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ANDREW THOMAS ORMISTON (ANDY)
Born: Jan 24, 1955
Date of Passing: Jun 27, 2020
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
ANDREW THOMAS ORMISTON
January 24, 1955 - June 27, 2020
Andy was born in Abbotsford, West Sussex, England, the eldest of seven children and came by boat and train with his parents and siblings to Wakaw, Saskatchewan in 1959. Andy had a lifelong passion for gourmet cuisine and quality spirits. He started his culinary career slinging beer at the bar in Outlook and worked his way through table service, chef's training, and various commercial cooking assignments. Ultimately, Andy got an education degree at the University of Saskatchewan and worked with dedication and passion as a culinary arts instructor at both Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School in Brandon and Lord Selkirk Regional Comprehensive Secondary School in Selkirk. The accomplishments of his students were his great pride. As an enthusiastic traveller, Andrew's youthful adventures in Europe provided endless anecdotes which he used to encourage his students to explore the world.
Andy kept in touch with friends, colleagues, and family even when distances were great. An avid sailor in his time off, he liked to spend time with his wife Debbie, on their boat in Northern Harbor on Lake of the Woods. Andy will be remembered for his ready sense of humour, his hearty laughter, and his generosity.
Predeceased by his parents, he is missed and survived by his wife Deborah Douglas; brothers, Peter (Pat Tymchatyn) and John; sisters, Elizabeth (Ian Rogers), Mary (Lorenzo Dupuis), Kathleen, and Alice; and nieces and nephews, Amelia and Caleb Rogers, Shadan Rahbari, Yannick and Charlotte Dupuis and Tasia Ormiston.
Funeral Mass will take place in Outlook, Saskatchewan on July 8, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life will be held in Winnipeg at a later date.
Donations in Andy's memory can be made to either CancerCare Manitoba Foundation or the Winnipeg Humane Society.
Family and friends may sign a
Book of Condolence online at
www.desjardinsfuneralchapel.ca.
Desjardins Funeral Home
204-233-4949

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 04, 2020
Condolences & Memories (14 entries)
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My dear Andrew. I was just going through the internet when I came across your obit on the Chefs Association site. I am so sorry to hear your passing, but I know God has a special place for you in heaven. You were a great Che and Colleague and I will miss you. Of there is a kitchen in heaven I would be at your side helping you. I know for many of us Chefs, the art of cooking is in our hearts. Sleep well my friend. I hope to see you one day. Robert Duehmig - Posted by: Robert Duehmig (Friend and Colleague ) on: Nov 15, 2020
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I had the privilege of being taught various Culinary Arts courses by Mr. O. during high school (Selkirk, Class of 2013). Mr. O. was one of the most memorable teachers I have ever had, and he taught me so many valuable cooking and baking skills that I use every day. I often think of him when cooking/baking and his useful tips and hilarious anecdotes. He was a caring, talented, and thoughtful teacher who had the gift of captivating/engaging the class. I was so shocked and saddened to hear of his passing and I send my condolences and prayers to his family during this time. - Posted by: Amy Cherpako (Former Student at Lord Selkirk Regional Comprehensive Secondary School, Class of 2013) on: Aug 10, 2020
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I really got to know Andy when he started teaching at the Comp in Selkirk. He was a great supporter of the Canada Skills Program in Selkirk and Manitoba. A kind, fun-loving and generous man, who promoted excellence, confidence and respect in his students and coworkers. Condolences to the family. - Posted by: Gary (coworker) on: Jul 10, 2020
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Andy will be missed greatly at Northern Harbour. He was a great customer and wonderful member of the Northern Harbour family. - Posted by: Gary and Northern Harbour (Friend) on: Jul 09, 2020
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Goodbye my friend. You were always noticed in a room, both for your joyful presence and colorful chef's outfits. - Posted by: Mike Publicover (Collegue) on: Jul 06, 2020
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I had the privilege of working with Mr. O over the past 10 yrs. He was loved by his students and co-workers alike. He went out of his way to make all of his students feel welcome in his kitchen and classroom. I will miss him greatly. God bless and keep you Andy. - Posted by: Jacquie L (Co worker ) on: Jul 05, 2020
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Sorry to hear of Mr. O passing..I remember him as a fun loving teacher..he made me feel very comfortable in his cooking class...R.I.P. - Posted by: Darnell Tssessaze (former student) on: Jul 04, 2020
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Mr. O was a great teacher to many of us at the Crocus Plains Culinary Arts program. His humour, stories and ability to connect and make the kitchen not only a learning space but a space many of us went to for a feeling of belonging and purpose amongst the hubbub of highschool life. His leadership and relaxed style continues to inspire my work with youth. Many condolences to his family and loved ones who must be feeling the huge loss his passi g has left. Sail on Mr. O - Posted by: Amber McGrath (Student at Crocus Plains) on: Jul 04, 2020
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Andy and I started our sailing careers and friendship the same year in C&C24 sailboats. Being novices we shared some mistakes but learned quickly. Will miss this laughter, quick wit and his moustache. Our thoughts go out to Deb. John and Cheryl Healey - Posted by: John Healey (Sailor) on: Jul 04, 2020
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I knew him as Mr O, he was unquestionably my favorite teacher and taught me everything I know about cooking. The jokes we had like him asking us to learn the lakes and rivers of Bolivia I will always remember. I will forever miss that extraordinary man. - Posted by: Dustin (Student) on: Jul 04, 2020
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Debbie - I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Andy. Know that you are in my heart and thinking of you during this difficult time. Condolences to you and Andy's family. - Posted by: Sherri Wollenberg (Friend) on: Jul 04, 2020
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Mr. Andy was such a caring, giving, generous man. Every year at Christmas break or the end of the school year he would donate all the food they had from the school kitchen to Nova House. There would be instructions on how to cook or reheat some of the food just in case we didn't know what to do with it. He had such a zest and excitement about him. This is a great loss to the Selkirk community. Sending prayers to his family during this very difficult time. - Posted by: Michelle (Community Member) on: Jul 04, 2020
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He was a sincere, good hearted man who made my special needs son feel welcomed in his kitchen. During the school shut down, he made many efforts to call us and check in despite struggling with his own challenges and worries. Very sad news - Posted by: Karen (Parent ) on: Jul 04, 2020
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I had the great pleasure of being an EA in Mr. O’s culinary arts class. He was a dedicated and hard working teacher. He kept the class interested with his stories of his travels and previous cooking experiences. And how he kept the curl in his moustache was always a topic of discussion for many students. The culinary arts program will not be the same without him! Bless you Mr. O for the positive difference you made in the lives of so many students. - Posted by: Elaine Angus (Co worker) on: Jul 04, 2020
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