The Honourable Harvie Andre, PC
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Harvie Andre on Sunday, October 21, 2012 from cancer. Harvie is remembered as a passionate defender of Alberta and Canada as well as a strong devoted family man.
Harvie Andre was born on July 27, 1940, in Edmonton Alberta to John Andre and Doris Ewasiuk, and had two sisters, Ann and Edith (both deceased) and a brother Milton. Throughout his life, Harvie was well known as a keen intellect. This trait was visible even in his early years, often challenging teachers and questioning their lectures. He went on to win one of six scholarships awarded based on academic excellence by the province of Alberta. He received his BSc in Chemical Engineering in 1962 from the University of Alberta. Harvie pursued post-graduate studies at the prestigious California Institute of Technology and received his MSc in 1963. During that time, California was a very desirable place to work as a chemical engineer, but for Harvie his time in California proved to strengthen his patriotic pride and his strong ties to the West pulled him back to Alberta. He reentered University of Alberta and started work on his PhD.
During his university years, Kappa Sigma fraternity played an important role and created lifelong friendships and connections. It was also at a Kappa Sigma event that Harvie became smitten with Joan Smith. They were married for 47 years and have three children: Coryn (Paul), Lauren (Craig) and Peter.
Once he had received his PhD, Harvie and Joan moved to Calgary where Harvie became a professor of chemical engineering at the University of Calgary. It was during his time in Calgary that Harvie began to seriously consider doing more to support his passion for his province and country. On October 30, 1972 he was elected as Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre and went on to win five more elections. Harvie earned a reputation as a tough critic and a principled parliamentarian. He was appointed to the Federal Cabinet by Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney in 1984 as Minister of Supply and Services. He went on to serve in many positions in the government including Associate Defence Minister, Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs, Minister for Regional and Industrial Expansion, Minister of State for Science and Technology, and Minister responsible for Canada Post Corporation. As well, he served as House Leader in the House of Commons for three years. He retired from politics in 1993 after 21 years representing the constituents of Calgary Centre.
Following his retirement from politics in 1993, he served as Chairman of Bow Energy Resources, President and CEO of Wenzel Downhole Tools and served on numerous Boards of Directors. As well, he was named as the federal government’s chief negotiator on the devolution of the Northwest Territories. Harvie also enjoyed golfing in his spare time at the Pinebrook Golf and Country Club with the C Syndicate. As well he had many happy times golfing with Joan and friends at the Canmore Golf & Curling Club. Some of his most cherished moments were time spent with his four grandchildren: Caitlin, Jack, Alexander, and Ella.
Harvie was strong, loyal, admired and deeply loved. We will all miss him very much.
We would like to acknowledge all the medical staff who assisted Harvie throughout his illness. And a special thank you to Bonnie Emmerson, RN for her support and kindness.
A Memorial Service will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W. Calgary, AB) on Monday, October 29, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of Harvie and Joan’s favourite charities, the Children’s Hospital Aid Society (CHAS) (www.chascalgary.ca) or to Foothills Country Hospice Society (www.countryhospice.org) in appreciation for the wonderful care and compassion they provided us.
In living memory of Harvie Andre, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403)243-8200
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Offer Condolence for the family of The Honourable Harvie Andre, PC
Joan
I offer my sincere condolences
Beverley Bushell
Peter
To you and your family, my thoughts and prayers are with you
Cheyne
Lauren,
Sincere condolences to you and your family. I will keep you in my prayers.
Lee-Anne
I have very fond memories of “Minister Andre” while we worked together on Parliament Hill from 1987 to 1990. I offer my deepest sympathy and compassion to your family.
My condolences and prayers go out to the family. I will always cherish the time I worked for the Calgary Centre riding on behalf of Harvie. An incredible man, a great person, an experience never to be forgotten.
A great loss; this memorable man was one of the all-time all-stars. Condolences to Joan and the rest of the family.
Andre Family,
I offer my sincere condolences to you for your loss. I started my career working for Harvie 20 years ago. His life positively impacted many Canadians and I am one of them.
Rest in Peace Harvie … It was a pleasure to work with you at ArcticGas Resources Limited … You took pity on a Texas southern girl freezing in -40C weather and brought me your beloved Joan’s winter coat so i would stay warm !!
