We Remember
FUNK, Andy
February 20, 1943 — October 30, 2019
On October 30, 2019, at 12:40 pm, Andy Funk, age 76, said goodbye to this world and was welcomed into glory. His final days were spent in Hospice in Kelowna, BC, surrounded by family, friends and music. His body succumbed to ALS but he remained the steadfast, kind, and loving person he had always been right until the end.
Andy is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Marg Funk; his daughter, Natalie Funk; and his son Derek Funk along with Derek’s wife, Sherri Funk and Andy’s three grandchildren, Boaz, Silas and Zoe. Andy comes from a very large family and was loved by everyone and will be greatly missed.
From Winnipeg to Kelowna he was known for his generous spirit, his caring heart, and his beautiful singing voice. Andy’s relationship and faith in God were evident to all who met him. For many years he owned and operated his own bricklaying company, A.M. Masonry. Through his company, he was able to mentor and apprentice many, including his son and his two grandsons. He was loving known as the “singing bricklayer”. He led worship, recorded a gospel album, and was asked to sing for many events and occasions. The last time he performed was in New York, at Carnegie Hall, with the Spectrum Singers Choir.
He was a wonderful husband, father, Opa and friend and we are better for knowing him. Thank you, Lord, for the time we had with him and for the knowledge, that we will meet again.
We will be having a Celebration of Andy’s life on Saturday, November 30, 2019 at 1:00 pm at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna BC. In lieu of flowers, please donate to ALS BC society, www.alsbc.ca. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
THIS SERVICE WILL BE LIVE STREAMED SATURDAY NOVEMBER 30 AT 1:00PM
Service
Saturday, November 30, 2019 at 1:00 pm
Location
Springfield Funeral Home
Share with Others:
ALS BC society Link: www.alsbc.ca
Service Information
Service Details
The service for FUNK, Andy is scheduled for Saturday, November 30, 2019 at 1:00 pm . Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
Springfield Funeral Home
2020 Springfield Rd. Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
Derek, Sherri, Boaz, Sylis and Zoe.
We are deeply sorry for your loss. I pray God’s comfort and peace for your family during this time.
Much love from the
Wielgosz’s
I read about Andy’s death in the December 22nd Winnipeg Free Press. My condolences to Marg and her family as they mourn the death of her dearly beloved husband. I loved to hear Andy’ beautiful voice as he sang praises to His Lord. May you experience God’s nearness during this time and always.
My condolences to Marg and family. May you feel God’s nearness, especially at this time of mourning.
Dennis and my sympathies are with you. It’s been a blessed lifetime and may Andy’s voice once again lift in praise. I consider it a blessing to have been able to accompany him a couple of times as he sang and to have gotten to know you both through that opportunity. May that large Funk family mentioned serenade us all when it will be our turn to cross over to that other side!
With love, Dennis and Cathy
Our condolences to Marg and family on the loss of a beloved husband, father, Opa, and friend to so many. Andy was a true Christian gentleman, with a heart for others…. He was a great man., brave in the face of adversity, and, caring and sensitive to the end.
Dear Derek, Sherri, Boaz, Sylis and Zoe, I am sad to hear about your loss. Please know that you are loved. I wish that these things didn’t happen. It is so sad. Love you all, Wendy
I know Andy is in a much better place, but my heart’s prayer was a little selfish that he could bless us longer. I have missed both of you after your move, but you did your best to stay connected. I can never think of a time I had not seen a smile on Andy’s face. He was soft, gentle and loving. You guys made the best couple, Marg. He will truly be missed but only for awhile. He is glorifying the one he worshipped on earth! Many hugs to you and your family!
We are so sorry for your loss Marg. We appreciated his & your posts keeping us updated. Know that many friends in Winnipeg feel the loss. God bless!
Dear Marg and family. Our condolences on your loss. We fondly remember the Sunday mornings we were blessed by hearing Andy sing.. With sincere sympathy and prayers.
What sad news. We have very fond memories of Andy and Marg from Burrows Bethel days. We pray God’s Comfort for your loss and sorrow.
May the peace of Jesus & the comfort of the Holy Spirit be felt by you, Auntie Marg and family. as you walk this difficult journey. He truly never leaves us.
This is from Marg Funk. My friend Ron Albo sent me this via Facebook. Please post the following message from Ron:
Marg, my heart goes out to you. Al announced the passing of Andy at our service yesterday, and there was a collective gasp throughout the congregation from those who knew him. I was stunned.
When Al told the congregation about Andy he added that as a young pastor, Andy was a real encourager to him. And that didn’t surprise me at all because both you and Andy look at the good in people and know that encouraging a person makes a huge difference in their performance and outlook.
People like you and Andy make a huge difference in the lives of others. You influence the people around you in a positive manner. You make Christianity attractive to the un-believer, and you are a good role model for fellow believers.
I always looked up to Andy; sort of like a big brother. I truly loved the man.
My condolences and may God bless you. From Ron
I’ve been praying that Andy could die in his sleep, not choke to death. We (Bob & I) got to know Andy @ Portage Ave. Baptist where we got married). I still have his record, shall treasure it even more now. I’m glad he’s finally with his Lord &L Savior but pray for comfort for the family. II Cor. 4 has been a comfort to me in many situations.
Our most sincere condolences, Margaret and family. Where have the Spencer North days gone.
