed by his positivity, his no-nonsense approach and his immense energy. My overriding memory however is being amazed that he – as a 40-something guy – took his whole family including the kids to Glastonbury regularly – big respect!!

So sad to hear this news, my thoughts are with his family. It’s several years since I worked with Andy in Santander, but I was always impressed by his positivity, his no-nonsense approach and his immense energy. My overriding memory however is being amazed that he – as a 40-something guy – took his whole family including the kids to Glastonbury regularly – big respect!!

Andy was my first Manager at Santander (Abbey National) when I relocated from Sydney to the Uk. He was very kind to me and took me under his wing. He was one of the brightest people I have ever worked with.

I also have fond memories of watching the Northampton Saints play with the Project Team one Friday evening.

Please accept my heartfelt condolences.

Very happy memories of skiing holidays with Andy, Sue, and our assorted teenage children. Andy stopped us in our tracks with his outrageous comments . Will raise a glass of red for you Andy.

I had the privilege of knowing and working with Andy at Handelsbanken London. Me (IT PMO) based in Stockholm, Sweden supported all UK IT projects from a distance except for the last 3 years when I was based in London, leaving 30/6 2021, now retired. It feels like yesterday when I last met Andy ❤️
Andy was impressive as a PM and as a person, such a warm and kind person, I cannot believe he is gone. He could juggle many things at the same time but always with a smile and with a big heart. He helped many colleagues to navigate the organisation and the profession. I am so sad to hear that he has left us, condolences to the family ❤️😢, may he rest in peace. /Peter

I remember his: ‘keep on buggering on’ approach; holding a Blackberry centimetres from his face coz he didn’t have the right glasses; managing a significant project from the side of a pool when that unpronounceable Icelandic volcano stranded the family in Portugal for weeks; being economical with the actualité in a Go/No Go meeting because he trusted the project team to deliver, and being proved right; properly mental ideas about giving legislative power to pre-teens; having clarity on what was important and what was not, and what was the difference; being friendly and approachable, like a good, honest wine.

I am so sorry to hear of Andy’s passing – definitely one of life’s good guys and that shone through at work.

I first met Andy in the early 90’s at Westwood Park – we worked in different parts of the business but there was always a smile and a friendly hello which goes a long way when you’re a rather green graduate and don’t know a soul. We then worked together a few years later in Business Banking where I learnt so much from him – always generous with his time and thinking, always helping you develop and learn, always doing the best for the business and always friendly and approachable. Our paths crossed again at Aldermore – a very different environment but still the same Andy.

There are some people who you meet in life, however fleetingly, who leave a positive touch and that really was Andy. My son is just entering the world of work and I do hope he comes across someone like Andy.

I was sorry to read that Andy has passed away. Andy represented the HR function on one of my business transformation projects with Barclaycard in 2005/6. He was part of a multi-disciplinary team working across the business. Andy was committed to doing his best with his HR role and he engaged with various internal business managers. I wish all of Andy’s family and friends well and in particular the next generation including Anton, Alfie, Stanley and Minnie, and Andy’s grandchildren Chiara and Luca. Warm regards, travel well and with wisdom. Ian Hunt (Melbourne, AU)

Back in the 1990’s Sue &Andy used to arrange a group holiday after Christmas and into the New year, great memories of Whitby & Derby as well as many nights dancing to the Bush Pigs

Although we have lived in the Avenue for nearly 20 years we didn’t meet Andy and Sue until we joined the Wine Circle about 6 years ago. Andy’s welcoming and generous personality ensured that we felt at home straight away.and within a short period of time we’re proud to call Andy and Sue close friends .
His sharp wit and wicked sense of humour always made him a delight to be with . We will miss him very much.

I didn’t know Andy that well but we also had several good friends in common and the consensus was he was one of a rare breed, a genuinely good guy and pleasure to have known. Very saddened to hear he has been taken too young and best wishes to his family.

