Andy Whittington was a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine who moved to Florida from Maryland in 1999 with his wife, Ginnie, his son, Adam, and his daughter, Amy.  In Laurel Park, “Andy and Ginnie” are a celebrated duo known for their beautiful family home, memorable get-togethers and enduring relationship.  They met in first grade and were married for 34 years.

The memorial celebration started at 10 a.m. and lasted for hours.  The numerous guests were spread throughout the Whittington’s jungle-like garden and spilled into all of the downstairs rooms of their house. 

Ginnie, Adam and Amy made a video biography about Andy that was shown repeatedly in their living room.   It provided a heartwarming account of Andy’s life with lots of pictures and testimonials.  In the guest house, a television played Andy’s audition tape for Survivor.  Andy was strongly considered as a contestant for both Survivor and Amazing Race television programs.  A musician also played steel drums in the garden.

Andy was beloved for his caring treatment of animals, but in the neighborhood, he was known mostly for three things: his garden, his fitness, and his parties.

Andy became the caretaker of the huge garden in the rear of his home, when he purchased the Dr. Walter C. Kennedy House.  It is a 1926 Mediterranean revival and is the only Laurel Park home listed on the National Historic Register.  Not only did Andy preserve the lush landscaping, he enhanced it.  And, he had the unfortunate burden of cleaning up after the huge and messy Banyan tree in the back yard.  It is hard to envision him without a leaf blower in his hand.. 

When he was not working on his yard, Andy was likely engaged in some kind of fitness activity, often with his daughter, Amy.  He had completed some of the world’s most famous marathons and challenging triathlons and just recently finished a triathlon in St. Petersburg. 

Andy was probably most well-known in Laurel Park, however, for his social organization skills.  He served on the LPNA Board from 2004 to 2006 and was Social Chairman.  He and Ginnie organized many neighborhood events including the Holiday Tree-Trimming and the annual Night Blooming Cereus Chocolate Party.  The latter is a party to celebrate a plant that blooms once a year at night with large, eerie flowers redolent of chocolate.

On the Friday preceding the memorial celebration, the Whittington’s large Cereus plant produced its annual profusion of night-time blooms.  From now on, the chocolate-smelling flowers will be a poignant reminder the friend we have lost.

Chris Jaensch, Laurel Park News, August 2006