It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Andrew Warren DeGroot. Andy passed away at home on October 12, 2012. He had just celebrated his 52nd birthday. Andy was born in Winnipeg, MB on October 12, 1960, the son of Norman and Edna DeGroot (nee Gunn). He is survived by his wife, Sandy and his children from a previous marriage, Cassandra, Chelsea, Alexis and Brandon as well as his step-children, Tausha (Allan), Nikkita and Chase. He was blessed with three grandchildren, Emmalee, Eli and Ender. He also leaves to mourn his passing, his brothers, Walter (Donna), James (Sherry), Douglas (Sheila) and one sister, Patricia (Gary) as well as brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews. Andy was predeceased by his parents, Norman and Edna as well as his brother, Russell. Andy drove truck at Potzus Construction and for many years he was owner/operator at Lipsett Cartage Ltd. Andy was a very compassionate man. He enjoyed life through his family and friends. Next to his family and friends, he loved fishing, hunting, camping, boating, reading sci-fi's and watching a good T.V. movie. These are words shared by his children: Dad was a great man, he had many wonderful qualities. Dad had a zest for life, along with his free spirit and humor. Dad loved the element of surprise, whenever he could surprise someone he would. My first tubing experience was with Dad out at the cabin. Dad would try to dump the riders off. "Watch this", Dad would say as he would do a sharp turn and lose one or more of the tubers. For those who chose not to ride or get wet, Dad had a back up plan. Pin it to shore then cut the engine just before, to have a quick stop and a wave of water splash those sitting at the back of the boat. Dad loved life and all that it offered. One time a Jehovah's Witness knocked on the door, Dad answered and was posed with a questions right away. A lady holding an article with a picturesque scene on it asked Dad, "Would you love to live in paradise, like this?". Most people would say, Yes, but not Dad. His reply was, "This is my paradise, right here, right now. Life is what you make of it". We should aspire to do as Dad did, make your paradise here on earth. A Memorial Service was held on Thursday, October 18, 2012 from the Chapel of Christie's Funeral Home in Yorkton, SK with Kathy Novak serving as the Funeral Celebrant. Andy's brother, Walter DeGroot shared words of tribute and eulogy on behalf of the family. Close family friend, Darcy Villeneuve, shared memories on behalf of all of his friends. A special taped music selection, "Long Black Train" sung by Josh Turner was played during a time for reflection on all that Andy meant in the lives of those gathered. The Honourary Pallbearers were Darcy Villeneuve, Jeff McLellan, Cal Hande, Duane Krall and Brent Walker and the urn bearer was Sandy DeGroot. A social was held at the Parkland Green House following the service, and family and friends enjoyed a bonfire later in the evening as a time for sharing memories and healing. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan. "Loved you yesterday . . . Love you still . . . Always have & Always will."