I fondly remember our time together in 7 Royal Anglian; witty, laid back, great company, down-to-earth, quirky and quite simply a thoroughly good bloke!

I worked with Andy on a couple of projects here at Handelsbanken and have to say he was so full of energy. He was such a nice, calm person but could hold his own ground if needed!

Andy was great to work with, very knowledgeable and always had a solution to any problems. I remember him saying Happy Days and smiling at the end of a meeting.

He will be sorely missed.

I have a lot to thank Andy for, both on a professional and personal level.
In early 1985 I transferred into the Advertising Department at Barclaycard. I vaguely knew Andy from our earlier days at Nene college and already understood him to be very intelligent, but I never appreciated the hugely kind and selfless person that he was. He supported me throughout my induction into the world of credit card advertising. We became good friends and in mid 1986 when I hit a hurdle in my personal life, I became a lodger in his home in Symington Street.
About a year later when Andy had moved across the office, he helped my now wife, Jane settle into Direct Marketing. Jane also remembers Andy as being extremely generous with his time and knowledge.
In the late 1980s after Andy had moved to Personal Sector Marketing in Coventry, he suggested I apply for a role working alongside him in the Connect Card Team. I am sure he put in a good word with the Marketing Director.
Andy helped me establish my career in Barclaycard Advertising and then again helped me progress within Barclays Marketing. What’s more he supported me personally when I needed it most.
A true gentleman. I am sure he will be sadly missed by everyone that had the pleasure to know him.

I vaguely knew Andy from working at Barclaycard and was with Sue one Friday night many years ago, drinking in the Wig and Pen when they were introduced to each other by another friend, Lisa. Love was soon in the air for Sue and Andy and became true sole mates. They always looked so happy together.
My last memory of Andy was sitting in their garden last year, wine flowing and Andy proudly cooking us numerous pizzas in his impressive pizza oven. It was a lovely evening. Andy will be sadly missed by all who knew him x

Andy was my youngest brother and I was very proud of him. One of his main strengths was a dogged determination, as shown when we saw him in Portugal last November. After an evening meal at home, he wanted an ice cream from the sea front, even though it was late, probably closed and he himself was not on top form. Despite attempts to put him off, he prevailed and we walked with him, slowly, down to the sea front… And the ice cream kiosk was closed. On the way home we found an ice lolly in a manky back street cafe. He was sort of happy with that, and even though unwell, his unputdownable spirit shone through. RIP Andy, you will be sadly missed by all the family. X

I am so sorry to hear of your loss and send my deepest condolences. Andy worked with me as project manager on several key projects at Handelsbanken and was instrumental to their success. I greatly enjoyed working with him; his gentle humour and calmness kept us all together as a team. We had a fun trip to Sweden on one project, staying in the old town. He spoke often of his children and I am very sorry he has left you so soon.

Andy was one of those people who walks into your life and makes a huge impact. Over the last twenty years he became both a professional and personal friend. Professionally we worked together as Head and Chair of Governors at Boothville Primary School. I believe that our skills and talents complemented each other and that’s what is needed at the top. Andy’s commitment, his financial expertise and ability to problem solve with a cool approach were such admirable qualities. The hours he gave to this voluntary role were regularly given before he started his day job. An absolute champion.
As a personal friend there was always a warm welcome, a glass of wine and excellent food. The convivial times we shared were made even better with the variety and depth of conversation and, of course, his sense of humour.Andy truly loved his family and his life.
So much to admire, so much to miss. So many memorable experiences given and so many received. Creative, colourful and with a brand all of his own. Andy never failed to surprise, inspire, influence and challenge with feet firmly planted on the ground. He most certainly left his mark. I am so grateful to have known Andy.

I feel like Andy always had a smile on his face and warmth in his heart. The children have fond memories of Andy from junior church and their trip to Abington park. He will be missed.

