POCHYLKO
Andy
1935 - 2012
With heartfelt sadness, the family of Andy Pochylko of Red Deer advises that Andy passed away quietly and peacefully at his home on March 13, 2012 at the age of 77 years. Andy was born at Fenn, Alberta on February 15, 1935 to Steve and Mary Pochylko. His early school years were at the Aunger School. In 1947, his parents bought the farm the family would own for 50 years near Union Hall, where he completed his schooling. In 1955 he married Evelyn Goertzen. Three boys were born in succession, '56, '57 and '58. Andy and Evelyn worked hard, raised the boys and in 1963 built a new house amongst some trees just north of the original farmstead. Andy was a progressive farmer and thinker and built a highly successful feedlot and cattle buying business through the late 60's to the early 80's. In 1981 he packed his bags and moved himself and Evelyn to Stettler, leaving the oldest and youngest sons to run the farm. Andy always had an entrepreneurial mind and spirit. He kept the cattle buying business going and entered into the car sales business with his middle son. The "Auto Hut" was both a great joy and huge pain at the same time. After the economy shift in '81, he chose to move on from this business & help his family friend get started on his own small business, (an oil field tank truck), and Doug's Tank Truck Service was born. The two partners built the company to several tank units and a hot oil unit. In the mid '80's he bought another small farm north of Stettler and he and Evelyn back to the country. After a few years of farming in the new world of agriculture, and tiring of trucks and cattle buying, Andy was once again on the move. This time he and Evelyn moved to Red Deer. On a whim he bought a 5 ton truck from Beaver Lumber in Calgary, drove it home and quickly resold it. He turned this hobby into what is today known as "Andy's Truck Sales" located in Gasoline Alley South Red Deer. Throughout Andy's years his willingness to support and provide for his family brought him many successes. He was always there for a young person with an idea and lots of desire, and offered a helping hand to many. He always believed in the philosophy "you get by giving". Andy leaves behind a great family legacy in his wife Evelyn, his sons Richard (Gail) Pochylko, Lorence (Cherie) Pochylko and John Pochylko. He has four grandsons, Steve Pochylko, Scott Pochylko, Matthew (Chelsea) Pochylko, and Lucas Pochylko and one granddaughter, Rozalyn (Blake) Vickery. Andy also has one great grandson and one great granddaughter, Dylan and Gabrielle Vickery and one great grandson due for arrival in early June. He is also survived by his brothers Bill and Don Pochylko, brothers in law Gordon, Glen and Garnet Goertzen and sisters in law Elna, Kay and Jacqui Goertzen and Sondrh B Lea, along with numerous nephews and nieces. Andy's grandchildren were his biggest joy. He exhibited patience and understanding with them and even though he is no longer here, we already know he has impacted the future. Andy epitomized a strong work ethic, honesty, fairness and generosity. He will be greatly missed. In memory of Andy, donations to S.T.A.R.S. Foundation, 1441 Aviation Park NE, Box 570, Calgary, Alberta, T2E 8M7 are greatly appreciated. A funeral service will be held from the chapel of CrossRoads Church, 38105 Range Road 275, Red Deer County, Alberta on Monday, March 19, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Richard Duffin officiating. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements in care of Joelle Valliere, Funeral Director at
PARKLAND FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM,
6287 - 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.