ANDY HALBESMA

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ANDY HALBESMA June 22, 1939 September 23, 2006 Suddenly on September 23, 2006, Andy Halbesma, loving husband of Linda, passed away at the Health Sciences Centre. Besides his wife, Andy is survived by his son Curtis; daughter Julia (John) van Leeuwen; and beloved grandchildren, Matthew and Michael van Leeuwen. He is also survived by his mother Patricia Halbesma; brothers, Harry (Shirley), Ron (Ann); sisters, Halley (John) Vannus, and Alice (Arie) Zevenbergen of Hepworth, ON and their families. Andy was born on June 22, 1939 in Bergum, Friesland. He immigrated to Canada with his family in 1953, living at first in Homewood, MB, then in Winnipeg. For most of his life, Andy was involved in the automotive trade, as an auto body technician, as a partner in Pembina Autobody, and also as an estimator for Manitoba Public Insurance. When Andy lost his eyesight in 1985, he decided he could do woodcrafts, which was something he absolutely loved to do. It would take him a whole day or even longer to make one item, but it didn't matter. He was able to do this until his first stroke in 1998. Andy did not have good health most of his life, suffering from the ravages of Type I Diabetes, but he knew how blessed he was. He received a transplanted kidney in 1987, which extended his life a good many years. He was able to witness the graduation of his son from Seminary, he walked his daughter down the aisle, and he also got to know and love his two grandchildren. Even as his health deteriorated, he regularly went to Bird's Hill Park Campground where he would enjoy the companionship of his faithful and loyal friends. Viewing will be held on Thursday, September 28, from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main Street. Interment will be on Friday, September 29, at 10:00 a.m. in Glen Eden Memorial Gardens, with memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Covenant Christian Reformed Church, 653 Knowles Ave., with Pastor Bill Tuininga officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Centre Church, 7 Ashley Cove, Winnipeg R2G 2Z3, or the Kidney Foundation of Canada (Manitoba Branch) 730 Taylor Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3M 2K8. FRIENDS FUNERAL SERVICE 2146 Main Street 339-5555

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 27, 2006