Andy RAAEN

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RAAEN: Andy Raaen, January 11, 1917- October 22, 2009. Andy Raaen was born in Aal Norway and came to Canada with his family in 1924 to Shaunavon, SK. Determined to have a better life than the drought stricken province was providing, and, knowing Andy, looking for some adventure, Andy and Velva went East to Manitoba in 1940. They went first to Austin and then to the Arden Ridge which they called home for 44 years. Andy was one of the last true cowboys and had a real love of the farm. Some of his favorite times were riding in the PFRA pasture with the guys and packing his grandchildren in to the cab of his truck or on to the stone boat to tour every inch of the farm. He was one of the last farmers on the ridge to give up horses and farm with a tractor. After he retired to town, he enjoyed his tours around the countryside with Karen and Shirley. He liked to be kept up on what was going on with farmers in the area and especially enjoyed these talks with a nice cold one in hand. And like a true cowboy, was never seen out and about without his cowboy hat. Left behind to treasure his memory are his wife Velva of 69 years; his children: Karen (Tom) Wilson, Larry (Carrol) Raaen; Shirley Thom; his grandchildren: Nikki Wilson, Andrea (Kevin) Sandstrom, Blaine (Sue) Raaen, Joan Raaen, Sherri Thom, Sandi (Devin) Jarvis, Shane Thom; great-grandchildren Baillie and Emmett Sandstrom, Arden Raaen, Brynn and Sienna Jarvis, McKenna, Dawson and Anisten Thom and his sister Kaye Radabaugh. He was predeceased by his parents Birgit (1967) and Andres (1971), his brother Tryg (1968), his sister Anne and son-in-law Gordon (1984). Thank you to the staff at the Neepawa Hospital and Dr. White for the care and concern they have shown Andy. The family would also like to thank Bryan and White’s Funeral Home and Rev. Armstrong of the Neepawa United Church for making the day a celebration of his life. Also thanks to the UCW for taking care of lunch. The funeral was held October 28 at the Neepawa United Church with internment at Austin Cemetery. Pallbearers were Woody Mutrie, Chuck Terin, John Perrett, Devin Jarvis, Shane Thom, and Kevin Sandstrom. Donations can be made in Andy’s name to Papa's Ranch Equine Rescue - 732 Clandeboye Road, Clandeboye, Manitoba - mailing address: P.O. Box 291, Selkirk, Manitoba, R1A 2B2, 1-204-738-4998 or to a charity of choice.

As published in Brandon Sun on Oct 31, 2009