Trot Insider has learned that longtime horseman Andy Deleersnyder (aka 'Tiger,' aka 'The Fonz') passed away on Friday, July 27 at the age of 76.
Loving husband to Kathy Dufour and cherished father to Cory (Victoria), Steven (Natasha), Louie (Crystal) and Lisa & Michael of Andy's first marriage to Lorraine Hebert. Proud Pepe to Nick, Michael, Taisean, Gage, Ethan, Madison, Mathew, Marc & John. Brother to Gus, Yvonne, Marguerite, Hank, Kathleen, Odile, Madeline and the late Louis. Predeceased by parents Arthur and Helen. Andy will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Andy was a proud member of the Standardbred Harness Racing for over 50 years. As a good friend said:
“’Invincible’ is the word that comes to my mind. He could clean more stalls, jog more miles, drink more beer and win more arguments than any horsemen alive. He had a rough edge, but a kind heart. When you needed a hand, Andy gave you two. When he drove at Leamington last year, this announcer gave him a big call, and he was only warming up! And now he’s been called again – to horseman heaven.”
The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the police, firemen, paramedics and the entire medical team at Windsor Regional Hospital for looking after Andy.
Visitation will be held at Victoria Greenlawn Funeral Home (1525 Hwy. #3, Oldcastle Ontario, N0R 1L0, 226-773-7671), on Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Visitation will continue on Friday, Aug. 3, 2018, from 10am until time of Chapel Service at 11 a.m.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Andy Deleersnyder.