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Andy was born in 1919, in Trail B.C. to Andrew and Agnes Shutek. In 1920 his father contracted influenza and succumbed to his illness. Shortly after, Agnes married Louis Benusik who became Andy’s stepfather. Andy spent his childhood in Shutty Bench in Kaslo where his stepfather worked for the Railway. He later moved to the Gultch in Trail, completed his schooling and in 1940 met his wife to be, Alice Harry. During his school years in Trail, Andy gained two lifelong friends, Emil Henschel (Emily) and Elmer Hall (Helen). Andy started work with Cominco shortly after High School, took his machinist apprenticeship and worked for Cominco until his retirement.

Andy and Alice were married in Trail in 1942. They then moved to Castlegar where they raised three children; Andy Jr., Gene, and Jacquie. The family enjoyed camping. Andy and Alice enjoyed entertaining friends, their travel, including 13 trips to Hawaii ( Andy loved the sun and always came back well tanned), a trip to Cuba, a cross- Canada trip and a European tour. Andy was an active member of the Castlegar Kiwanis club, Toastmasters club, Curling Club and Golf Club. He spent many years as a Castlegar City council member, and remembered fondly the work that was done to develop Millennium Park. Throughout the years Andy continued to visit the Park enjoying its many upgrades.

Andy lived life his way. He was deeply interested in health and nutrition and took pride in his large collection of books on the subject. Andy spent endless hours in the back yard attending to his garden. He was suspicious of all things Medical and stayed medication free his entire life. Andy was an avid golfer and curler and had a very special spot in his heart for dogs. He will be missed by his 3 children: Andy Jr. (Josephine), Gene (Joanne), and Jacquie (Larry), his Grandchildren: Andrew,Debbie, John, Brittany, and Jenny and his Great Grandchildren Jessica and Evan. Andy is predeceased by his wife ,mother, father, stepfather and step-brother, Frank Benusik. A celebration of Life will follow in the Spring.

Thank-you to Linda, Jane and staff at Castle Wood Village, Dr. Larocque, and the Staffs at Trail Hospital and Talarico Place for the care and help they provided. Also thanks to Victor Kravski and the Oglows for all their help, support and friendship over the years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Castlegar Millennium Park Memorial Dedication Program: Park Improvement Projects. (Please call Castlegar City Hall at 250 365 7227 for donor instructions.) Thanks.



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