April 4, 1989
June 28, 2025
Andrew was born in London, Ontario on April 4, 1989. From day one Andrew had the heart and commitment of a warrior. When he was born he came out like Superman, one fist above his head. If he watched a movie, he would become the hero warrior. He dressed as many different characters; at one point his character was Zorro and he would come sliding down the stairs, sword in hand, and would do it with such speed, he would often make people who walked in the front hall jump with fright, much to his delight!
Throughout his life Andrew was fun-loving, had a great sense of humour, was committed, loyal and tenacious. He developed many life-long friendships all over the world. When Andrew was in the room, you knew he was there, quiet was not in his vocabulary and he most certainly did not know how to whisper. However, he always filled the room with joy and a sense of safety. To his family he was an incredible son and brother who loved, honoured and respected his Mum and Dad, and loved his sister and brother deeply. Whether watching movies, like the Princess Bride, or going on adventures like long road trips or vacations, Andrew’s sense of humour combined with his brother and sister would fill the room or the car with laughter. His parents loved the surprise of him suddenly and secretly arriving at the family home for a visit, completely out of the blue, with a big grin on his face.
Andrew had an amazing way with young children. Andrew would often be found on the floor at family events playing with his nieces and nephews. They would be so engaged in their time with Uncle Andrew. Although it was never quiet, there was always a lot of laughter, screaming and just general happiness. With animals he also had a way; they were just drawn to him, whether wild or a pet.
Andrew loved sports. He played football, soccer and hockey. He was so talented individually but really enjoyed the team aspect of sports. For all his sports, he adopted the jersey number 25. Later, he took what he had learned from coaches that he loved and respected, like coach Jay, and used his talents to coach minor football. Some of those he helped coach went on to professional sports.
Andrew’s heart beat for adventure and the outdoors. He loved camping under the stars, hiking wild trails, hunting, scuba diving, cliff jumping, and body surfing down rivers and if there was a lake, he was in it, no matter how freezing cold it was! If there was a boat, he was on it (or hanging off the back of it, grinning from ear to ear). If there was a race car, he’d drive it as fast as he could. And if he’d ever had the chance, I know he would’ve jumped out of a plane without thinking twice. He just loved living, chasing every thrill and soaking up every bit of beauty this world had to offer.
After graduating from South Collegiate Institute (High school) with honours, he attended Western University and joined the fraternity Delta Upsilon where he proudly served as chapter president, receiving support and leadership training through the fraternity. Andrew worked hard to pay for his tuition; he enjoyed his time working in a restaurant, in construction and working in landscaping for the Parks and Recreation Department.
Andrew moved to Edmonton, Alberta, where he worked in landscaping. He enjoyed working in the trades; he excelled at it. There was no problem he faced that he could not overcome. While Andrew accepted Jesus as his Saviour and was baptized when he was eleven, he also experienced a spiritual awakening in Edmonton, attending a young adults Bible study, again developing many close friends. In 2014, Andrew met Lorissa the love of his life, and she loved him just the same. They fell fast and hard and just knew they were perfect for each other. They even shared the same birthday just one of many little signs that they were exactly where they were meant to be. Andrew moved to Lethbridge, Alberta to be close to Lorissa, and together they built a life full of adventures, laughter, and the simple, quiet moments that meant everything. Lorissa introduced Andrew to what became their favourite place, Waterton Lakes National Park, a place that holds so many of their best memories. When Lorissa told Andrew she’d always dreamed of being engaged at an Irish castle, Andrew found a way to make it come true. On August 1, 2014, on the roof of the Middlesex County Building in London, Ontario built like an Irish castle, Andrew asked Lorissa to spend forever with him. They later visited the real Irish castle on their honeymoon through Europe, just one of many adventures they’d share, hand in hand. On May 29, 2015, they said “I do” in their favourite place, Waterton, surrounded by the beauty they both loved so much. Andrew loved Lorissa with all of his everything. He wasn’t showy with his love, he loved fiercely and quietly, in all the little everyday ways that matter most. He treated Lorissa with so much love, respect, and admiration. He made sure she always knew he was there for her, no matter what. To Lorissa, he was the best husband in the world, he truly treated her like royalty and made her feel so deeply cherished every single day. In 2016, Andrew became the proud father of Leah. He could not wait to get home from work and play with her. He proudly shared every development from crawling, walking, to talking. Leah loved her Dad picking her up and throwing her on the bed and then tickling her. She loved the times he took her swimming at the Y and they would have races down the water slide. Daddy persuaded Leah to go on the roller coaster and the log ride and also taught her that even if she was scared of something, she could still overcome it.
