This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
Andy was born January 28, 1934, in Rijssen, The Netherlands. He was the fourth of 8 children. He left the Netherlands for Canada in 1954, picking up work in the Toronto shipyards. After attending a Billy Graham crusade, Andy felt called to teach, and went to study at Calvin College, Grand Rapids. Andy spent most of his working career as a school teacher, first at Knox Christian School in Bowmanville, ON and then at Toronto District Christian High School in Woodbridge, ON. After teaching he created computer software for bookkeeping purposes while continuing his many roles in church councils, school boards and other volunteer positions.
While at Calvin, Andy met his first wife, Tannie. They married in June of 1960, and settled first in Newcastle, ON and then moved to Bowmanville, ON in a house he built himself. Together they had three children. Their daughter, Gaby, died in October of 1982. Andy and Tannie had 30 years together before she died in January of 1991. During the next three years, Andy fell in love again. He married Janny in September of 1994. Together they and Janny's two daughters made their home in Cobourg ON.
Blending the family was important to both Janny and Andy, so annual anniversary celebrations became the norm. Each year new family members joined these celebrations, and many were included into this growing family circle. Last year, Andy and Janny marked 25 years together with a big celebration. On Sunday, November 15, 2020, Andy passed away peacefully in his home with Janny holding his hand.
Andy loved the Lord and it showed. He created a strong legacy of family, filled with love and support for each other. He showed leadership, he mentored and encouraged, he demonstrated love in all he did. Andy will be terribly missed and fondly remembered. He was known to be a sense of calm in the midst of large and LOUD family get-togethers.
Andy is survived by his wife, Janny his children and their families Rene and Evelyn Batelaan; Erin & Adam (Aubrey, baby #2 Jan. 2021), Daniel & Julisa (baby#1 Dec. 2020), Joel (Jessica), Adam & Gina, Jillian & Matt, Ben, Maria, John, Olivia, Faith
Amy and Fred Verwoerd Julie & Ben (Luke, Ashlyn, Zachary), Christine, Esther & Josh (baby #1 May 2021), Brad & Mercedes (Ellie) Jennifer (Dan) Boeve Jacob (Sammi), Kyle (Breanna), Olivia Nicholas Juliette and Mathew Stolte Mya, Liam, Sophia Chris and Stacie Femia Emma, Logan, Ella Michael and Barb Grimes Connor (Kristien), Camryn (Brandon)(baby #1 Apr. 2021), Cori, Julianna (Jordan)(baby#1 Apr. 2021), Natasha, Memphis Pimpy and Jeannette Sesay Salu, Soren his sister, Machleen
Janny's family, Ali and Case Schipper, Marie and Marinus Boonen, Martha Hannessen,
Predeceased by his first wife, Tannie his daughter, Gabriella his brothers, Henk, Joost, Hans his sisters, Ineke, Christientje
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a private family service is planned.
Dear Uncle Andy ... I will miss you very much. I just read this and digesting the news. If anyone knows if he was buried. Please message me at FB Christian Vandermaas or cvandermaas@gmail.com
Renee,Amy and family, I am so so sorry to here of your dads passing. I have so many great memories of being at your house, your parents always have a special place in my heart! May God surround you all with comfort and love. Our thoughts and prayers are with you! Judy & Ron Rozema
Janny and family, So sorry to hear of the loss of Andy. I pray that you and the family will feel the love of Jesus surrounding you as journey along. He was a kind man. Praying for you all.
Dear Janny and family, May you find comfort in your Saviour and the memories of Andy's life well-lived. Much love, Ineke & the Guadsquad
Thinking of you; and remembering how loving and caring you are. Andy was a very lucky guy. Hugs!!
