Andrew L. Walker

Andrew Laidlaw Bilsland Walker, 66, passed away at home in Shrewsbury on Monday, March 23, 2015, after a four year battle with cancer with his partner/husband, Peter Bruguiere, at his side. Andrew was born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland on April 18, 1948, the oldest son of Thomas and Janet Bilsland Walker, now deceased. Andrew graduated from Langside College with an A.A. degree and came to the U.S.A. in 1965 when he was 17. Andrew lived in Highlands, Sea Bright, and Red Bank before moving to Long Branch. He started working in 1965 in the men's clothing business as a salesman and in management positions at J. Kridel (later the name changed to Natelsons) in Red Bank. In the Daily Register in 1971, in Natelsons ads titled "What's new Andrew?", along with his photo, Andrew told what was new and exciting in the store. He joined Roots in Red Bank in 1973 where he was in sales and management positions and later became store manager. He was a leader in the opening of all the other Roots stores in New Jersey and Boston and later became the manager of the Roots in the Short Hills Mall, retiring in 1993 when Hartmarx decided to close their retail division. During his years with Roots, he received the Chairman's Award from the Hartmarx Corp. in Chicago when Hartmarx owned 440 stores nationwide. After retiring, he continued enjoying his hobby of searching for and buying and collecting antiques, decorating, and entertaining with a flair. Andrew divided his time between their homes in Long Branch and Shrewsbury and Vero Beach, FL. Besides Peter, his partner of nearly 40 years, Andrew is survived by his brother Thomas Walker and wife Jean, his sister, Isobel Simpson and husband Dick, his niece, Amanda Walker, his nephew, Kenneth Simpson and wife Jacqui, and grandniece, Samantha Simpson, and several cousins, all of Glasgow, Scotland, and friends here. Services were private. Donations in Andrew's memory may be made to the ARC of Monmouth, 1158 Wayside Rd., Tinton Falls, NJ 07712 or the Salvation Army, 605 Asbury Ave., Asbury Park, NJ 07712. You are invited to send your condolences to the family or share your memories by visiting www.jerseyshorecremation.com