Andrew “Andy” Courchene
February 23, 1919 – September 30, 2017

Andy Courchene passed away at Central Parkland Lodge, Lanigan, SK on Saturday September 30, 2017.  He was 98 years of age.   Andrew was born on a farm near Blaine Lake, Sask. on February 23, 1919. He was the eldest son of Joseph and Blanche Courchene.  By the time he was 8 his parents moved to St. Benedict where his dad built and operated a hotel. Andy attended St. Peter’s College in Muenster where he was active in sports. After high school he worked for his dad and also in the hotel at Archerwill.  Andy then worked at a hotel for two years in Regina where he met Evelyn Duchesneau at a New Year’s Eve dance in 1942 and a relationship began. In 1943 he enlisted in the Army and in February 1944 he married Evelyn in Winnipeg, and later that summer he was sent overseas and was in England, France, Germany, Holland and Belgium. He was discharged from the Army in 1946.  After the war Andy and Evelyn became the owners and operators of the Bjorkdale Hotel from November 1946 until July 1973 where they raised their 3 children. They then moved to Tisdale in semi-retirement where he worked for the Department of Highways and later as a security guard for the RCMP before becoming a devoted caregiver for Evelyn during her illness until she passed in 2005. In 2008 Andy moved to Lanigan where he lived independently until August of this year when he became a resident of the Lanigan Central Parkland Lodge.  Over the years Andy enjoyed various activities including curling, pool, cards, gardening, ball, hockey, floor shuffle, music, dancing and walking. He enjoyed life and people and had a good wit and sense of humour. He was equally proud of all his grandchildren and loved them dearly. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion and Knights of Columbus. Andy’s faith and prayer became very important in his daily life. He regularly attended Mass and Church functions. Wherever he lived Andy was always an active, respected and a contributing member of the community. Andy is survived by 3 children, 10 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, 1 great-great granddaughter; son Denis (Veronica) and their daughter Andrea Lystang and her sons Blair (Mandy), Kyle, Brody, and granddaughter Abbey, and their son Jeff (Leanne); daughter Diane (Leo) Piche and their children Joel, Marc, Lori (Darryl) Jones; son Donald (Bonnie) and their children Matthew (Cherise); Terri (Daniel) Jeanson and children Samuel, Elizabeth, Nicholas, Genevieve, Colin; Michelle (Ken) Westman and children Chasidy, Hailey, Emily, Zoe, Brandyn; Jonathan (Deneige) and sons Dominique, Sebastien, Felix; Jessica (Kevin) Follick and children Kyler, Avery; special friends Chester (Annette) Stevenson; sister Laurette (Earle) Allen as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Andy was predeceased by his wife Evelyn; parents Joseph and Blanche Courchene;  brother  Marcel; sisters: Aurora and Leona; and great-granddaughter Jennifer.  A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church Lanigan, SK at 11:00 a.m., presided by Fr. Greg Smith-Windsor.  Interment will take place at Tisdale Cemetery, Tisdale, SK at a later date.  Memorial Donations may be directed to Heart & Stroke Foundation or St. Mary’s Parish Lanigan, Carpet Fund.

This Notice Is Courtesy Of
Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel - Humboldt, Saskatchewan
(306-682-4114)