After a full and active well lived life, Harold “Hal” W. Andersen, died peacefully on December 28, 2011 at Kamloops Seniors Village in Kamloops, B.C.
Hal is survived by his loving wife Joyce and many children, 3 sons and 2 stepsons, Michael (Jane) of Keremeos, Robin (Gail) of Edmonton, Mark of Lethbridge, Greg (Ingrid) of Salmon Arm, Brad (Anna Maria) of Williams Lake and 4 daughters and 1 stepdaughter, Janice (Tony) of Nanaimo, Carol (Ken) of Vernon, Karen of Kelowna, Alice (Lyle) of Penticton and Carolyn (Greg) of Kamloops. Also left to cherish his memory are his 16 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Hal was predeceased by all of his brothers and sisters, son Shawn and grandson Nicholas.
Hal was born on November 22, 1929 at Erin Lodge, Alberta. He resided there with his family, including 3 brothers and 2 sisters until they all relocated to BC, where he graduated high school in North Vancouver. As a young man of 17 years, he enlisted in the Navy as a bugler, where it was one of his many responsibilities as a Navy Officer to organize, attend and play the Last Post at military funerals. He finished his career in the Navy as a second class petty officer then transferred to the Air Force as a sergeant. After many years of dedicated service he retired as a Master Warrant Officer. During this time, he lived in Nova Scotia, Calgary and finally relocating to the Similkameen Valley where he fulfilled his dream of building a log house. This is where he and Pat raised their family. He had so many happy memories and stories of Keremeos that he shared with all of us over the years. Hal was an active member of the Lions Club and very proud of being named Lion of the year in 1977-78 for outstanding service, loyalty and devotion. From there, he moved to Kamloops where he met his wife Joyce. They were married in Kelowna and soon after, settled in Grand Forks. After many years, they returned to Kamloops on his 81st birthday to be closer to family and friends. It didn’t take Hal long to be lured to the bells and whistles of the casino that he found so much enjoyment. He was a lucky man and had many prosperous “paydays” over the last year. He lived his life like everyday was the last. He had a love for the water and the outdoors, spending much of his life fishing, hunting and camping. Later in life, Hal and Joyce spent much of their time fishing on the ocean and many lakes, with Quesnel Lake at Likely, B.C. being one of his favourites. As much as he loved the outdoors, equally he loved getting dressed up and taking everyone out for dinner to a fine dining restaurant, or jumping in the motorhome and taking off for a travelling adventure with Joyce, both of them singing and “munching” their way down the highway. He helped anyone in need, whether it be financial, or a few words of advice, even when you thought you didn’t need them. His greatest love was watching the grandkids grow up and spoiling them all the way. And most recently his great grandchildren, finding so much joy in all of the babies.
A Celebration of Hal’s life will be held on Thursday, January 5, 2012 at 1:00pm in the Schoening Funeral Chapel
In lieu of flowers, a donation made to a charity of your choice in Hal’s name would be appreciated.
Condolences may be expressed at www.schoenings.com
Arrangements entrusted to Schoening Funeral Service, 513 Seymour St., Kamloops, B.C. Ph. 250-374-1454.