Gretchen Hall
Bellaire, TX USA
Joan and Family,
We are deeply saddened to hear of Harvie’s passing. We have such fond memories of him while pushing through Arcticgas Resources during the time period of 1998 to 2003 in Calgary. May his memory be a comfort to you. He was a remarkable man and collegue.
Forrest E. Hoglund
Dr. Bruce Hall
M. Barton Baker
Dear Joan,
Cindy and I want to express our sincere condolences to you and your family. I worked with a great many Ministers over many years of public service and Harvey was the very best and brightest. It is an honour to have been associated with him.
Mark Daniels
Am very sorry to read about Harvie, a friend and colleague in 1984-88. We served in Brian’s cabinet together. I was always impressed with the depth of his interests and knowledge. He was a man of principle and his commitment to Canada was profund. It was an honour to serve with him—- My deepest sympathy to Joan & family.. Stewart McInnes Halifax
Lauren,
Our sincere condolences to you and your family at this time. Your father remains a role model for so many.
Erin and Mike Roulston
Joan,
We offer our sincere condolences to you, Coryn, Lauren and Peter. As neighbours we shared many good times with you all. We always thought of Harvie as a true and honest minister and representative of the people of Canada. He will be missed.
Dear Joan, Coryn, Lauren, Peter and family,
We are so very sorry to hear of Harvie’s passing. I will always think of his impish grin and laugh, his passion for making Canada the best it could be (which inspired my father to join him in politics) and the wonderful family unit you shared. Thinking of you all with love.
Terri (Hawkes), Jeff, Alexa and Jake
We would like to express our sincere condolences to Joan and her family. Having served with Harvie in parliament I can echo the statements that he was a strong defender of Albertans. He will be sadly missed by all.
Bill and Dwina Wright
Joan and family I am so saddened to learn of your loss. I had the honour and privilege of being a member of Harvie’s amazing Hill team in the late 80′s & 90s. I admired and learned from his intellect, integrity and kind and humble heart. Jodi
I served on Harvie’s Constituency Assn Board for a number of years and remain friends with many people who I met at the time. I enjoyed working with and learning from him. Those were exciting times and he represented Calgary Centre extremely well. You should be proud. My condolences to the whole family.
Dearest Joan, Coryn, Lauren and Peter,
How fondly I remember the many years on the Hill as a member of Harvie’s staff. In subsequent years the golf games at Pinebrook, Silvertip and Stewart Creek generated equally fond moments. I loved that man as a friend and mentor. We are all fortunate to have been a part of his life.
Gary Billyard Merida
Dear Joan, Coryn, Lauren and Peter.
I was shocked and saddened to receive the news that Harvey had passed away at such a young age. Memories came flooding back of the almost 15 years we spent together on “The Hill”. I had the pleasure and honour of travelling with Harvey on many Government trips and we always had such a wonderful time together. We worked on Cabinet Committees together, we played golf and he was one I could always count on to give the Western perspective on any issue. I can’t get West for the celebration on his life on Monday but want you to know that I will be thinking of you and remembering you in my prayers. Canada has lost one it’s best persons. He will be sorely missed. You will have wonderful memories to sustain you throught this difficult time. My love is sent to you through tears of sadness for the loss of Harvey and of joy for having the priveledge of knowing and working with him for so many years.
Harvie made the world a better place to be in. His love of people, his belief in them and his incredible moral standards lead him to treat all people as he himself would want to be treated. He made a difference in this world we live in. My family and I are some one of the ones he helped and will forever be in his debt.
Dear Joan
My sincere condolences to you and your family. My thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow. Joyce Laidlaw
Sincere condolences on Harvie’s passing. He was a great man who lived a generous and significant life. He will be greatly missed by his business family as well as his own family. Sending our thoughts and prayers – Brian Gilmore
I was saddened to hear of Dr. Harvie Andre’s passing this past Sunday, October 21st. Beginning with his appointment as federal Chief Negotiator for NWT devolution in 2006, Dr. Andre’s honest and straightforward negotiation style contributed to the development of the Northwest Territories Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement-in-Principle, which was signed in 2011.
Unfortunately, health considerations prevented him from continuing in his capacity as federal Chief Negotiator. The Government of the Northwest Territories continues to negotiate a final Devolution agreement which will give our residents control over, and benefits from, development of NWT resources and we remember Dr. Andre’s work towards this goal. It is with profound regret that we learn of his passing and offer our condolences to his family and friends.
