BJORKDALE — The new CEO of the Saskatchewan Health Authority has some local small town connections.
On Oct. 21, the Saskatchewan Health Authority Board of Directors approved the appointment of Andrew Will as Chief Executive Officer of the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
Andrew is the son of local Crooked River area residents Ken and Maxime Will. Growing up, Andrew went to school in Crooked River until Grade 9 and finished his Grade 10 -12 years in Tisdale. Andrew spoke very highly of his upbringing and living in the small Village of Crooked River, population 49 currently.
“There were eight people in my class, four girls and four boys. Every year we had combined grades,” he mentioned.
His father, Ken farms and was an orderly in his earlier years and his mom, Maxime, was a nurses aide at Newmarket in Tisdale. Andrew remembers his dad encouraging him to attend University, as the oldest son, he wanted to farm and felt that is where he should be. It was years later, Andrew recognized his calling and truly has grown into loving the healthcare field. He now enjoys coming home and helping his dad and two brothers Chad and Reagan farm on occasion.
Speaking to him about his younger years, Andrew spoke on how nervous he was heading into Grade 1 after kindergarten but that soon vanished when you realize how close all the school kids become in a smaller town. He particularly enjoyed the raised sandbox they had in his Grade 1 classroom. As a kid, Andrew remembers fondly the days where there were school track days and communities like Bjorkdale and Sylvania would come for the annual track and field days. Andrew also played hockey and played in Bjorkdale in his early hockey career days as a Bjorkdale Bruin as a defenseman. Growing up, they lived about two miles from Crooked River and would bike into school. He also went on to talk very highly of his parents and how they both instilled in him, that hard work and effort can take you to greater things in life.
Andrew is married to his wife Karen, who teaches at a special needs school in Saskatoon. They have two children, Tyler and Amanda, both whom followed in their father’s footsteps and have completed or completing their degrees in commerce. Andrew and his family still enjoy coming home and have a permanent RV spot at Greenwater Provincial Park.
Congratulations Andrew on your newest appointment and your commitment to the people of Saskatchewan. You make all small town Saskatchewan proud.
