Obituary of Andrew Gordichuk

Andrew (Andy) Gordichuk 1924 – 2010 Andy passed away in the Dawson Creek Hospital on September 11, 2010. He was born on September 29, 1924. A funeral service was held on September 14, 2010 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek, British Columbia. A graveside service was held on September 16, 2010 at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Edmonton, Alberta. Father Benny Ambrosie officiated. Dinner followedat the Norwood Legion, Edmonton, Alberta. Andrew Gordichuk, Dad was born and raised in Two Hills, Alberta to John and Annie Gordichuk. He was the second oldest of eight. They lived on a farm in a small mud and straw house. He went to school until the age of 15 and at age 16 he went to work in Ontario with his father and cousin George. At age 17, they moved back home to tend to Dad’s mother who was ill with Rheumatic Fever. Dad joined the Army in 1943 at the age of 19. He was a Private in the infantry until he was discharged in 1946, at the end of the war. Dad met Debbie’s mom Nadine at a dance in 1950. They were married in Yellowknife, NWT. While there he worked in the mines. In 1953 while living in Edmonton, he borrowed an extravagant amount of $1000.00 to purchase his first semi truck and trailer and was subcontracted to Trimac. In 1965 Dad moved to Medicine Hat as a single father raising his daughter Debbie. There he met Judy on a blind date. Eight months later in 1966, Dad and mom packed up the families and moved to Dawson Creek, BC. He was asked to stay for one year and can you believe that was 44 years ago... He left Trimac for a period of six years, during which time he hauled mail to Prince George for five years and Dairy products to Ft. Nelson for R. Dufour for one year. Dad returned to work at Trimac until he sold his truck and planned to retire in 1994. Dad walked into Ken Anderson’s office (the Trimac Manager) and was told that he was now a company driver, which meant he was an employee instead of a contract operator. In 1996, Dad was told that at 72 years of age he would no longer be allowed to drive for Trimac. Because of the new retirement policy he was forced into retirement. These are some of the things Dad liked to do: washing and cleaning his truck, shovelling and sweeping his sidewalks, mowing and whipper snipping his lawn to perfection, playing crib, poker, fishing, camping, & bowling. Dad loved and owned classic automobiles, that included a 1976 Chevy Impala convertible and his favourite a 1980 Oldsmobile. Dad and Mom spent 11 years travelling to Yuma, Arizona where they met a lot of new friends. He also participated in senior Olympics, receiving many medals, and holey board tournaments; where he was usually champion and everyone knew it. In 2005 Dad’s health started to deteriorate, unfortunately their trips to Yuma ceased. They still enjoyed trips to the farm, and visiting with friends over coffee at McDonalds. Dad also enjoyed the visits from his family and grandchildren. One of Dad’s greatest joys was moving to Chapel Hill Estates where he had a new found independence, riding his scooter everywhere. Our mother took exceptional care of our father and we are truly grateful to her for that. On September 11th our dear dad passed away peacefully. May his memories be eternal. Eulogy written by Cliff Hindmarch. Andy is predeceased by his father John, mother Annie, brother Adam, son Shayne Andrew, and stepson Corey Hindmarch. He is survived by his loving wife Judy; daughters Debbie (Eldon) Lochhead, Shaunesy (Darin Pegg), Patti (Cliff) Hindmarch; grandchildren Aubree Pegg, Preslee Pegg, Kevin Hindmarch, Paul Hindmarch, Tami Hindmarch; stepgrandchildren Lindsey Falk and her children Brooklyn and Cayden, Kara Hindmarch and son Troy; brothers Sylvester (Jean Petruk), Raymond (Ethel); sisters Madeleine Shandruk, Marie (Paul) Whitmer, Sophie Petruk, Fiona (Jim) Swickis and many loving nieces and nephews. For friends so wishing, expressions of sympathy may be made to the "Dawson Creek & District Hospital Foundation”11100 – 13 Street, Dawson Creek. BC V1G 3W8. Arrangements entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd. Dawson Creek, British Columbia.