In 2018, Andrew became the proud father of Kinsley. Daddy taught Kinsley to love animals and bugs. She loved rough-housing with him and she would climb all over him. Daddy also enjoyed trying to scare Kinsley by driving fast over the hills on the way to Red Rock making her feel “weightless”. Nevertheless, she always felt secure when Daddy was around.
In 2019, Andrew became the proud father of Aria. Daddy always made her feel safe and secure. She loved playing “Werewolf Hide and Seek”. She would love to hide in the dark with her sisters only to have Daddy come with a flashlight and find them and then growl like a wolf. Aria and her sisters would scream, but they knew it was only Daddy and he would protect his girls if it was a real wolf!
Whether it was pushing the girls around in a laundry basket like it was a car, reading stories, carrying them on his shoulders, listening to their stories, chasing them or just being present for them, Andrew was an amazing dad, who instilled a love for God, a zest for life and lots of love in his girls.
Andrew was blessed to work at Exteriors by Leroy and Darcy as an Estimator. He excelled in every position he held and was given the opportunity to grow. He loved going to work everyday! The team at Exteriors was really a second family that Andrew was so proud of being a part of. Darcy was a great friend and offered unwavering support throughout Andrew’s battle.
Andrew was a true warrior and when diagnosed with cancer fought it with courage and unwavering faith. He documented his journey on social media to encourage others in their faith journey with Jesus and was faithful to always give glory to God. Andrew was blessed to have people supporting him from all over the world. So many prayed for him, reached out to him, and stopped by just to sit, pray, and be with him. In the last month he had some of the guys from City Light Church come each day to pray and take communion. Visitors would often say they left more encouraged than when they came because Andrew’s faith was so real and so contagious. During his last weeks, he was never alone; and by his side, every single moment, was his wife, who never left him, standing by him through it all. He was so grateful for her unwavering love and care.
He fought so valiantly and never once gave up, he gave it his all and fought every single day to stay. Though he was never ready to leave, he is now with Jesus, held in perfect love. We will miss him forever here.
Andrew is survived by his beloved wife, Lorissa Hayward; his precious daughters, Leah Elizabeth, Kinsley Joanne, Aria Grace; his parents, Martin and Elizabeth Hayward; and his parents-in-law, Trevor and Siglinde Hoffmann; and Charity Procee. He is also survived by his sister, Ashley (Mark) Graham and their children Jack and Florrie; his brother, Ben (Morgan) Hayward and their children Elsie and Emmett; his sister-in-law Naomi (Justin) Skriver and their children Kaitlyn and Alexis; his brothers-in-law, Ryan (Bailee) Procee and their children Nevaeh, Jerzee, Lyric, and Liv; Aaron (Elizabeth) Procee and their children Liam and Nora; Caleb Hoffmann; and Jachin Hoffmann. As well, Andrew is survived by his grandad, Anthony Hayward; his nana, Jennifer Silverthorne; grandma-in-law, Deanna Hoffmann; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was predeceased by his father-in-law, John Procee; his grandmas, Christa Hayward and Christina Sheldon; his grandmas-in-law Joanne Sawilla and Tina Procee; his grandad, Barry Silverthorne; and his grandpas-in-law, Elias Sawilla, John Procee Sr., and Connard Hoffmann.
Andrew’s legacy of love, joy, and faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be forever loved and deeply missed.
A Celebration to honor Andrew’s life will be held at One Life Church, 501 – 40th Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 1:00 pm with Pastor Doug Shimoda from City Light Church officiating. The Celebration of life will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Andrew’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the go fund me that has been set up to help support his wife and their three young daughters during this most incredibly difficult time. https://gofund.me/f32b7a2f
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