Gone too soon

We unexpectedly lost a very special family member. Andrzej (Andre) will be missed by so many people. He truly lived life. He loved an adventure and tried everything at least once. I already miss the sound of his laugh, he found humor in so many things.

I copied his obituary from the Herald since there is no way I could find the words to describe him. Also, check out the video at the bottom of Andre in flight.

Andrzej, I hope you are somewhere where you can fly to your hearts content. We love and miss you.

KOPEC , Andrzej Franciszek November 12, 1962 - October 29, 2009 Andrzej flew to a higher place on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 1:15 p.m. He was taken from us as a result of a tragic accident while hang gliding. Andrzej arrived in Canada in 1988 without any help and on his own. He taught himself English and one of his proudest moments was achieving his Canadian Citizenship in 1990. That same year he met Nancy, the love of his life, and her family became his beloved family in Canada. Andrzej has a wonderful family still in Zakopane, Poland, who he was in constant contact with. Andrzej brought his family to Canada, where they got to see and fully understand why he loved his new home so much. They were and remain very proud of his accomplishments. Andrzej excelled in everything he undertook. He achieved the status of Master Electrician in Canada and worked at a variety of companies. His latest position was at the Children's Hospital, where he loved going to work every day. His co-workers will miss his infectious smile and compassionate heart and nature. He loved his home town Zakopane, where as a young man, he excelled in all sports and mastered ski jumping. He also loved Candle Lake, Saskatchewan, the mountains and, most of all, Waikiki, Hawaii. Andrzej had a passion for life and lived every day to the fullest. He tried all of the trail riding and motocross sports, and was an excellent athlete, dancer, musician, and attempted to master surfing while in Hawaii. In June of this year, he discovered his ultimate passion and happiness in hang gliding. He instantly bonded with his friends Larry, Kevin, John, Ivan, plus others, and was having the time of his life when a tragic accident changed all of our lives forever. Andrzej leaves behind his family in Poland: mother and father, Zofia and Franciszek, sister Krystyna, brother-in-law Marek, and beloved niece and goddaughter Moniczka. Andrzej will be treasured and missed by his "sweety-hearty" of nineteen years, Nancy Chmilar, her children Burdine (Brian, Evelyn) Rex, Brentley (Jen, Eli), and Brandon. Her family Doreen and Marvin Peterson, Linda Michailuck, Burdine (Colin) Acheson, Lory (Jon) Ross-Hill, Bill (Joanne) Saggs, Dianne (Silver) Laverdiere, extended family and all of Andrzej's friends (including his four-legged friends) will all miss Andrzej dearly. There is a huge hole in our hearts and Andrzej will remain in our lives every day through our love and memories. His compassion, tenderness, sense of humour and love will hold steadfast. The following lines exemplify his passion and love for hang gliding: "When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return." Andrzej, my sweetheart, I love you so much and you are the love of my life. I know we will meet again.

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