Obituary of Laurence "Bud" Mitchell Andrews

ANDREWS: The death of Laurence Mitchell Andrews, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, occurred on Sunday, October 3, 2010 at Hillcrest Place. Laurence was one of twins born to his parents Albert and Abbie Andrews of Douglas, Manitoba, on June 8, 1921. His twin sister Lois couldn't say Laurence when she was little and she called him buddy, so the name "Bud" stuck. He had an older brother, Ernest, an older sister, Grace and a younger sister, Ruth. They lived on a farm. Bud attended Campbell School where he went to school early in winter to light the fire and sweep the floor. When he was ten, he sent a bill to the secretary-treasurer for 25 cents a morning from October 19 to December 22, 1931, the amount totaling $9.00. His teacher in 1932, Mary (Highfield) Collins, met Bud again a few years ago. She described him as a "gentle boy, so respectful and cooperative." The Andrews children loved to sing and Campbell School won the cup at the music festival under her leadership. Bud's Dad took him out of school after Grade Eight to help on the farm. He drove a team of four horses when he was nine. He was kicked in the face by a horse when he was very young. It was winter. His Dad hitched a team to a sleigh and drove to Brandon 15 miles. The doctor stitched his lip without any pain killer and he was loaded into the sleigh and drove home again. He carried a scar from then on. That didn't deter his love of horses. He had a lovely black horse named Jackson who he rode like the wind. Bud worked briefly for the CPR one winter at the Smelter in Trail, B.C., and then two seasons at his Aunt's cannery in West Summerland, B.C. Bud had a beautiful singing voice and he undoubtedly won the heart of Doreen Wolfe, daughter of Frank and Dora Wolfe, by crooning to her "You must have been a beautiful baby, cause Baby look at you now." They were married in the old Knox United Church September 29, 1947, six years to the day after his twin sister Lois had been married in the same church to Milton Jacks. They spent much of 1948 in West Summerland, B.C., where Bud worked in his Aunt's cannery and where also their first son, Neil Douglas, was born. In December, they moved back to Manitoba and took up farming with Bud's Dad and brother Ernest. Three more children were born to them, Darryl William in 1951, Laurie Albert in 1954, and Karyn Doreen in 1958. The children attended Douglas Elementary School and Elton Collegiate and Bud drove a school bus for many years. Bud and Doreen encouraged their kids to volunteer in community events and they had been active in many endeavors into their adult lives. Bud was an active member of the Douglas Church, Community Hall, Community Rink, Manitoba Pool Elevators and Heritage Co-op. He was also a member of the Douglas Curling Club. He golfed at Shilo and Glen Lea and spent many happy times with Len Wyton, Glen Kissock and his old buddy, Nick Shadlock, playing for quarters at Glen Lea. He enjoyed curling Masters on a five-man team with brother Ernest, Bob Flock, Hugh Sinclair and Ed Emond. Bud was predeceased by his beloved wife Doreen (November 2009), his parents, Doreen's parents, sister Ruth and husband Hilliard Watson, sister Lois and her first husband Milton Jacks, sister Grace and husband Lloyd Ackney, brother Ernest and sister-in-law Helen Caithness. In 2007, Bud and Doreen were devastated when their beloved son, Neil, died of a horrible disease which strikes one in a million persons and has no cure. Left to mourn and cherish his memory is his son Darryl (Barb) of Brandon, and grandson Ryan of Brandon. Son Laurie (Mary) of St. Albert, AB, and grandson Jeff of Burnaby, B.C. Daughter Karyn (Len) Kondro of St. Albert, AB, and grandsons Jay and Devin of St. Albert. Neil's wife, Heather of Brandon and grandson Nathan (Kristin) and great-grandchildren Parker and Taylor, all of Brandon. Granddaughter Tara of Calgary, AB. Brother-in-law Les Reid of Brandon and sister-in-law Alice Andrews of Brandon. Brother-in-law Mel (Kay) Wolfe of Brandon and brother-in-law Trev (Jackie) Caithness of Edmonton, AB. Also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. In July 2007, Bud broke his hip which led to three months in the hospital. He was home in September in time to celebrate their 60th Anniversary with Doreen. On December 28th, he was admitted to the hospital and on June 13th, was referred to Hillcrest Personal Care Home in Brandon where he spent the rest of his life confined to a wheelchair. He was well cared for, but always wished to go home. The staff at Hillcrest must be mentioned and be commended for their outstanding compassion and care during Bud's time there. Their concern and attention to Bud was appreciated beyond words, and the family was definitely assured that his best interests were at heart. They are a very special group of dedicated people and we were very fortunate to have them by his side. The interment will take place at the Madford Cemetery, North of Douglas, on Monday, October 18, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. and anyone who wishes to attend is welcome. Following the interment, a Celebration of Bud's Life will be held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8th Street in Brandon, at 2:30 p.m. with Rev. Barb Jardine officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bud may be made to the Westman Dreams for Kids Foundation, #2-37-11th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 4J2.