Andrew ANDERSON

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ANDERSON: Andrew James (A. J.) Anderson. November 6th, 1914 - February 15th, 2009. Peacefully on February 15th, 2009, our beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Jim passed away at Birch Lodge in Hamiota, Manitoba, in his 95th year. He was predeceased by his loving wife Mabel of 57 years, his parents, one brother and three sisters. He will be sadly missed by his daughter Lorraine (Chuck) Fidler and son Doug (Lynn) both of Winnipeg; five grandchildren Susan (Doug), Brian (Debi), Dawn, Darren (Tanis), Jolene (Ryan): two great grandchildren Alan and Ceara. He also leaves to cherish his memory, many nieces and nephews. Dad was born in the District of Oakburn and his family moved to Shoal Lake when he was very young. While growing up Dad worked for many area farmers, and hunted and fished the Shoal Lake area. In 1940 Dad married Mabel Pedlow and so began 57 years of enjoying family, bingo, fishing, gardening, and travel. Also in 1940, Dad joined The Queens Own Cameron Highlanders in Winnipeg and in 1941 went overseas to serve in Britain and Northwest Europe. While in Britain Dad transferred to the South Alberta Regiment where he trained as a tank mechanic, before going over to continental Europe where he made his way through France, Holland and eventually Germany. Dad returned to Canada with the rank of Staff Sergeant and became a lifetime member of the Hamiota Legion during which time he served in all the executive positions. Upon returning home, Dad trained at the Manitoba Technical Institute where he earned his automotive mechanics license and then began 35 years of service at Caldwell Motors working as a General Motors mechanic. In 1968, Dad took the first Drivers Education Program which trained Instructors, and for the next 21 years taught many of the local and district youth to drive. When he retired he had one of the longest histories of commendable instruction in the Province. Dad also volunteered for the Hamiota District Ambulance Service for 15 years and was awarded by the Manitoba Heart & Stroke Foundation for once saving a life while on the curling ice. Although very busy with work, Dad took time to enjoy many social activities. He was a Cub and Scout Leader, and loved fishing and ice fishing with his family and friends. He also enjoyed curling and playing crib, which he taught his kids and grand kids. Upon retirement Dad took up the game of golf which he managed to keep up with well into his eighties. It was quite often that he could be found at the golf course enjoying a round with his friends or his family. A Celebration of Jim’s (A.J.’s) life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday April 25th, 2009, at the Hamiota United Church. A reception will follow in the Chumah Hall. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to a charity of your choice.

As published in Brandon Sun on Apr 18, 2009