EYKELENBOOM
Corporal Andrew James
A caring and compassionate individual was killed in action with the Canadian Armed Forces, while serving his country as a medic in Afganistan. Andrew is survived and will be dearly missed by his parents Hans and Maureen; brothers Steven John (Shannon) and Gordon Edward (Fiona) as well as nephews Caeden and Neil and his aunts and uncles.
Andrew was a medic with the 1st field ambulance corps who will not see his 24th birthday. His mission in life has always been to help people and he believed that the best way to do this was to learn the craft of a lifesaver and join a cause he believed in.
Even with as great a mission as to help others he still found time to enjoy the life he was given whether it was hanging out with friends, camping, fishing, snowboarding or surfing. All of which still involved his mandate by educating the people he was around with the ideals of care and good deeds.
Unfortunate for his family and friends, he has left a gapping hole in our lives.
Andrew’s feelings about his work were summarized in this email sent to his parents on July 5, 2006.
“Hi Mom and Dad;
Well, I finally got the picture you have been waiting for. About two weeks ago a little girl brought her infant sister to the UMS while I was on duty. she had 2nd degree burns on her hand from touching a kettle. I bandaged her hand and after gave a doll that friend made to her. She instantly stopped crying and started sucking on the nose of the doll. A special thanks goes from her older sister to your friend for such a wonderful gift; and a thanks from me for being the one to accept her gratitude. Making the childreb happy is the most rewarding thing about this tour.”
Andrew’s funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 19th at 1:00pm from COMOX PENTECOSTAL CHURCH under the direction of COMOX VALLEY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORIUM, with Pastor Dave Postal officiating. Interment will follow at Courtenay Civic Cemetery. In Andrew’s memory, a fund is in the process of being developed to support Afgan women and children that have been victimized by the Taliban. For further details, please contact meyk@telus.net.