Obituary of Andrew James Luty

It is with profound sadness the Luty family announces the passing of our patriarch Andrew James Luty on Monday, October 17th, 2016 surrounded by his family at University Hospital, London. Born in Zbaraz, Manitoba on May 15th, 1922 to Nicholas and Frances Luty, Andy was the eldest boy with seven siblings. Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his wife of 66 years Mary, his devoted children: Jackie Regan (Charlie), Diane Luty, Connie McCabe (Patrick), Marlene Mackay (Darrell) and Christopher Luty (Deborah). Cherished 'Gigi' to his grandchildren: Colin, Elyse, Ryan, Chelsea, Brett, Ben, Breanna, Michael, Claire and Ethan; Great-Gigi to Andrew and Chase. Brother and dearest friend to Con (Belva) and lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews and lifelong friends. Visitation will be held on Friday (their wedding anniversary!) from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, where the celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 22nd, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. In keeping with Andy's wishes, a private entombment will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation are asked to consider a charity of your choice. Andy led a remarkable life and touched the lives of everyone he met. We will miss his immense presence, laughter, wise advice, card playing and generosity. "Two long, one short, one long." Andy’s Story Andy was born in Zbaraz, Manitoba to Ukrainian immigrant parents. He was the eldest boy with four older sisters and three younger brothers. He left the family farm at the age of 16 in search of employment and the dream of prosperity. With just a 4th grade education, he travelled to Kenora, Ontario where he worked in a logging camp piling 8’, 200 lb. train ties he cut from pine trees for the CNR… a challenge for a 135 lb. young man. Working the entire winter, he earned enough money to purchase an accordion, a clarinet and a saxophone for himself and two brothers. He recruited two neighbours and they formed a 5-piece band. They played at weddings and town hall dances for several years. During WWII, Andy enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces and trained to become a gunner with the Princess Patricia Light Infantry (PPCLI) Artillery Unit. After leaving the military, he returned to Winnipeg, Manitoba and worked as an auto body repair mechanic before becoming a Steam Locomotive Fireman for the CNR. After a week, he was laid off but had the option of transferring to Northern Ontario. Facing temperatures of 50 degrees below zero he had enough of the cold but was determined to stay with the CNR. In 1945, his decision to visit relatives in Toronto led him to transfer to the CN’s Southern Ontario Region, in London. After working as a Steam Locomotive Fireman, Andy moved into the role of Freight/Yard Engineer, and then his favourite role, an Engineer in the passenger service for the Windsor-London-Toronto corridor. In 1945, at a dance Andy met the love of his life. That smiling coat check girl named Mary charmed him with two little words, ”ticket please”. They married in 1950 and a family soon followed. In 1956 he purchased two boxcar loads of CN scrap lumber and began building his own home. He always whistled while he worked around the house (as long as things were going well!) and this prompted his eldest daughter Jackie to start whistling before she could talk. And 48 years later, his grandson Ethan started whistling at the age of three. As the five children grew and attended school, it encouraged him to complete his education. Andy worked a full time job and maintained several properties during the day and he successfully completed his elementary and high school education, at night school. Always busy…either taking family trips or deer hunting (at least that’s what they called it) with his brothers and close friends. In the community, he volunteered as Local Chairman (London CNR Engineers Union). He served as President of the following organizations: Federal Riding of the London East Liberal Party, London Ukrainian Business & Professional Association and the M.C.C. 93. For 15 years he volunteered for the city Auxiliary Police. With his family of five small children living one mile from the nearest city bus stop, he became an advocate to bring bus service to his subdivision. After months of visiting many municipal government and transportation agencies, he finally succeeded. Andy retired from the CNR, at 62, but he was not ready to retire completely. He attended George Brown College, in Toronto, and successfully completed the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Program. He was hired by Ramada Inn, in Toronto, as an Air Conditioning Technician. Andy & Mary loved the warm weather and thought it would be nice to find a family retreat in sunny Florida to escape the cold winter months. He enjoyed his time in Florida for 33 years with family and friends playing cards, golf, tennis, renovating the condo, shopping around for bargains, and volunteered at the local consignment shop. Andy was one in a million…always making people laugh with his great sense of humour. We would like to thank University Hospital, Parkwood Hospital, doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and support workers for their generous time and care. Our family would like to express their sincere thanks to all of the wonderful friends and family who travelled near and far to share their time, prayers, and thoughts with us and for your support during this difficult time. We are most grateful to you and for your presence here today. May God Bless you all for sharing our sorrow.