July 27, 1929 - December 27, 2020
Mr. Andrew Oliver John 'Sonny' Chandler passed away at the Red Deer Hospice on Sunday, December 27, 2020 at the age of 91 years. Sonny was born in Melbourne, Australia on July 27, 1929, to parents John and Olive Chandler.
He led a rough-and-tumble early life, becoming Wendigo Boxing Champion in 1947, before leaving Australia to travel the world. He arrived in Canada in 1956, and lived in various parts of the country before settling in Calgary, in the early 1960s.
Here, he met and married Marva Mae Chandler (neé Shortt). They would remain together until his passing. Sonny distinguished himself as a tenacious worker, in many fields.
In his travels, he worked as a truck driver, a cook, professional SCUBA Diver, and as an Industrial Painter, and finally established a career in construction. Sonny took part in scaffolding jobs all over Western Canada; including northern projects in the Fort McMurray Region and others in northeast British Columbia and the Yukon Territory.
After nearly three decades in Southern Alberta, Sonny and Marva relocated to Ucluelet, BC; where he was finally able to indulge his passion for sailing. Even after retirement, he continued to put in considerable work on their seaside home.
In recent years, they relocated one last time to the Red Deer, Alberta Region. Sonny made many friends along the way, with his quick wit and easy smile, and he was beloved by many. His many friends knew him to be generous and always ready to help with a project.
Besides his human friends, he was a loving steward to dogs, cats, horses and even a goat. He cared deeply for animal welfare and helped to save and care for many four-legged friends in his life.
Sonny will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Marva, his son, Brett and his daughter, Carry. Sonny was predeceased by his parents, his sons, Lee and Kevan and a sister, Lila.
There will be no Service for Sonny but the family thanks Parkland Funeral Home in Red Deer, for their assistance with final arrangements. If desired, Memorial Donations in Sonny's honor may be made directly to the Red Deer Hospice Society at www.reddeerhospice.com or to The Humane Society of Canada at www.humanesociety.com.
Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com
Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 - 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.
Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium