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
21 Responses
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
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
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
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
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)
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.
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
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
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.
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.