Vice-Admiral Andrew Laurence Collier: A Life of Service and Devotion
[caption id="attachment_35157" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Vam Collier[/caption] Sabina Kukurudziak, Communications Officer, NTG — June 3 marks what would have been the 100th birthday of Vice-Admiral (VAdm) Andrew Laurence Collier. Remembered as a leader, mentor, and devoted partner, VAdm Collier left a lasting mark on those who knew him. His unwavering commitment to the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and his passion for navigation continues to inspire generations of mariners.In recognition of his contributions, in December 1997 the RCN named a new facility housing the Navigation and Bridge Simulator as the Vice-Admiral A.L. Collier Building.“I was invited to give a speech at the grand opening,” recounted Ms. Betty Murphy, VAdm Collier’s widow. “I was so nervous, but I wanted to do it for Andy.”Murphy gave the inaugural speech and broke a bottle of champagne against the side of the building, officially christening it in her late husband’s honour. The building, located in Esquimalt as a part of HMCS Venture – the RCNs Leadership Centre – is an enduring tribute to VAdm Collier’s dedication to educating and mentoring the next generation of naval officers.Thinking back on her husband’s approach to life, Murphy noted, “His prime goal was to always do a good job, no matter what it was he was doing”. This philosophy guided VAdm Collier throughout his distinguished career, earning him respect, admiration, and numerous accolades.From his early days as a Cadet in 1942 to his retirement in 1979, his journey was marked by excellence, bravery, and leadership, all of which are honoured to this day. [caption id="attachment_35160" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Adm Collier 1976[/caption] Andrew Collier was born in Kamloops in 1924, and joined the Royal Canadian Navy as a Cadet during the Second World War. He trained with the Royal Navy (RN) in the United Kingdom from 1942 to 1945, an experience that would fundamentally shape his future. Upon returning to Canada, he served in various ships, including HMCS Stadacona, HMCS Nootka, and HMCS Shearwater (the RCN air station near Dartmouth, N.S.). Specializing in navigation, he took the RN Navigation Qualifying Course at HMS Dryad,...