Obituary of Andrea Kierulf

Kierulf, Andrea Irene (Poulin) 1940 - 2014 It is with deep sadness that we mourn Andrea’s death on Monday September 22, 2014, at the Ottawa General Hospital, after a brief but determined battle with cancer. Sharing in this loss are her immediate family : her sister Carolyn Crowley ; her three sons and their families : Frederick (Del and Haakon), Keith (Kerry and Norah), and Charles (Ellen, Alastair and Gavin) ; her sister-in-law Tory (Julian) ; her nieces and nephews ; and all of her friends in North Lancaster and beyond. Andrea was born in Hamilton and grew up in Vineland where she developed a deep and life-long passion and affinity for horses. She trained as an accountant and held many senior positions in various firms over the years - McAlpine Construction in Toronto, Chamco Industries in Vancouver, and the Canadian Olympic Committee in Montreal - but she always joked that she worked to support her ‘habit’, which was her horses. In 1973 Andrea married her soul-mate - Haakon. Together, Andrea and Haakon pursued their shared passions - horses and sailing - and when they weren't off showing horses they were busy honing their skills on the water (Albacore Class) at RCYC, Six Mile Lake, and multiple trips to the World Albacore Championships in Florida where they were top-of-class competitors. In the early 80’s Andrea and Haakon moved to Vancouver and they moved again 10 years later to St. Lazare, where Andrea quickly became fully engaged in the local equestrian scene. Over the years Andrea had many horses and she loved them all but it was her ‘baby’ - Gretzky (Galileo) - who had the biggest impact on her life and career. Andrea and Gretzky trained each other very well and in the 90’s they were a formidable team on the Dressage circuit, winning many top-level competitions in Canada and the United States. In 2002 Haakon died and then in 2009 Andrea sold the house in St Lazare and moved to, and renovated, her new home in North Lancaster. Here, for the first time, she was able to have Gretzky at home under her direct care and the two of them, along with the ever-present dog Duff, had two wonderful years together. Andrea was a strong-willed, independent, and determined woman with very keen business acumen and a deep-seated love for her animals, family, and friends. She will be missed by all who knew her. Our thanks to the Oncology and Palliative Care teams at Ottawa General for their care and dedication, the CCAC nurses who provided care and support in the home, and to all of the family and friends who collectively worked together to ensure Andrea did not suffer these last few months.