WILLIAM JOHN ANDREWS

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WILLIAM JOHN ANDREWS On Friday, March 28, 2003 at the Boundary Trails Hospital in Morden, MB, John Andrews, aged 86 years, beloved husband of Dorothy Andrews of Miami, MB. John was predeceased by his parents, Margaret Ellen Cruise and Harlen Andrews; and parents-in-law, Jeannie Murray and Harold Orchard; brother Earl; sister Marjorie Sprott; friend Harold Dodge; and brother and sisters-in-law. John is survived by Dorothy, his devoted and loving wife of 61 years; daughters, Jeannie (Lloyd) Baker, and their children Julie, Jennifer (Rob), Jocelyn, and Leslie (Leah) Doreen (Vince) Edwards, and their children Wendy (Rene), Jamie (Tammy), Daniel (Lori), and Stacey; Dianne (Brian) Sloane and their children Jason (Shawna), Jonathan and Gren; and son Glen (Leona) Andrews and their children Rhonda (Randy), Shawna (Troy), Heather (Luke) and Harlen. Great-grandchildren, Ashley, Austin, Cody, Colin, Derek, Jared, Jessica, Kaeden, Kira, Kyle, Morgan, and Natalie. Sisters, Muriel (Stew) Creighton, and Margaret (Stew) McKay; brothers, Lloyd (Dorothy), Arn (Ruth), Don (Noreen), and Lyle (Joyce). Sisters-in-law, Iona Billing and Edith Orchard. John was an active member of the community of Miami from the time he completed a Youth Training Course in 1938. Boys and Girls Club work lead to leadership of 4-H Beef and Seed Clubs. Keenly interested in education, he was a school trustee for 29 years with attention to special needs students. He served as a board member of Rock Lake United Church Camp for 11 years and later managed the camp. The Church and Johns involvement in it were highly significant - e.g. caretaking, work parties and committee work, in addition to serving as an elder for 40 years. He made dozens of pastoral care visits annually. John practiced good stewardship of the land long before environmental issues arose - e.g. Planting shelterbelts. He actively participated in the Agricultural Society for 60 years and received the Honorary Director Award of the Manitoba Association of Agricultural Societies. He enjoyed teaching new workers while at Aubins Nursery. His interest and skill in Horticulture came from his mentor, Harold Orchard. He took great pride in the appearance of their yard and neighbourhood - pruning trees, planting flowers and mowing lawns for others. He delighted in experimenting with new or unusual varieties of plants such as peanuts and kiwi. Johns passion for excellence has helped to maintain one of the most impressive Annual Horticultural Shows in the province. He and his family celebrated with pride when their farm received Centennial Farm designation in 1976. In the 1950s, John operated the snowplough for the Sharon district. During the 1960s, he ran the dragline for the R.M. of Thompson repairing and building bridges. After retirement from the farm in 1980, he worked as a crop insurance adjuster and also for the local lumberyard. John served on the Boards of the Collingwood for over 20 years, the Friendship Centre, The Senior Citizens Housing, Pembina Valley Seniors, Miami Arena, Pool Elevator and Miami Co-op. In his 25-year association with the Miami Museum, he served on governance, acted as tour guide, and gave countless demonstrations of prehistoric fossils and other artifacts to students in schools from Russell to Deloraine to Sperling and many points in between. He took great joy in reading thank-you letters from the children who learned much from his presentations. Johns volunteering was a labour of love whether doing physical labour at the church, canvassing for charities, helping as an amateur neighbourhood veterinarian, co-ordinating the annual variety show, or taking offices in the local square dance clubs and the Manitoba Square and Round Dance Association. John and Dorothy loved rhythm and old-time music. They danced from the time of house parties in the 30s to square dance jamborees in 2000. They were delighted as each of their daughters and sons-in-law got hooked on square dancing. Besides dancing, John enjoyed creating walking canes from tree branches and roots, most of which he gave to those who could use them. He and Dorothy travelled across Canada to visit family, to partake in MSOS games and square dance jamborees. In 1988, they toured farms and square danced in New Zealand and Australia. Two years later, they visited the British Isles and danced again. John left a lasting impression on those who had the privilege to know him. He will be missed more than words can say. Funeral service was held from the Miami Community Hall in Miami, on Thursday, April 3 at 2:00 p.m., with Allison Halstead and Julie Baker officiating. Interment will take place in the Miami Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 6 Donald St., Ste. 200, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6 or to the Arthritis Society, Ste. 105 - 386 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3R6. Doyles Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 05, 2003