It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Andy on June 19th, 2018. He was born on May 27th, 1939 in Barrhead, Alberta and passed away peacefully with family at his side. Together for 46 years, he leaves behind his loving wife Sharon; his stepchildren Debbie (Peter), Gordon and Sharon (Gordon); his beloved Grandchildren Jaden, Ava, Tanner, Angie and Ryan.
Petty Officer “Andy O” devoted 26 years to the Royal Canadian Navy as a Clearance Diver both with the Atlantic and Pacific Fleet Diving Units. Retiring from the RCN, he then spent 18 years with Federal Corrections after which he and Sharon moved to Maui, Hawaii where he worked on the Unexploded Ordnance Clearance Project on Kaho’olawe Island Reserve. After a short stint working UXB in California, he returned home to Victoria where he settled into retired life as a Snow Bird, tinkering around the house and working in his garden.
A pioneer in his field, a leader to his divers, a friend to all, a father, a grandfather, he will be missed by everyone. We Salute You.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the doctors and staff at VGH 4South and Victoria Hospice for all of your support and kindness.
A Graveside Service will be held at Royal Oak Burial Park, 4673 Falaise Drive, Victoria, B.C. on Friday, July 6th, 2018 at 1:00 pm followed by a Celebration of Life at 110 Kamloops Avenue, Victoria, B.C.
Donations can be made to Victoria Hospice, 1952 Bay Street, Victoria, B.C., V8R 1J8
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
-
D'Arcy Surrette
-
Debbie Van Dusen Dear Sharon, Debbie and Gordon,
As I’m certain is the case with so many of Andy’s friends and family, I felt a great sadness when I learned of his passing. My Dad was in town for the weekend and we shared many stories and great memories from our time together as friends and neighbors in Dartmouth. As well I have been reflecting and will always remember fondly the boat trip to Friday Harbour and the summer weeks I spent with Debbie, Sharon and Andy in Victoria.
Andy’s smile and his kindness will be a lasting memory of mine.
My thoughts are with you all as you make your way through this difficult time. I hope you find moments of laughter and peace as you look back on your lives together with Andy.
Love from Debbie, also with thoughts and Love from Barry, Christiane and Steven
-
Ross Brand Hello Sharon
So sorry to hear of Andy’s passing. I only met you once, while you were at Parksville. But I worked with Andy for about 6 years at the unit.
Our paths kept on crossing over the years and we kept in touch.
My wife and I admired Andy and enjoyed his wonderful laughter.
I intend to attend on Friday.
Ross Brand
-
Bruce Robinson Sharon, Robby here.I’m so sorry to hear of Andy’s passing. As I get older, I have trouble keeping up with the latest news of the diving fraternity, mostly what Andy Derocher sends on the computer. This getting old is for the birds sometimes! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Bruce Robinson
-
Margaret Popejoy Sharon, Debbie, Peter and Family
Sending sincere condolences to you and your Family. Sending you love at this most difficult time, may you find strength in the memories you shared with your Dad, he will live forever in your hearts. Love and hugz
-
Bruce Robinson Sharon, Robby here.
So sorry to hear of Andy’s passing. As I get older I have trouble keeping up with the latest news of the diving fraternity, mostly what Andy Derocher sends on the computer. This getting old is for the birds sometimes. My thoughts are with you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Robby (Lt(Cld)RCN Rtd)
-
Gerd Mantel My sincere condolences to the Family. I had the pleasure of working with Andy for many years. The last of which was on the Island of Maui doing EOD work.
I will miss him.
-
Red Larsen Our condolences to you Sharon and your family. Andy was a great guy and was enjoyed by all who worked for or served with him. Always able to express the sunny side of things and to bring a smile to all his comrades. We will all miss him and may he rest in peace. Sincerely Emma and Red Larsen
-
Ray Smith Andy was a great, caring diving buddy for over a 25 year period. I am so glad that we kept in touch after retiring. We visited Joe Lodge together. We enjoyed lunch with him and Sharon. He will truly be missed.
Our love and prayers are for you and the family.
Hugs
Mona and Ray Smith
-
Jules Joseph Rene Verhaeghe It is with great sadness that another RCN Clearance diver has gone to the bottom and never to return or answer his return to the surface signal again. Rest in peace and be sure that all your friends and associates will miss you. Fair winds and smooth sailing.
-
Chuck and Mary Wilson It was a shock to hear of Andy’s passing. We were friends and workmates in the diving and UXO world. He will be greatly missed by all. Our condolences to you Sharon and the family. May he rest in peace.
We will never again see the flash of the gold jewelry around his neck and the smile on his face. But when we see a golden sunset we will know he is looking down upon us.
-
Bob Ganner We are so sorry for your loss and offer our deepest condolences to you Sharon and your family. We have lost another brother and a very good friend and he will be greatly missed by all. Rest in peace my friend.
-
Ivan ( Bud ) Sherlock Andy and I were partners for many years and went away on many jobs together. Great guy. Condolences to Sharon and Family.
-
Ed Pahl It is with sadness that we heard of the passing of Andy. He will always be remembered as a fellow diver and friend. Our condolences and prayers are with you. Ed and Donna Pahl
o
-
Gilles Lariviere We are so sorry to hear of your recent loss Sharon please accept my sincere condolences at
this very difficult time.
Gilles / Marie Andrée Lariviere
-
Darrell Colwell My deepest condolences to Andy’s entire family. He will live on in our memories. The MKV Diver in the FDU(P) mess was and always will be known as “Andy O”. RIP Andy
Darrell Colwell, CPO1 Clearance Diver (Retired)
-
Andre Joseph Francois "Andy" Desrochers We will always remember him as a great Friend and will be greatly missed.
-
Tammy Mantel So very sorry for your loss Sharon and family.
-
Kathy Constantine Hi Sharon,
Such a loving obituary, and what a fabulous picture of him. Connie and I will be at the service and will see you then.
There are no words to express our sorrow on your Loss of Andy… He was such a great guy, and I know he will be missed by all.
Hugs Kathy & Connie xo
-
Joanne, Don and Dennis Rogers Sharon you know our thoughts and prayers are with you all. So many years of memories, good times and stories to keep in your hearts. Andy was a good friend. He will be missed.
-
Tyra Lamb I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Words cannot express the sadness you must all be experiencing but please know we are sending you strength and love during this difficult time. I never met Andy but he sounds like he was loved by many which means his life was a success. Xoxo
In the late 80’s and 90’s, I was employed as a federal corrections officer at William Head Institution and worked with Andy quite often.
Andy was quiet with a straight faced sense of humour that made me laugh.
Nothing rattled Andy, and he had a calm demeanor at all times.
In the late 90’s Andy asked me if I wanted to buy his black 1971 Dodge Challenger convertible. Of course, I had no money at the time and Andy eventually sold it. I always thought of Andy and that missed opportunity to buy that car.
In 2003, I was transferred to Pacific Institution in Abbotsford. I retired in 2018.
I thought of Andy from time to time and wondered how he was doing.
Sadly, it was Andy’s obituary that I just saw tonight.
I will always have fond memories of Andy, and I still smile when I think of him.
My condolences to Andy’s wife and family.