August 22, 2026
It is with sad hearts we announce the passing of Andy Skrypnyk who loved life for 91 years, on Saturday August 22nd, 2026.
He will be greatly missed by his wife of 67 years Leona, sons Grant and wife Anne, Warren and wife Mercedes, daughter Tara and husband Patrick along with Andy’s two dearly loved grandsons Tustin and Jackson. His sister Judy and her children Clint, Rachel and her daughters Shae and Kamryn along with countless cousins and friends.
Andy was born in Ethelbert Manitoba to Pauline and Mike Skrypnyk December 11th, 1934. He was raised in the Ashville area known as Ukraina where his parents did mixed farming. It was here he learned to connect with the land which in later years manifested in his love of gardening. In 1936, Andy's parents dedicated their lives, becoming part of the Jehovah's Witnesses congregation, cultivating with others their deep spiritual belief in Jehovah and teachings in the Bible.
Growing up working on the family farm in the tight knit community coupled with their spiritual foundation, Andy developed his special gift of simple everyday kindness to others we know him for today.
In the fall of 1951, his family moved to Transcona in Winnipeg and purchased a small apartment building at 100 Melrose. This building held 6 apartment suites along with a corner store where Andy helped until 1958, when they closed its doors to travel to New York for the 8-day International Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses held in Yankee Stadium. Upon their return, 1/2 of the store space was converted into a meeting place which became the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Transcona.
In the spring of 1952 at age 17, Andy was hired with CN Railway to work on the passenger trains in the dining car. Andy was curious. From his first work travels west, he wanted to see more of the world. He loved traveling the rails. Winnipeg to Toronto and Montreal, up to Churchill, then to Jasper and Vancouver and into Seattle. Always stopping during a layover to visit family.
Some of his earliest travels were to Port Alberni in the early 1950's to see his Uncle John to help him in his hotel or visit his Uncle Jim & Auntie Ann in West Palm Beach.
When that job took him away from home more than he was comfortable with, he transitioned to more stationary positions. From servicing the sleeping and dining cars with linens to being a Bushelman which entailed looking after the uniforms of the train porters. This is where Andy learned to sew as he repaired and steam pressed uniforms keeping the porters looking their finest. Finally, when a new position became available, he started at the CN shops in Transcona, a mere 10 minutes from home and family. There he worked as a senior administration clerk until his retirement in spring of 1991, almost 40 years with CN Rail. In his words "I turned the clock to the wall and never looked back". There was so much he wanted to do!
It was in April of 1959, the chance meeting of a young girl from Beausejour Mb that would change his life. Leona loving calls this time the Summer of '59. She knew he was something special unlike any one she had met before. On September 26th, 1959, Andy and Leona started their life together as husband and wife raising 3 beautiful children.
Andy loved his family and friends dearly and kept them close throughout the years. Simple times of camping with the kids or picnics at the beach, or a family meal.
His friends of many years remember fishing, where Andy had his trusty cast iron fry pan cooking up the freshly caught fish.
In 1989, the family purchased a cottage at Hillside Beach just north of Winnipeg which became a foundation of many loved memories of BBQ’s and long canasta card games.
In 1996 a new adventure called Andy & Leona out west as their children moved to BC. It was here, in Cloverdale BC that Andy continued making friends who have become a lifeline in his zest for life over the past 30 years.
Throughout his life, Andy was always ready with a smile and a helping hand to those who needed assistance. He loved to spend time with his family, especially his grandsons, passing down his love of the land and animals. He loved to share the bible with all who would listen. He loved gardening and sharing the fruits of his labour of zucchini, onions, raspberries and grapes. He took great pride in the beauty of the Dahlias he grew alongside the house. He became a beacon of light to his neighbors, becoming a keeper of their house keys "just in case", as one called him "his guardian angel". True to his spiritual and family foundation, he took pride in simple, everyday acts of good towards all those around him. His final wish was to share his Bible hope and comfort he so strongly believed in. That by means of God’s Kingdom and the promises Jehovah God made “all things will be made new, and the former things will have passed away,” Revelation 21:4. Man will enjoy life on a paradise earth.
It feels impossible to be able to accurately tell the story of a life of almost 92 years. Andy was a storyteller. He was a keeper of the family history. Each of us had our own unique relationship with Andy. A man who listened and wanted to talk to you. A man who loved his immediate and extended family. Let us remember him and a piece of how he chose to see life - always looking towards his next day with hope & positive anticipation. Look for the good things in your day. Even when planting his garden, he was always thinking - what's next...
A Celebration of Life is being held on Saturday October 3rd, 2026 at 2:30 pm PST at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 20241 68 Ave, Langley BC.
If unable to join in person, a Zoom link is provided:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83596496962?pwd=zWEGdPmNJkknHRcHmMdQRaUpA1du1i.1
Meeting ID 835 9649 6962
Passcode 261003
We thank everyone for the many cards, condolences and love passed on and the warmth of the visits.
You are invited to leave a personal message for the family.
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