Elma and Vern Neufeld
Enjoyed singing with Andy in Faith & Life Male Chorus in Winnipeg. Lunch hours were always lively and enjoyable.
Andy will be missed. Thoughts & prayers are with the family.
Marg and family, we are saddened to learn of Andy’s passing, we fondly remember the times he came to Springfield Alliance Church,( now Kilcona Park Alliance) to lead us in worship , we always felt God’s presence , such good memories.. praying God’s will give you strength and courage during this difficult time as you adjust to life without him.. hugs
Our deepest condolences to Marg and her family on the passing of Andy. May you all experience God’s peace & love during this difficult time.
Marg, I was so shocked to read Andy’s Obituary, our hearts go out to you and your family at this time. May God be with you all.
Dear Marg and family. We send you our deepest condolences on the loss of a wonderful man. May God comfort you.and give you peace at this difficult time…
Dear Marg and family. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. It was a privilege to know Andy. He was a good man, and we have many fond memories of visiting with the two of you. You are in our thoughts and
prayers in this time of sorrow.
Condolences to Marg and all the family at Andy’s passing. Enjoyed his music.. remembered from Elmwood Bethel where we were when my dad Abe Regier pastored and from Burrows when Fred and I were there.
We want to express our condolence and prayers for you as a family. We remember so well our many times of fellowship and ministry at Burrows Bethel Church. Andy was a great friend to us and a great encourager in our ministry. It was always
special to hear him sing because you knew it came from the heart which was sensitive to God’s working in his life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
To Marg and Family. So sorry to hear about Andy. I enjoyed our days working together at BF Klassen construction for my first job after graduation from engineering technology. Always bumping in to Andy over the subsequent years.. was a pleasure. As a fellow Christian I know that God will keep you as Andy is in God’s presence now.
Dear Marg…so wish we could be with you right now …it’s not possible but please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers constantly. Dion and I so valued our special friendship with you and Andy…a God given friendship for sure.
May God Bless you and your family Marg as you go through this time…much love to you all from us both ❤️❤️❤️
To our dear friend Margaret who was the first to welcome us to Sundance Ridge building 2210, my husband and I are very grateful for your friendship and for being able to meet your husband Andy. Great man with many talents – he will be missed by all. Please accept our deepest condolences. May God give you the strength and courage to go through the days ahead without him. — Anthony and Celia D’Souza
We love you Both & Your special families. So many Special memories, which are Blessings given by our Special Friend Jesus!! P & E
We Love you both and your Special Children & Grandchildren. So so many memories of dear Andy my “Brother” in Law, and they are truly God’s Blessings to us all We know where your Help comes from Marg & family during this difficult time. God bless & keep you in His Loving Arms. P & E & Sedo2
Thinking of you all today. Uncle Andy was so very lovely – seemed to always think before he spoke – with lots of intension, and was so easy to laugh…I’m certain all the other memories of him will flood through your hearts and minds today and in the days/weeks/years to come – as a lovely gift. Love to you all. Karen Schlichitng
Dear Margaret and family please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. We are so very grateful we had the great privilege to meet Andy, we are so grateful for the friendship and all the good deeds that you both have shared with us.
Andy was a great man, a true example of how one person should strive to be the best they can in the most humble and gracious way, and we have learned so much from him. Andy was kind and gracious to all, and so was our great reward to have met. We often remember the good moments we have shared with Andy and you, and the best were when you visited and we all had breakfast together. So often over shared bread few words that were said in a moment have left much to reflect on overtime, words of kindness and wisdom without any judgment which have brought true growth overtime.
We are thinking of you Margaret as you go through this life’s journey now, and the family, dear friend we love you very much. Through you we meet Andy, and we are so thankful, may he rest in God’s good peace.
It was so good to be able to be a part of the service yesterday thru the live stream. I’m glad that we were able to reconnect 2 years ago when we met in Chilliwack. Andy blessed me every time he sang and I still hear his voice when I listen to certain songs. May God continue to be your strength in the days ahead.
Dear Marg and family, we send our sincere condolences to all of you. We join in your sadness and grief. Of course we will remember him by his singing but he was an awesome friend and even second cousin but I sure did not inherit his amazing voice. We recall him singing at our 25th Anniversary, only 31 years ago. You guys were always a pleasure to be with, even at Young Marrieds at Burrows Bethel Church. Was good to attend his Memorial service by livestream. Our love and prayers are with you! 🤗🤗
My sincere condolences on your loss. I pray that memories of happier times will see you through your time of grief!
“God gave us memory so we might enjoy roses in winter.”
I am a respected researcher of Mennonite genealogy, and would like to complete his/your family and ancestry, which I am unable to do given the information in his obituary. My on-line project contains over 500,000 individuals, but neither it nor major sources show any identifiable link to your mother’s family. Please contact me at an appropriate time if you are willing to share/exchange details. Thank you. All information about living individuals is suppressed to protect your/their privacy.
We have thought about you a lot over the past months. We both have such warm memories of Andy, and I was particularly blessed to have been able to sing with him over the years. The 1992 trip to Russia and Ukraine has many memories of Andy’s irrepressible spirit, and his capacity to connect with people. The last time we sang together was at the funeral of a mutual friend, when the two of us sang the song, “The God of the mountain’. May the words of that song be a source of comfort to you. He was indeed a special person who touched many lives. (James and Henriette Schellenberg)