Andrew: Ted Lawrence, January 24, 1991 – April 25, 2019
Ted Andrew, son of Tim and Lois Andrew of Youngstown, died in the arms of his parents at the Oyen hospital the morning of April 25, 2019. Brothers Cole, Clay, Austin, and sister-in-law Allison, have his example to guide them. Grandparents Jim and Dorothy Andrew, and Gordon and Barb Thielen hold his memory close to their hearts. Grandma Katie Thielen awaited him in heaven.
Ted’s early life revolved around attending school in Youngstown from ECS to Grade 10; then South Central High in Oyen for grades 11 and 12. He participated in School Reach and school curling. When watching curling, he would phone Grandpa T so they could critique the shots and predict the outcome of games.
4-H was an integral part of his life. He won Champion Carcass Steer, was a camp counsellor many times, and won a trip to Ottawa through Selections. One of Ted’s life highlights was placing second at the 2009 4-H Provincial Speak-offs. This April he returned to Provincials to be one of the impromptu judges. Ted’s love of communicating was evident from an early age.
His interest in broadcasting was initiated at Q91 Drumheller with a week-long internship. He became affectionately known as “Bedhead Ted.”
Ted received his diploma in Broadcast Journalism from Lethbridge College. His first paying job was as a news reporter/newscaster for a VISTA radio station in Prince George from 2011 to 2015. It was in PG where Ted found a Young Adult group which ignited his desire to examine, proclaim, and serve his increasing faith. This led Ted to apply to NET Ministries in 2015. NET’s mission is to encourage young people to love Jesus and embrace the life of the Church.
In August 2015, Ted flew to Ireland and served there for the past four years. During the first two years, he was on teams that led workshops and retreats. He then moved into administration, where he served as the Partnership Coordinator, helping team members raise funds to join the mission.
December 8, 2017, Ted was struck down with Ewing Sarcoma. The next six months were spent in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin receiving treatments. The nurses soon became his away from home family. They spent many hours discussing The Crown, Downton Abbey and the Royal Family. When family and friends visited there was lots of card playing and discussion. The generosity of the people of Ireland and Canada enabled Lois to live close by. (Google Joe Duffy – Ted from Canada)
Ted and Lois returned to Canada June 13, 2018. The cancer returned July 4 and thus began the Canadian portion of his treatments. The nurses and doctors at the Tom Baker Centre became his new second family. After exhausting all treatment alternatives for this rare cancer, Ted spent his last days at the Youngstown ranch with the company of those he loved, either in person or through the advantages of social media. Ted continued to enjoy Gramma Dorothy’s cooking, especially the butterhorns, and the frequent visits and crib games with Grandpa Jim.
April 15, 2019, Ted was honoured to be part of the Chrism Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Calgary. At the mass he asked Bishop McGratten to Bless the Oil of the Sick; priests will use this oil to anoint the sick during the coming year. Ted found peace having received this anointment several times during his illness.
Ted remained dedicated to fulfilling his NET duties until his death. Ted’s faith will live on in those who knew him. He was committed to his spiritual mission. Though he died early, he is at rest.
As NET says, “Do Something Amazing”
Prayer Vigil Service was held April 29 and Mass of Christian Burial was held April 30 at the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Oyen. Officiating Clergy were Fr. Newton Rodrigues and Fr. Cristino Bouvette.
Michelle Viste was the organist and John Ruschkowski was the guitarist. Special music was provided by the Net Ministries of Canada.
Readers were Karen-Lee Andrew, Damien McDonough, and Blanche Wack.
Gift bearers were Tom Thielen, Barb Nielsen, Julia Strankman, and Lindsey Grover.
Prayers of the Faithful were given by Chris and Charlene Andrew, Austin Andrew, and Martin Moran.
Pallbearers were Aaron Perry, Jim Berry, Justin Berry, Ty Berrecloth, Blake Kary, Brady Thielen, and Clayton Andrew.
Honorary Pallbearers were the Ron Guenthner Family, Darryl Strankman Family, and Murray and Mavis Palmer.
Memorial tributes may be directed to Net Ministries Ireland, College Court, Main St., Ballybofey, Co. Donegal, Ireland; 4-H Foundation of Alberta, RR1, Site 7, Box 10, Westerose, Alberta, T0C 2V0; Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 29 St NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N2; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Following the funeral service, family and friends were invited to a luncheon hosted by the Youngstown Community in the Community Hall.
MacLean’s Funeral Home of Oyen in care of arrangements.