Obituary of Andrew (Andy) Hiebert

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Andrew (Andy) Hiebert on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at the age of 93.

He is survived by his children Cynthia (Simon), Valerie (Brent), Shelley (Hal), and Patrick (Joyce); nine grandchildren Kate (Shayne), Melissa (Calvin), Jordan (Sarah), Sharla (Gene), Sarey (Zorian), Nathan (Amanda), Jenna, Brenley (Josh), and Riana; and 11 great-grandchildren Ryland, Gideon, Sydney, Briar, Luca, Izaak, Eli, Alexis, Evelyn, Molly, and Olivia. He also is survived by brother Jac and sister Doris. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Bettie, his parents, Peter and Maria Hiebert, and siblings Kaye, Ed, Marie, Peter, John, Dave, Anne, and Bill. He also is survived by many people who loved him dearly.

Andy was born on April 1, 1930, on the family farm south of Niverville, MB. One of 11 children, his mother died when he was seven, struck by lightning in the yard. Part of the middle of the pack in the family, he was close to his father and left school at 14 to work by his father’s side. He thought the family farm was his working destiny but he found his true calling when he got his first job in sales in 1957. In 1960, Andy began working for Brooks Equipment, selling front end loaders in the summer and a new toy, called a snowmobile, during the winter. The early years of his sales career often took him on the road from Monday to Friday but when he retired in 1995, he was president of the company. Andy was highly respected in the snowmobile industry. Not bad for a guy with a grade eight education.

Andy met Bettie Kehler in 1954 and her mother, Susanna Kehler, was not crazy about this 24 year old man dating her 16 year old daughter. Over time, Andy became one of her favourites. Bettie sometimes thought her mother loved him more than her! They were married on September 8, 1956.

Four children blessed their union: Cynthia, Valerie, Shelley, and Patrick. Andy’s job took them from Niverville, to two different homes in Brandon, to St. Vital, to Southdale, and eventually to a farm in Ile des Chenes, MB, bought in 1972. Andy and Bettie farmed for 25 years with Bettie running operations and Andy working the land evenings, weekends, and holidays. Patrick regularly was by his side, taking time off from school to help, just as Andy had done with his father.

Bettie was the love of his life. She thought he was the handsomest man in the world, something that made Andy roll his eyes. Their home was filled with love, laughter, and lots of good food and family. The farm was sold in 1997 and the process of giving it up was the subject of a Country Canada episode on CBC TV. They moved back to Niverville where their marriage had begun. Having a farm changed into having a big yard with gardens and a workshop where Andy turned out bird houses and blanket stands. When they moved from the house to a 55-plus suite at Silver Courts, Andy took over the small flower plots the neighbours weren’t using and was very proud of the beauty created by his hands and nature’s bounty. He put up birdhouses and Andy and Bettie loved to sit in the sunporch, watching the birds devour seeds scattered on the sidewalk outside their sunroom door. Bunnies and squirrels also were welcome.

Andy loved to cook and took over preparing most meals after they sold the farm, much to Bettie’s relief. Her favourite spread was whatever he wanted to make. His roast beef and gravy, and roast chicken and gravy, were family favourites and the centerpieces of many gatherings.

A man of deep faith, Andy and Bettie joined the United Church of Canada when they married and supported the church throughout their lives. He served in various positions in the churches and parishes they attended. Largely self-educated, he was often called on to lead services at Niverville United Church when the minister wasn’t available and spent much time crafting his sermons. Valerie frequently was his faithful pianist on those occasions.

The last several years were difficult for Andy. His health took a few hard turns that he didn’t expect and his diminished physical strength sapped some of his spirit. It broke his heart when he could no longer garden. It was a shock when Bettie predeceased him on September 14, 2023. The family derives comfort knowing they are together again. Maybe Andy is doing a paint-by-numbers while Bettie crochets and they watch curling.

One of Andy’s passions was the Hiebert Heritage Cemetery at the original homestead and he spent many hours devoted to its preservation and enhancement. Andy and Bettie were both cremated and will be interred there together.

The family thanks the kind and generous staff, doctors, nurse practitioners, and health care aides at St. Pierre Medical Centre and Heritage Life PCH who helped him maintain a comfortable life for the last several years.

Cremation has taken place.

The memorial service will be held on Monday, March 4, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at the Niverville Heritage Event Centre, Niverville, MB.

If you wish, donations in Andy’s memory can be made to the Hiebert Heritage Cemetery Fund c/o Patrick Hiebert.