Obituaries

From the Book of Genesis, it is written that on the seventh day God would rest from all his work. Therefore, it is fitting that on Sunday, February 26, 2023, our loving husband, father and grandfather, Andrew (Andy) Joseph Tarr Sr., passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at the age of 93 years. Andy had a deep faith, reciting the rosary daily, like his mother Vilma before him. A principled man, he was kind, compassionate, and generous. He would give you the shirt off his back and then some, apologizing that he could not give more. More of a traditionalist, he believed a person’s integrity was upheld with a handshake and one’s word. Andy lived his life, and up until his passing, instilling in his children that they should always ‘stick together no matter what’, ‘forgive and forget’ and to ‘let bygones be bygones’.

Dad loved and cared deeply, nothing was more important to him then his wife Betty of 65.5 years and his 7 children. He remained a devoted husband and father until his last day. For Dad to leave us, he needed to know, and hear, that we would all be fine without him. That we would all do everything we could to take care of Mom and stay united as a family. This was his right of passage.

Dad had a strong work ethic. A hard worker, everything he did, he did to perfection. Whether that was when he was farming, sowing the seeds and reaping the harvest or tending to his beloved animals, including our dogs and cats; he often said farm life was the best life. There was nothing better than a 4:30 a.m. start to the day, whether getting out on the land or doing his chores tending to the livestock. Later in life, he built Andy’s Licensed Dining Room; it was a successful business. He and Betty worked tirelessly for over a decade serving the plentiful loyal customers of Lestock, SK and the surrounding communities. Many people travelled miles to enjoy the wonderful food Betty prepared and the service with a smile they received from Andy.

Andy was proud of his children. When one of his children walked in the room, they knew it. When at a celebration or event, he would wave one or all his children over and proudly introduce them. What he may not have realized at the time; we were all as equally proud of him. He was an amazing man and father. Those who knew him, or those who may have only met him on occasion, would be hard pressed to find an unkind word to say about him. When engaging with Andy, one immediately experienced his warmth, kindness and integrity. In his presence, he had a way of making everyone feel important and special.

Dad was a talented musician and his music touched many, many lives. Over 8 decades of playing music, he played at several celebrations that were for many of the same families, celebrating their weddings, and then later playing for their milestone anniversaries and birthdays, eventually playing at many of these individual’s funerals.

Dad was often called to play his violin at multiple parishes throughout the province. Dad had a great sense of community and loved the fellowship that came along with that. Andy gladly served, and proudly played his violin in the choir at his beloved Our Lady of Peace Roman Catholic Parish. One of the highlights after church was the fellowship with the parishioners and then it was off to the Hungarian Club for homemade chicken soup.

An equally important aspect to Andy’s life was his Hungarian heritage. Dad was infamous in the Hungarian community for his love and dedication to the preservation of the Hungarian customs, including the traditional music and hymns. Over the years, Dad was invited to play for many celebrations and events in the Hungarian community, often playing at the funerals for numerous relatives and friends honoring the tradition of following the casket while he played. It was not uncommon for Dad to call up a few of his musician friends to come over to the house and play for a few hours in his living room or outside on his deck.

Over the last 6 years of Dad’s life, he lived with cancer and lived was the way to say it. He was not fighting cancer; he was living with cancer. Right from the onset of the diagnosis he was ready to take it on. He learned about it and immediately commenced with taking immunotherapy treatments every two weeks up until November of 2022. Many times, Dad was hospitalized for various side-effects of his treatment, or due to the progression of the disease, even ending up in the ICU twice, but with his determination, perseverance, positivity and strength, he always defied the odds and made it back to his beloved home.

Andy lived a full and beautiful life, never taking anything for granted. Even with his illness he was busier than many. He persevered and always made time for his family, friends, his music, his faith and the many ethnic communities he proudly served. He lived with cancer never believing it would overcome him, but in the last month of his life he grew weary. He often acknowledged that he had lived a good full life. How he persevered was not for the faint of heart. Dad always said the good Lord will know when it is my time, followed by saying ‘it’s a great life, if you don’t weaken’.

We love you Dad. Rest in Peace and may perpetual light shine upon you. We take great comfort knowing you are now reunited with Andy Jr. From all your chicks in the henhouse; Mom, Don, Lorne, Debbie, Gary, Della, Jason, Draeden, Kyler and Kainin, we love you to the moon and back, now, and forever. Minden jót kívánva!

A Roman Catholic Funeral Mass and Celebration will be held in Regina later this year. Once date is determined announcements will be made on social media and in the Leader Post. In lieu of flowers, gifts or food, please make donations to the Allan Blair Cancer Clinic in Regina, SK or to the Regina Humane Society Inc. on behalf of Dad’s beloved Dalmatian George.