Dr. Andrew “Andy” William Ghillyer, loving husband, father, brother, uncle, friend and author passed away unexpectedly April 19, 2020 at the age of 57. He taught his family to love Dr. Who, Monty Python, James Bond and Star Trek. His lessons in the importance of “please” and “thank you” continue to ring true. He appreciated good wine, good food, raising a pint with friends and perfecting the martini!
Andrew is survived by his spouse Sherry. His children Megan Ghillyer, Matthew Byram and Katherine Byram. Preceded in death by his beloved father Norman. He will be sadly missed by his mother, Joan Ghillyer, sister and brother-in-law Beverley & Ian Bell, Nephew’s Andrew and Niall and by Niece, Cassie. Also by his brother Paul and his extended UK family. Equally important his love, adoration, and attention will be missed by his golden retrievers Bodhi and Ellie and by the cats, of which, he begrudgingly became a fan.
Born in Plymouth England in October 1962, Andy was often the smartest person in the room. An avid reader, his book collection continuing to grow throughout his life, his favorites ranging from business ethics to baking to an explanation on why the meaning of life is allegedly ‘42’. He graduated from the University of Surrey in 1985 not only with a degree in Hotel & Catering Management, but with dear friends Jon and Tricia and with a love of Guinness. His thirst for knowledge continued to grow and so did an entrepreneurial spirit that would drive him throughout his life.
Employed immediately after college with London Entertains, at 24 Andrew was given the opportunity to open and manage King Henry’s Feast, a popular medieval themed restaurant on International Drive in Orlando, FL. He quickly established himself as a dynamic leader with a passion for enhancing the customer’s experience. He also discovered his appreciation for the American lifestyle. He was fascinated by how much could be accomplished from the comfort of your car… drive thru banking, fast food and even laundry drop off.
Never far from academia, Andrew returned to the UK to complete his Masters Degree in International Hotel Management, which led to the completion of his PhD. in Management Studies in 1999. His research on empowerment and service quality resulted in the publishing of his first book Quality Management and Hospitality in collaboration with his academic advisors. His love of writing would continue. He authored 2 more textbooks: ‘Business Ethics Now’, McGraw-HIll, January 2006 (6th Edition, October 2020) and ‘Management: A Real Approach’, McGraw-Hill, January 2008 (2nd Edition January 2010)
Andrew returned to the US and found an opportunity to combine his passion for service quality with his love of international business. As the Director International Business Development for AchieveGlobal he partnered with global affiliates, traveling regularly to the UK, France and South Africa. His love of South Africa and his palate from good wine was fully realized on a trip to the Franschhoek Wine Region.
Andy loved the opportunity to educate and share his wisdom. This led him to teach Masters and Doctoral Students for Southern New Hampshire University. “Dr. G” focused on providing his students meaningful feedback to encourage their academic successes. As the Director of Education & Training for NMEDA, National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association of Florida, Andrew took pride and pleasure in working to support member dealers in their work.
By far his favorite students were his three children. He loved to share the importance of good books, the importance of words and proper journalism. Piccard over Kirk, but Original Series over Next Generation, the greatness of Sean Connery as James Bond and that your Dad will always be there when you need him. Andy proudly became a US Citizen in 2007. The kids enjoyed helping Andy prepare for the citizenship exam on their rides to and from school.
