Mr. Joseph Jacques Andre (Andy) St. Jean, 74 years of Thunder Bay, Ontario passed away peacefully on Friday, February 11, 2022, at Hogarth Riverview Manor in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Andy was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He grew up in St. Anne, Manitoba where his grandparents owned and operated a large farm. Andy had fond memories of the farm and how his uncle would take him horseback riding.
In June of 1957, the family moved to Red Rock. He did not speak English, so he had to learn quickly before school started in the fall. At the age of seventeen, Andy started working at Domtar where his dad worked. He retired from the mill as a foreman in the finishing room after thirty-eight years and worked part time at Hagi Transit. He loved fast cars and he had a passion for hockey. He also had motorcycles and snowmachines. In retirement he enjoyed riding his motorcycle, meeting friends and family for coffee and playing golf. When he was growing up in St. Anne, his godfather from Montreal bought him a pair of skates. He spent countless hours skating on the river. This was the beginning of his lifelong love of hockey. He played hockey in Red Rock up to and including junior then commercial league and old timers. He coached minor hockey and commercial league over the years winning championships. He was also involved in the men’s fastball league. He was an avid Philadelphia Flyers fan. In retirement he enjoyed watching his grandkids play hockey. He had an infectious laugh and a great smile.
Predeceased by his parents-Juliette and Emilien St. Jean, by his brother Renald St. Jean, by his brother Roger St. Jean, by his brother Robert St. Jean, by his sister Yvonne St. Jean, by his sister Sandra Perreault, ; he is survived by his close friend-Anita Michelle, by two children-Andrew (Megan) St. Jean of Nipigon, Ontario and Todd (Sue) St. Jean of Thunder Bay, Ontario, by eight grandchildren-Kayla, Braiden, Madison, Jessyka, Morgan, Mackenzie, Tehya and Seth, by eight siblings-Dennis St. Jean of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Denise (Marty) St. Jean of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Cecile (Doug) Rydholm of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Suzanne (John) Kantola of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Pauline (Mel) St. Jean of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Irene (Terry)Winters of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Karen (James) McGuire of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Theresa (Dale) Crockett of British Columbia, by numerous nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.
According to Andy’s wishes cremation has taken place. There will be a celebration of life on Saturday, June 25. Time and location TBD. Arrangements are in the care of Sargent and Son Ltd., Thunder Bay.
