Andrew (Andy) Sirman

Andrew (Andy) Sirman

On August 28, 2023, Andrew “Andy” Sirman of Selkirk, MB, passed away at the age of 86, surrounded by his beloved family. He left this world doing what he loved most—celebrating his 65th wedding anniversary with a fish fry. Smiling, laughing, and visiting with everyone, he tasted the first piece of deep-fried fish from the fryer, and you couldn’t have found a happier man. Then, without warning, we had to say goodbye to the anchor of our family.

Andy was born on March 1, 1937, in Stuartburn, Manitoba, to Olexa and Aksena Sirman, the youngest of nine siblings who all loved him immensely.

At a young age, Andy’s family moved to Rainy River, Ontario. As a very young man, he struck out on his own to earn a living—trying his hand at working on the CN trains with his older brother, as a longshoreman on the Great Lakes, and later driving a gravel truck in Atikokan.

It was in Atikokan, on September 13, 1958, that he met and married his partner, best friend, and love of his life, Keitha. Together they had two little ones and soon took another leap of faith, moving their young family to work on the Diefenbaker Dam in Saskatchewan.

Encouraged by friends, in 1961 Andy took a huge chance and travelled to remote Thompson, Manitoba—then accessible only by train—to take a job as a labourer at the INCO mine. There, he built an incredible life over the next 30+ years. He bought a home, welcomed two more children, and worked tirelessly—often double shifts, which he loved. Andy was known for his welding skills, a trade he was trained in and took great pride in mastering.

Andy played as hard as he worked. He was an active member of the Snowmobile Club and enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, volunteer firefighting, and family activities—like fresh ice skating at Mid-Lake with his kids on Saturday mornings (even after a late Friday night). During these years, he also proudly became a member of the Masonic Lodge—an accomplishment he deeply cherished. He loved taking the family on trips, and many stories are still told about the memorable journey from Thompson to Houston in the big old station wagon. He and Keitha enjoyed a full and lively social life, spending countless happy days at their special spot on Paint Lake—camping, swimming, fishing, water skiing, and sharing the occasional beverage with friends and family. He was especially happy that Brad and Nanette carried on the traditions at Sirman Beach.

In 1993, Andy retired to Rainy River, returning home to his “Ponderosa,” his “Farm,” or his “Hunt Camp,” as many called it. On his ten-acre riverfront oasis, he hosted pig roasts, and a 30th, 40th, 50th anniversaries, and countless hunting seasons with friends. His open-door policy meant there was always room for one more—whether at Christmas with 15 people squeezed into a two-bedroom, one-bathroom home (and one outhouse), or during summer gatherings filled with laughter and stories.

During his years in Rainy River, Andy and Keitha travelled extensively—to Colorado, Arizona, Texas, Sudbury, Thompson, Florida, Winnipeg, Atikokan, Geraldton, Thunder Bay, and Alaska. He loved driving and would never miss a birth, graduation, wedding, or birthday. Traveling to watch his grandson Shawn play hockey was one of those special moments he wouldn’t have missed for anything. Andy curled, ice-fished, hunted, served on the tiny Dawson Volunteer Fire Department, and was deeply involved in his community.

Eventually, ever practical, Andy decided it was time to downsize and moved to Selkirk, Manitoba. There, life continued to be full—traveling, visiting, and welcoming friends and family to their new apartment. Andy joined the Gordon Howard Senior Centre, where he loved playing crib, floor curling, and found a new fishing buddy, Bernie. The Selkirk Sirmans enjoyed another vibrant chapter of life.

Andy even adopted the “HAM diet” (half the amount) and walked regularly. He became Brent’s loyal lawn-mowing, garage-sale, and treasure-hunting buddy, and together they shared many laughs. He and Keitha finally bought the motorhome they’d dreamed of—and oh, how they loved the freedom it brought. If you could bottle that happiness, you’d be rich. Andy and Keitha often talked about how pleased they were with all their kids—how they all got along and were each successful in their own independent ways. They were proud parents.

Andy was predeceased by his parents, Olexa and Aksena Sirman, and by his siblings: brothers Bill, Peter (Pauline), Fred, and John (Olga) Sirman; and sisters Anne (Kolisnyk), Irene (Bill) Lalois, and Nancy (Don) Wade.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, friend, and lifelong partner, Keitha Sirman and by a miracle, his beloved sister Belle Watson, who had come all the way from Houston, TX, and spent a wonderful long weekend with him at his 65th anniversary in Dauphin, MB.

Andy is survived by his four children, with whom he checked in almost daily: Brian Andrew (Heather), Brenda Alice (Michael Eakes), Brad Alex (Nanette), and Brent Allen (Bernadine).

He took great joy in his grandchildren, whom as babies, he could always soothe with his calm rocking: Pamela (Eric), Natasha (Michel), Shawn (Josée), Savanah (Dave), Katlynn (Travis), Jayden (Katie), and Baileigh (Mitchell).

Andy was blessed again with great-grandchildren who he was so proud of —more little ones to hold, cuddle, and love. In order of appearance: From Natasha – Ethan, Mavric, and Nevaeh; From Shawn – Thomas and Blake;  From Savanah – Hannah and Charlie; From Katlynn – Ashton, Kennedy, Sawyer, Ambree, and Kyler; From Baileigh – Jaxson, Adalynn Keitha, and Brooklyn; From Jayden – Rylan and Colby.

A few Andy truths: He had the rare ability to listen quietly yet show deep love with few words. He made lifelong friends who remained close across years and miles. Family and friends were one and the same to Andy. Decisive, funny, and full of life, he was never without a toothpick (which he would flip and hide into his mouth in a shake)—and always ready with a big hug and a smooch. He was the best hugger in the whole world. He was usually the last one standing at a party and made each grandchild feel like the favorite. (it was his sneaky grin)

He loved sneaking things into Bernie’s garage (with Brent sworn to secrecy) and had a guilty pleasure for shopping—whether for clothes, Costco runs, or grocery deals (often sneaking extra food into Bernie’s freezer because his was too full). Andy could make friends anywhere and hated sitting still. When his luck at cards or dice ran low, he’d stand, circle his chair, and say, “Well, I gotta turn around my luck.” And somehow, he always did.

As the author of this tribute, I want to say how deeply I will miss his presence in my life. Over the past five years, we’ve gone to fall suppers, travelled, eaten, shopped, cooked, sewn, fought, cried, played cards and dice, laughed, and loved together. I saw him daily—on his sneaky drop-offs, his check-ins at my work from home office, or when he dropped off eggs or some new deal he’d found. Words can’t express the love I have for him and for Keitha.

The family would like to sincerely thank the Doctors and Staff from Dauphin Regional Health Centre.

A private family service and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date and will be shared with friends and extended family when details are available.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to please consider donating to the Heart and Stroke foundation.

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