Obituary of Andrew Lee Tankus

TANKUS, Andrew Lee in his own bed at home, as he wanted it; on Thursday, July 13th, in his 51 st year, after a long, valiant, and courageous battle with an inoperable brain tumour, with his mom and dad at his side. Andy was our remarkable hero; the treasured son of Shoshana-Rose and Dr William Klein; and brother of the late Sharon Storms (April 2, 2017) and uncle of Ashley, Michael, and Hannah Storms. Andy is survived by his step-sister Rachelle (Ricky Merovitz) Klein and family, and aunt Marion Klein of Montreal; aunt and uncle Anna (Ivan Lerner) Klein and cousins Jason (Sarah) and Stephen Lerner of Jerusalem, Israel; and by cousins in Israel. Andy was first diagnosed with brain cancer just before he turned 10, forty-one years ago. Although he was given a miniscule chance of survival, he miraculously came through repeated surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy. Thirty-nine years later, in July 2015, he developed a tumour in an inoperable location in his brain-stem. Again, Andy underwent more chemotherapy and radiation, until the cancer took over. Andy was a quiet, kind, gentle person, always concerned about others. He was active and involved for many years with issues affecting disabled people, especially those with acquired brain injuries. All the time he was fighting for himself, he was fighting for others, too. The family is grateful for the many years of dedicated, compassionate, and professional care provided by Dr David Macdonald of the London Regional Cancer Program, also to Dr Glen Baumann of LRCP; and the Southwest-LHIN (CCAC) home-care support team under the direction of Dr Paul Ferner, Pauline Den Ouden, Ryan Gamble, Wanda Haugen, and Lorna Coombs. And, we are grateful for our wonderful friends who visited us, invited us, fed us, encouraged us; who were oases of support for us; and who were constantly helping – over and over again -- without our having to ask. The funeral service will take place on Friday, July 14th at 10:00 am at Or Shalom Syna gogue, 534 Huron Street, London, followed by interment at Or Shalom Cemetery. At Andy’s request, memorial donations should be directed to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, 205 Horton St E, Suite 203, London, ON N6B 1K7; tel: 519-642-7755 Services: Service Date Friday, July 14, 2017 Service Time 10:00 a.m. Service Location Or Shalom Synagogue 534 Huron Street Burial Date Jul 14, 2017 Burial Time 11:00 a.m. Burial Location Or Shalom Cemetery Requested Charity Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada