Obituary of Andy Veenstra

Andy had a strong will to live and an unwavering faith in God. With the love, support and prayers of family, friends and community, Andy was able to meet his Lord and Savior peacefully at his home, on Monday December 28, 2015, with his family by his side, at the age of 83. Cherished husband of Ada (nee Vos) for 60 years. Dedicated father to Marg and Pete VanderSpruit, Ed and Cindy Veenstra, Sharon and Rick Lammers, David and Carol Veenstra & Pam and Rob Snoek. Loving and playful grandpa to 15 grandchildren and “gg pa” to 19 great grandchildren. Dear brother of Gail, Harm, Betty, Walter, Harry, Bert and predeceased by his brother Arnold. Faithful friend to many. Andy devoted tireless energy and service to his family, church, community and anyone who crossed his path. Andy will be remembered and missed by many. Our sincere thanks to Dr. Hoy, Dr. Irish, Dr. Bharucha, Nurse Barb and the palliative care team. Andrew (Andy) Veenstra August 20, 1932- Dec 28, 2015 Andrew (Andy) Veenstra was born on August 20, 1932 in the small town of Buitenpost in the northern provinces of the Netherlands. He was the 6th child of eight children born to Johannes and Geertje Veenstra (nee: Dykstra). His father kept horses for hauling. His mother made a good home and raised their children. All were kept well and Andy grew up a healthy and happy child enjoying soccer and jumping dykes with his siblings and friends. Andy showed an affinity for working with his hands and at the tender age of 12, having finished his grade school requirements, was enrolled in a trade-school where he received a formal education in wood working and construction. Andy was not to finish his education in the Netherlands but was, in 1947, whisked away across the sea with his family to start a new life in Canada. He was thrilled to come to Canada and quickly grew to love his new home. He never looked back. He was extremely proud to be a Canadian citizen and completely identified himself as such. Andy spent some time on the newly acquired family farm in Prince Edward County building and rebuilding as needed but was soon out plying his craft as a Carpenter in the community at large. He would follow the work from town to town leading him as far west as Oshawa and into Toronto. In the 1950’s he would sometimes spend the colder months working in factories like General Motors and Swift Foods. He met the love of his life in 1953. After a three year courtship, Ada Vos agreed to his proposal and they were married in Feb 1956. They settled in the Oshawa area and together they were blessed with 5 children: Marg, Ed, Sharon, Dave and Pam. These five children blessed them with 15 grandchildren: Melissa, Brian, David, Paul, Kelly, John, Heather, Julie, Rachel, Alivia, Victoria, Cameron, Nathan, Abbey, and Wesley. These 15 grandchildren have, in turn blessed them with 18 Great grandchildren (and counting)! Andy and Ada spent 60 blessed years together. They lived in Oshawa, Whitby, Bowmanville and finally Hampton. In 1964 after many years of service to local building firms as a carpenter and construction manager, building schools and churches and houses too numerous to count, Andy and Ada ventured out on their own under the auspices of A. Veenstra Construction. Their business grew into a successful and highly respected company under their management and by way of his skill. In 1974 Andy began developing the second love of his life: His cottage on Lake Salerno. He worked doggedly on his cottage and he and Ada loved it there. It became a unique expression of his abilities as a builder and craftsman. For his family it developed into a shared goal and a shared destination, becoming a tremendous blessing. It galvanized them into the functional family unit that they are today. Andy retired in 1996 at the age of 64 but he continued to contribute his many skills and talents to his community right up to the time of his recent illness. His list of volunteering efforts prior to and after his retirement include: Construction management projects, Third world reconstruction efforts, Driver for Canadian Cancer Society, School Board member and Chairman, Church Deacon, Church Elder, numerous building committees and Building and Ground committees, and Bibles For Missions refurbisher. Andy died in his home after a brief but trying struggle with lung cancer. He was surrounded by his family in his last weeks, days and hours. Andy was a man with a deep faith in Jesus and he died in the peace and comfort of his Saviour’s promises. Andy loved his wife. He loved children, especially his own. He loved life. Andy loved to work. He loved winter, especially the cold ones. He loved his God. Andy loved well and was well loved. He loved a lot of people with his kindness and generosity. He will be missed.