Andrew Anthony Van Loon

He will be greatly missed by his three daughters and their families, Wendy Shaw, her husband Darcy and children Andy, Casey and Megan, Karen Van Loon, her husband Marcian and children Mikaela and Matthew, and Janet van den Brink, her husband Brian and children Vanessa, Brent and Owen. Andy was predeceased by his loving wife, Mary, a son, Wayne, in infancy, and several brothers and a sister. He was born in Hooge Zwaluwe, The Netherlands, and immigrated to Canada in 1947, with his parents and eight brothers and sisters. Andy was a hard worker, starting out life in Canada as a hired hand on a farm in eastern Ontario. In time, he moved to Chatham, Ontario, where the quiet Andy was introduced to a vivacious redhead named Mary, and they married in 1959. They worked on farms in the Chatham area, until they bought their own farm in Wardsville, Ontario in 1966. In 1978 the family moved “into town,” where Andy set up a workshop and took up the hobby of carving birds. These carvings will provide many family members and friends with memories of him for years to come. In 1999, he moved with Mary to Kitchener, to be closer to his daughters and their families. Andy enjoyed 10 years in Kitchener with Mary, and although her death left a large void, he adapted again to the single life, and enjoyed looking after his house, going for walks, and of course, carving birds. He was known in the neighbourhood for keeping an eye on things from his front porch, and he loved to be outside enjoying the fresh air. He also loved his grandchildren and visits from them were always a happy time. In May, Andy moved to the Village of Winston Park, and although he was only there for a short time, he lived those days to the fullest. He said that he couldn’t think of a better place to have as his last home. Unfortunately his health deteriorated and he was transferred to Innisfree House Hospice, where the staff took exemplary care of him, and his family as well. Andy’s family will share memories with relatives and friends at the Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre, 1001 Ottawa St. S., Kitchener, (519-743-8900) on Tuesday, August 6, 2019 from 7 - 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church, 305 Laurentian Drive, Kitchener, on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. Cremation and interment will follow at Williamsburg Cemetery, Kitchener, at a later date. After Mass family and friends are invited to gather at Kelsey’s, 1440 Ottawa St. S., Kitchener for some time to reminisce. As expressions of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, donations to Innisfree House, Kitchener, would be appreciated by the family and can be arranged by contacting the funeral home. Share your memories of Andy online at www.westmountfuneralchapel.com