Andrew “Andy” Ackerman (1923-2019)

Andrew “Andy” Ackerman Veteran

Birth

11 Jun 1923

Balgonie, Regina Census Division, Saskatchewan, Canada

Death

4 Jun 2019 (aged 95)

Burial

Saint Michael's Cemetery

Edmonton, Edmonton Census Division, Alberta, Canada Add to Map

Memorial ID

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ACKERMAN, Andrew
June 11, 1923 - June 4, 2019

With great sadness, the family of Andrew (Andy) Ackerman announces his passing on June 4, 2019.

He was born the 5th of 12 children of Andrew and Emilia Ackerman in Balgonie, Saskatchewan. At age 18 he joined the RCAF and served time in England during WWII. He met the love of his life, Lucy Sereda, in Edmonton, AB when he was 25 years old. They were married August 6, 1949 at St. Alphonsus Church, Edmonton.

Andy and Lucy raised a family of three, David (Merle), Sheryl (Pauline Bélanger) and Peter (Liz) while serving their country in France, Germany, Bagotville, Quebec and North Bay, Ontario. Andy retired from the RCAF after 5 years of wartime and 20 years of peacetime service, and he and Lucy settled with their family in Edmonton, where he started a second career working for Canada Post. Andy retired from Canada Post after 20 years. He was commended for his 45 years of service to his country by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney in 1986.

Andy's childhood nickname was Happy, and indeed he lived up to his name. He possessed a wonderful sense of humour, and would often come up with a playful, unexpected quip or joke that made us all laugh. He was a gentleman - polite and considerate - and a gentle man. He was a peacemaker. His manner was understated and humble. He was happy to let others around him shine and never sought the limelight. He had a great love and appreciation for the music of his time, and was a talented, self-taught piano player. At any gathering or party, Andy, with Lucy at his side lending her vocal talents, would be the life of the party as everyone gathered around to sing and listen to Andy playing his music. We will fondly remember those many sing-alongs with family and friends that were part of every occasion over the years.

Andy is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Lucy, his three children, and his grandson, Aaron (Pete and Liz); and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; and nine of his brothers and sisters.