Andrew Carl Henderson
On Wednesday, October 26th, 2016, Andrew Henderson—an amazing human being and consummate artist—performed his final act. He was surrounded and supported with love, admiration and energy by his family, dear friends, and Maggie, his dog. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
Left to honour his memory are his parents, Kim & Donna Henderson; sisters Carling (Anthony & Axel), and Kayla (Jonallan & Annalise, Daniel, and Brynn); grandparents Herdis Lindblom; Ben & Irene Schmid; auntie Lois Lindblom; auntie Lori & uncle Ed Gawiak, cousins Nicole (Jeff & Delia) and Matthew; and many close friends who were like family.
Andrew’s journey started in Selkirk, Manitoba on September 26th, 1988. Growing up in nearby Clandeboye, he attended school in Selkirk where many of his lifelong friendships, and his love of language, theatre and the arts began. Andrew and his friends made many memories, started many traditions and threw an endless amount of parties at the Henderson family home—notably the annual ‘End of School’ homework burning parties, broom-and-cheeseball parties, birthdays, bonfires and many, many more. The family loved going on camping trips when Carling, Kayla and Andrew were small (so many burnt marshmallows!). As the kids grew older, the family traded the tents in for passports and travelled to Europe: a trip to visit relatives and friends in Denmark, a Christmas spent in Spain soaking in the language and culture, and ringing in the new year with wonderful friends in Austria! Andrew was a star at school—as well as the life of the party—and passionate about his school’s community. Highlights of Andrew’s time in elementary, junior high and high school were summer day camps at the Manitoba Theatre for Young People, camping trips to Albert Beach and a trip to France and Spain. He was involved in several theatre productions, wrote for the school newspaper and was an active member in the school’s GSA, organizing events such as a day of silence for LGBT awareness. His high school experience was capped with a French Immersion Diploma in 2006 and the stylish smoking jacket he wore to grad.
After graduation, Andrew was ready to start a new adventure! His flair for theatre and the arts inspired him to attend York University in Toronto, where he completed his Diploma of Fine Arts with Honours in 2011. While living in Toronto, Andrew adopted the motto “Work Hard, Play Hard”. He rented a place in the Village, embracing the spirit of openness and authenticity. This vibrant part of the city was the perfect backdrop for Andrew as he came into his own and made a splash in the community. His affinity for all things gold and beautiful earned him the name “Glamdrew”—and his glamourous, fabulous side finally got to come out and play! He had found a place where he could be the star of the show, and—of course—he had many adoring friends who loved to play the role the audience. He held many jobs where he could share his love of people and zest for life. He worked as a barista at his local coffee shop, serving up his bright smile, witty comments and kind words along with a hot cup of coffee. He stage-managed plays, concerts and fashion shows. He interned at Dancemakers, one of Toronto’s longest running dance companies. At one point, he was even hired as a ‘Party Enhancer’—paid to bring the party! Over the summers, he came home to Manitoba and worked as a blacksmith at Lower Fort Garry, a job that suited his social butterfly style and love for history perfectly. While at LFG, Andrew was known for his sunny personality, sharp sense of humour, impeccably styled costumes and his incredible ability to keep white pants clean while blacksmithing.
Along with his love for fashion, art, theatre and history, Andrew also had an ear for languages and passion for travel. His travel bug took him to Denmark, France, Spain, Austria, Australia, and Arizona. He even spent a full summer in Argentina, where he facilitated a community art project. His time in Argentina only deepened his love of arts and textiles, and here he collected a few treasured pieces for his growing collection of beautiful objects.
In July 2014, Andrew was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer, T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma. True to his nature, the diagnosis didn’t keep him down for long! He confronted his illness and in it, saw opportunity. He stopped holding himself back. He started dressing like every outing would be photographed by the paparazzi. He decided that every day was a day for glitter and champagne. He became more open about who he was, and what was important to him. Andrew had always believed in equality, and that all people are deserving of compassion and respect. His parties had always been inclusive and his social network was made up of people from all walks of life. But his diagnosis made him realize he needed to be more vocal and more visible, to take a stand against discrimination of all kinds— whether it was because of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. His activism drew words of both praise and hatred. With support from his family and in spite of direct threats of violence, Andrew attended Steinbach’s first PRIDE parade—dressed in his finest, with signs and glitter, to stand in solidarity with Steinbach’s LGBT community. His presence was notable, and the energy palpable. This would be just one of the many shining moments to come in his last months.
When Andrew was told that his prognosis was terminal, his purpose shifted to educating us all to live our best lives. He made it his mission to help people build new relationships with illness, death and grief. He was interviewed by local and national media about his prognosis, the realities of living with a terminal illness, and his decision to celebrate his death and remaining life in style. The coup de grace was his “living funeral” performance piece: Taking it to the Grave. During this piece, Andrew invited audience members to come into his circle and tell him a secret. Once the secret was shared, he and the sharer chose a symbol that Andrew got tattooed on his body—so he could take their secret to the grave. This act of sharing and tattooing symbolized honesty, the acceptance of pain and regret, and the way our burdens are eased when shared. The story of Andrew’s journey, his mission, and final performance was picked up by media outlets around the world. His words evoked powerful emotions and inspired life-changing moments in many.
Just a few short days after his performance, Andrew’s journey ended. He died as he lived: with purpose and passion, incredible courage, grace, and dignity—surrounded by laughter and love. But Andrew’s story is not over. His greatest hope was that his journey would inspire people to accept illness and death as an opportunity to make life even richer. To realize that love is love. To get over it and get on with it! So, in lieu of flowers, we encourage you to embrace your true self with boldness and without hesitation, to share yourself, your burdens and your joys with others… and to celebrate love, life and all it’s wonderful, messy, amazing moments.
“Andrew laughed harder, loved harder, dressed better… and glowed fiercer.”
The family extends sincere thanks and gratitude to the doctors, nurses and medical aid assistants of CancerCare Manitoba and the Selkirk General Hospital for their professional and compassionate care.
Andrew’s service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 2nd, 2016 in the Gilbart Funeral Home, 309 Eveline Street in Selkirk, Manitoba. If Andrew has touched your life in some way and you are a better human for it, consider yourself an Honorary Pallbearer.
In lieu of flowers, on Andrew’s behalf, the family encourages you to embrace your true self with boldness and without hesitation, to share yourself, your burdens and your joys with others, to celebrate love, life and all it’s wonderful, messy, amazing moments. If not, donate blood – someone needs it.
Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Andrew Carl Henderson – 2016.source

avis deces Andrew Carl Henderson – 2016- avis mortuaire Andrew Carl Henderson – 2016