The community is mourning the loss of a local Port Lambton teenager, who died tragically in a fire in Windsor earlier this week.
Andrew Kraayenbrink was 19-years-old.
The second-year engineering student at the University of Windsor will be remembered by his mother and father Jennifer (Verbeek) and Larry Depooter, his grandparents Catherine Verbeek and the late Marius Verbeek, and Peiter and Annie DePooter, along with his siblings Kaitlyn, Aaron and Arie.
“He had so many God given gifts, talents and strengths that he was able to use to live a beautiful life that impacted others,” stated his obituary.
Kraayenbrink’s mother Jennifer posted an emotional statement on social media on the day of her son’s death.
“Today is the most painful day in our family’s life,” she wrote.
“We lost our son in a tragic house fire early this morning. He was living in a home close to the University of Windsor with five other students. Our son Andrew did not make it out of the house. We are asking for your prayers for Larry and I and Andrew’s siblings. Our hearts are utterly devastated. We know Andrew loved the Lord with all his heart and he is now resting in the arms of our Lord. Please pray for our family as we grieve the loss of this most precious and beautiful life, our son and brother. Our sorrow will never be gone. The Lord is our refuge and our strength.”
The investigation is on-going into the tragic blaze.
Many people in the community have shared their memories of Kraayenbrink online.
“Andrew will be greatly missed by all that had the pleasure to know him,” wrote Ryan Ebre, on an online condolences page set up for Kraayenbrink. “He was a fine young man as a student and valued member of the Tartan football program during his years at WDSS.”
“I had the pleasure of teaching Andrew at WDSS and found him to be a gentle and intelligent young man who carried himself daily with integrity,” wrote Drew Sydorko. “He made teaching enjoyable. My condolences to the family and all of his friends. May the many memories of Andrew give you strength in the following weeks.”
“He was always there for his classmates and was always a bright light in the classroom,” wrote Brent Campbell. “He was a leader to his peers and a leader in his community.”
“The entire University of Windsor community has been deeply touched by this tragic event,” wrote Alan Wildeman, president and vice-Chancellor at the University of Windsor. “Andrew left a cherished mark on the lives of all who knew him, a mark that will forever endure.”
Kraayenbrink’s family will receive friends at Emmanuel Baptist Church, located at 100 McNaughton Ave. W. in Chatham, on Friday, October 28, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
His funeral will take place at Emmanuel Baptist Church, on Saturday, October 29, at 1 p.m.