Dear Joan & family,
We haven’t seen you and Harvie much over the last few years but thoroughly enjoyed your company at social events through politics, etc. Harvie had a reputation as being an excellent MP and Cabinet Minister. I’m sure he was diligent and conscientious about whatever he did. We offer our sincere condolences.
We were so sorry to hear that Harvie passed away. Please accept our heartfelt sympathies and sincere condolences.
Walter and Kathy Litvinchuk
It came as a shock to me to hear that my fraternity brother at Kappa Sigma passed away. we were at U of A at the same time and kept in touch over the years at our annual alumni golf tournament at wolf creek, he will be sorely missed by all of his frat brothers.
AEKDB
Bones
To all of Harvie’s family and friends, my heartfelt condolences on your incomparable loss.
Harvie was a good friend and true inspiration to me as a fellow student in engineering at the University of Alberta and most especially as a brother in Kappa Sigma. His huge talents, leadership abilities and propensity for hard work were clearly evident in those days. No surprise at all that Harvie lived such distinguished careers in both business and public service.
I remember him always and share his loss with you.
Roger Pretty
AEKDB
To the Andre Family; Please accept my deepest sympathy and heartfelt thoughts as you deal with the passing of the Honourable Harvie Andre, PC. I enjoyed many a conversation with him. I am sorry for your great loss
My very sincere condolences to Mr Andre’s family.
I worked for Mr Andre while he was the Government House Leader. While he was a fierce fighter in the House of Commons he knew when it was time to reach out to other parties and make a deal happen. To his credit he streamlined the House of Commons Standing Orders to make them more effective and user-friendly. I was very priviledge to be there and support him throughout this process.I will always have good memories of our morning strategy meetings and more so of our informal chats.
À nouveau mes très sincères condoléances
Luc morin
GHLO staff 1989 to 1991
Joan and family- my sincerest condolences on your loss.
Dear Joan, Coryn, Lauren and Peter
I’m not really sure what to say that can even begin to comfort you for your loss. Harvie was a great man and Canada really benefited from his many great contributions to public policy and to the education of so many. I feel so fortunate to have had such a great launch to my career, working for him taught me so much about leadership. I will always cherish the many battles we fought in the House and in the Senate. We also shared some great family dinners at Danford Lake. We are thinking of you.
Sheila and Rick Frame
Dear Joan, Cory, Lauren, and Peter:
I am sorry to learn of Harvies passing while out of town. We all shared many wonderful years and times in politics. He was a great Canadian and served the public with honor and imagination. Please know that I will be thinking of you all on Monday.
My sincere condolences, Bruce
Deaar Joan and family
I recall a luncheon with Harvie many years ago when we discussed whether he would take the risk of entering politics or stay with the security of a professorship. His choice benefited us all.
Joyce and I send our condolences
Dear Joan and family,
We are extremely sorry to hear of Harvie’s passing. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and will be truly missed. Our hearts go out to you and your family. We are all thinking about you and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
John, Cassie, Niki, Nola and Nancy Cherniwchan
I had lost touch with Harvie and was very saddened by his passing. I was his roommate in Ottawa in 1962 when we both worked for the National Research Council. We travelled Ontario and northern New York as well as attending the first Mariposa Folk Festival which was held in Orillia. I had nothing but respect and admiration for the man and offer the entire family my heartfelt sympathy and condolences
To the family of Harvie Andre.
I thank you for allowing Hon. Harvie Andre to express his passion for Canada through politics. Although I had never met him, I got to know Minister Andre through my Canadian Politics classes at the University of Lethbridge. Thus, I want to express my gratitude for his “defence of the West” and for the values he protected of his home province, Alberta. Through his life, we can remember and emulate his love for Alberta and Canada.
Sincerely,
Bill Chapman
Coaldale, Alberta
Joan
Thinking of you at this sad and difficult time.
With sympathy
Laurie
Joan, We are so sorry for your loss. Please accept our deepest sympathy,
Your cousins, Kathryn (Tait) Leonard and Janet (Tait) Maclean
To the family of Harvie Andre,
I had the honor of working with Harvie on the Hill in the late 80s. I appreciate to this day all the opportunities he gave me. He was a true leader.
With sympathy,
Linda Scales