He survived an overturned earthmoving scraper, had a machine gun pointed at his head as a mistaken mercenary, rode the worst roads in the world through no man’s land, witnessed the execution of 15 people on a Nigerian beach, and escaped from a police compound in Sudan.
Mr Lavis was living, working and playing in the most dangerous places on earth.
But it was a humble potato that almost killed him.
Mr Lavis has recently released his debut book — a memoir titled Almost Killed by a Potato.
The book is described as inspiring and unforgettable, a fast-paced memoir of an Aussie larrikin, racing from sidesplitting yarns to iconic events and places familiar to the average Australian.
The story opens with Andrew’s childhood, growing up in the Melbourne suburb of Heathmont in the 1950s and his early brushes with legendary sportsmen footballer Ron Barassi and cricketer Frank ‘Typhoon’ Tyson.
The biography was co-written by award-winning Riverina journalist Kim Woods and printed regionally by Minuteman Press in Shepparton.
Almost Killed by a Potato was officially launched at the Good Old Days Festival at Barellan, NSW, on Friday, October 2.
Andrew’s love for the gentle Clydesdale horse spans over 40 years and culminated with him commentating the Australian record team of 62 heavy horses hauling an Australian-built laden wool wagon at the 2025 Good Old Days Festival.
Andrew and his wife, Anthea, live on a small farm at Moorngag with their menagerie of dogs, chooks, horses and cattle.
Almost Killed by a Potato was reviewed by Olympic gold medallist Shane Gould.
“Andrew Lavis’ story is about how he ‘engineered’ a life full of adventure, business and community service. Yet, his father wanted him to be an engineer in a very different sense,” Dr Gould said.
“At his heart, this gripping story is also about a son’s longing for his father’s love and approval.
“Andrew is a masterful horseman with deep practical and historical knowledge of pioneer farming, which he generously shares at events such as the Barellan Good Old Days Festival.
“Like a skilled engineer, he brings together the many moving parts of these events to educate, entertain and engage visitors.
“That same practical ingenuity shines through in his life.
“Andrew has a ‘just get on with it’ attitude and a warm, personable nature, meeting challenges with resourcefulness and determination.
“Yet beneath this capable exterior lies a son’s enduring wish for his father’s approval.”
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