I am so so sorry to hear that Andy had past. I can say a whole lot of things but that will not heal your pain. Time,!. Time will make it easier. It won't take away all the emotions you will go through but it will get easier. Janny, I am here. Please, if you need to scream, scream at me. 289-829-1960. If you want to yell, call me. If you need a hug. I have arms. You need to cry, I have 2 sleeves. You need to punch, I have gloves. How ever you need to vent, I am here. Please use me if you have the urges. Do not dwell on the guilt. Think of all the happy times. Think of all the funny stuff. You can take all the joyful thoughts and dwell on them for now. Andy will come to see you in your dreams at night. He is only a cloud away. Save the day to keep busy. Keep the nights for the dreams. Time is your greatest healer. Roxane Brunette
So sorry to hear about Andy's death Janny. We have good memories of our sailing days with him. Our sincere condolences to you Janny and family. Margaret and Rodger
So sorry to hear about Andy's death Janny. We have good memories of our sailing days with him. Our sincere condolences to you Janny and family. Margaret and Rodger
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Charity of Your Choice
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Charity of Your Choice
Dearest Janny. Thinking of you today and remembering the day you married your precious Andy. When I think of Andy, I remember his smile (even when the Summit sisters invaded his home for a team meeting!) Keeping you and your family in my prayers and praying for the peace that passes all understanding. With love always💕 Christine
Janny I am so sorry for your loss... I am thinking of you and your families at this time. Sending strength and love for the coming days xo
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Charity of Your Choice
I'm very sorry for your loss. I remember Andy with fondness. Very kind and caring man. God bless.
What a great testimony Andy leaves his loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Please accept our sincere condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with Andy’s family.
Thinking of you as you celebrate the wonderful man that Andy was! Deepest condolences to you, Janny, and the whole family. We will always remember Andy with fondness ❤
So sorry to hear of your loss. We are friends of Amy and Fred and we know that Andy will be missed. God's comfort and strength for you all.
My condolences to the whole family. Pray that God is with you and gives you peace. Jane and Marj DeJong
Lieve Janny en familie, wij condoleren jullie met het verlies van jouw lieve man, vader en grootvader. Wij wensen jullie vandaag heel veel sterkte toe. Wij denken en bidden voor jullie. Veel liefs van je nicht Corrie en Hans Weevers Bosweg 2k 7314 AN Apeldoorn NL
Jannie May you receive strength from your LORD . John and Janet
So sorry to hear of his passing. I have many found memories from my youth. Time spent with my Uncle Andy. Sleepovers at your home in Courtice. Camping and fishing. I know he will be missed by his large extended family. But take peace in knowing he is with the Lord and his family in heaven.
So sorry for your loss. I will always remember his happy and welcoming smile. Every Sunday him and Janny always made Ryan and I feel welcome with a “hello”. Sending love during this time from Ryan, Felix and I
We are so sorry for your loss , knowing his strong believe he is now in a better place . We pray for you and yours to find the strength to carry on . Love Tina & Jack
My condolences to the family I remember Andy so wel . I go back more then 36 years ,he helped set up my first practice with my bookkeeping I remember him as an calm and caring and helpful person.
He was in many ways a second father - a priest even - to me and I'll miss those many moments of encouragement that he (and Janny) gave to me. Peace and blessings to you Janny (and all your family)
I'm sorry for your loss Janny and Batelaan family. Andy was always kind and friendly to me. May God bless you. 😇💖🙏🙏🙏
I'm sorry for your loss Janny and Batelaan family. Andy was always kind and friendly to me. May God bless you. 😇💖🙏🙏🙏
Janny, There are no words for times like this. May heavenly Father be your comfort and continue to hold your hand as Andy did. A big hug sent your way. XO Monique Jackson (Brinkman)
Jenny.My heartfelt condolences going out to all in the passing of you r loving husband an the children's father.Iam sure your faith an the love of your family will support each other in this difficult time.My thought an prayersgo out to everyone.....Sue
Jenny.My heartfelt condolences going out to all in the passing of you r loving husband an the children's father.Iam sure your faith an the love of your family will support each other in this difficult time.My thought an prayersgo out to everyone.....Sue
So sorry to hear this news. Andy was a great guy. A very loving person. Prayers for the family at this difficult time.
Janny, Jen, and Julie, I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep all of you in my prayers at this sad time.
My thoughts and prayers are with you my dear Janny and your daughters.
The loss of Andy will leave a big hole in the congregation of Grace church as well as your family. Mike, Jodi and Devin are very sorry for your loss. One day soon we will all give you a big hug. Take care
Our condolences to Janny, Rene & Evelyn and family, Jen, Julie and all the families. In our thoughts and prayers. Love Anita & Mark Geertsma
Wet hat a wonderful man. He will missed greatly.
Hello everyone...my deepest condolences for your loss. May you all find peace in the joy he brought to you.