Whenever I met Andy he always made you feel welcome in his home .In march 2021 sue invited us girls round for a gathering in her garden the first time we could meet up outside during lockdown .The wine was flowing and Andy was looking after us all ,cooking his fabulous pizzas in his home made pizza oven .Thank you Andy for looking after us that night and thank you for loving my best friend and making her happy all these years, you will be greatly missed but you live on in your wonderful children and Grandchildren cheers Andy wherever you are 🍕🍕🍷🍷xx

Sue and I were great friends for a number of years before Andy arrived on the scene and I was naturally a bit wary when this new face appeared in our close knit group. I needn’t have worried. Andy fit in straight away and his quick wit and dry sense of humour made him popular with everyone. I particularly remember our New Year’s trips to various locations around the country with lots of walking, drinking, chatting and laughing! Andy was always great company whether discussing the political issues of the day or swapping silly jokes and although we saw him much less often in recent years he will be greatly missed x

I worked briefly with Andy at Barclaycard, but shared many interesting, engaging and challenging conversations with him. Gentle and kind, smart and funny , I actually tried meditating because of one conversation we had, and I’ve experienced some things in life that I would not have done were it not for that one brief chat we had on the second floor one afternoon, we’re it not for Andy. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends, I’m sending as much warmth and hope to you as I can muster. Farewell sir. Safe trip.

Andy very kindly took me in as a lodger following my traumatic house sale; his easy-going manner (which we will all remember) helped my ‘transition’, and we quickly settled into our own, highly agreeable version of ‘Rising Damp’ (me as either Alan or Philip – take your pick) Andy didn’t even flinch when my cats urinated on the straps on his TA kit…
I do, and shall – for as long as I am alive – remember Andy as a lovely, warm and friendly person, but most of all for his superb sense of humour. You were assured of a good time in his company. He was one of a kind, and will be sorely missed by us all.

Andy and I worked together at Handelsbanken. He was fantastic at his job – delivering complex projects that were beyond many of his peers. Unlike some exceptionally talented people, Andy never made others feel inferior and was great at bringing people with him. I was fortunate enough to enjoy the odd social with Andy too, and he was as friendly out of work as he was talented in it. A lovely chap, liked by all.

I remember with fondness the many wine circles where Andy shared his memories, life journeys and very loud shirts!! The wine circle had more than enough wine to sample and one of the long lasting memories for me is, come the end of the evening Andy may be found having a quick wine nap 😴 💤 during scoring RIP Andy x

I worked with Andy at Barclaycard and have fond memories of his wit and intelligence, my condolences from Sydney, Aus.

I first met Andy in the Territorial Army in 1990. He was a very friendly and calm leader. I worked in the Company Command Post with him and we had many jokes and laughs together. He will be sadly missed.

I had the privilege of working with Andy back in the 80’s in Barclaycard marketing. As a very green teenager I was super impressed with Andy – good looking, intelligent, classy car – all the things I aspired to! Always a gent, so sad to here this news, he will be greatly missed by all that knew him for sure.

I first met Andy when I took on a project at Barclaycard in Northampton. He was in the “business” I was the project leader and this project was broken thus my arrival. Andy wasn’t happy with my arrival and challenged me at every step and every question. I won’t go into detail but around three months later he came up to me and asked for a coffee – stated that he respected me and that I’d done a good job and could I give him some advice. And that was that – we became friends / had far too much beer and wine together and even dragged Sue in. Andy invited me into him home we spent many evening trying a good “red”. We always spoke after we went our separate ways. He was what I would call a good man, an honest man, a man of integrity someone I want to be associated with. He understood real banking, honest banking and real relationships. Gonna miss our gossips and political debates. Good luck fella

I first met Andy when he was chair of Governors at the school where my husband was headteacher. I grew to know him best of all as the host of parties and wineclub events. He was a charming host. I loved the fact that we had similar political views and I always enjoyed reading his posts on social media. I’ll try to carry on the good work Andy. RIP ..you will be very much missed!

Lorem Ipsum