Obituary of Andrew Bosman

June 13, 1928 – Haarlem, Netherlands

December 28, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we announce Andrew's passing on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at the age of 96 years. Andrew is survived by Anne, his loving wife of 67 years; his daughter, Candace (Skip); his sons, Dane (Janice) and Myles (Kim); his grandchildren, Ashley, Jacqueline, Ryley, Diana, and Jaden. Also, Andrew recently became a great-grandfather to Dunni Anne. Andrew leaves behind his nieces, Marjan and Yvonne, and his nephew, Rem, all of the Netherlands.

Andrew was born in Haarlem, Holland; his father passed away at the early age of two. His mother, now a storekeeper, raised three children alone. Along with many others during this time in Europe, he endured the Second World War as an adolescent. He was indebted to the Canadian Armed Forces, who liberated his country, and with that, he decided to immigrate alone to Canada in 1951, leaving his mother, brother and sister behind in Holland. He landed in Alberta and entered the dawn of the burgeoning oil and gas industry in Calgary, first with Triad Oil (BP) and then Shell Canada. Andrew met Anne at Penley’s Dance Hall in Calgary, and after a brief courtship, they married Regina, SK, in 1958. Andrew then moved his family to Edmonton, AB, in 1963 for the start of a wonderful 23-year career with the Alberta Research Council (ARC) in the Coal Geology Division, retiring in 1986.

Family camping trips were yearly events that took them as far away as Disneyland, Invermere and his favourite summer spot of Penticton, BC. He was fortunate enough to have his mother, sister and brother visit from Holland on several occasions and to take his Canadian family to Holland to visit his birthplace. Andrew and Anne moved to Calgary in 1991 to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Andrew enjoyed swimming, sailing, gardening, and goldpanning on the North Saskatchewan River and in Northern BC. He was an avid reader, and you could often find him on his bicycle touring his neighbourhood. He loved hockey and could be found on the bench as he coached his sons and their neighbourhood friends on the local outdoor ice rink in the 70s. Andrew took great interest in local and world current affairs, always with the newspaper and a dictionary by his side. Later in life, painting became a serious hobby and a cherished legacy that he shared with family and friends.

Later in life, Anne and Andrew enjoyed two wonderful cruises to tropical destinations. Andrew was immensely proud of his children and of their individual accomplishments. All three of his children pursued careers in the energy sector. Andrew settled and made his home in Alberta. He travelled to the far corners of the province, and he loved the beauty and diversity of the great province.

Andrew’s family would like to acknowledge the love and excellent care provided to him by the staff of Millrise Seniors Village, particularly Dr. Quail, Maureen, Narveet and Harman, who consistently provided Andrew with incredible care, compassion and deep friendships. A special acknowledgement to his best friend in the home, Marshall.

“There are no goodbyes for us, wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.”

- Gandhi

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Andrew’s family here.

In living memory of Andrew Bosman, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.