Blair Mandryk

Blair Douglas Mandryk, 47, passed away peacefully, surrounded by those that love him, on Sunday, June 5, 2016. He was born on January 28, 1969 in Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada to Olie and Betty (Parsons) Mandryk. Blair grew up in Tillsonburg, Ontario and graduated from Annandale High School in 1987. He went on to graduate from Brock University in St. Catherines, Ontario and spent his working career as an IT manager. It was during those college years that he met his beloved wife, Jen (Elenbaas) Mandryk. Their love story is one for the ages. They met at a Jimmy Buffett concert in Detroit (of all things), and Blair was wearing a grass skirt at the time. They started a long distance relationship and saw each other every weekend after that, when Blair would travel to Michigan State University (where Jen was attending college), or they would meet in Tillsonburg. Shortly after college, they were engaged and married June 17, 1995. What a celebration! This year would have been 21 amazing years together. They made their home in Hudsonville, MI and have three beautiful children, Jack Douglas, Cathryn Mary-Louise, and William Blair. Also surviving are his brothers, Bradley (Michelle) Mandryk and David (Maureen) Mandryk; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bruce and Mary Elenbaas; brother-in-law, Joseph Elenbaas; nephews, Ryan, Jake, Kyle, Alex and Evan Mandryk; Matthew and Jordan Kings; Joey and Nathan Elenbaas; many aunts, uncles, and cousins. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, June 15, at 6 PM at Fellowship Reformed Church, 6610 36th Avenue, Hudsonville, with Rev. Shawn Hulst officiating. Food and fellowship will be provided afterward. Relatives and friends may meet the family Tuesday, June 14 from 4-8 PM at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Drive SW. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Fellowship Reformed Church or Faith Hospice.

Leave Your Tribute Message

June 15, 2016

Goodbye Blair. You will be missed. Our time working together was always fun. You were a great co-worker and friend. Godspeed my friend.

- Linda Stacy

June 15, 2016

So many memories of Blair. Kindergarten at Elliott Fairbairn School, hockey, golf, skiing, swimming, grades 7 & 8 at Maple Land, goin' out and generally having a great time with the gang from T'Burg and his generous family. I hadn't seen Blair for many years but I often thought of him and the great times all the way into our university years. A great loss for all. So long for now my friend but not forever.

- Peter Austin, Oakville, Ontario

June 14, 2016

Evelyn and I join with the families to mourn the painful passing of Blair. We are very saddened to hear of your loss. Our thought and prayers to the family.

- Blair O'Halloran and Evelyn appleby

June 13, 2016

Olie & Betty & Families My deepest sympathy to all of Blairs family. My heart & prayers go out to all for your loss of someone so young . May he rest in peace now . Your loving cousin Lynda (Mandryk) Doyle Vernon BC

- Lynda (Mandryk) Doyle

June 13, 2016

I am not well known to your family other than conversations at basketball games, and the fact I am the bell ringing mama at football games but my heart is full of sorrow for your family. Your family will go on living in his love and strength and the love of God that surrounds you all. Tears.

- Karen Mastbergen

June 12, 2016

We share your grief and thank God for the many special memories we have of Blair. Your sad loss is Heavens gain. Ever in our thoughts and prayers ... Love, Aunt Pat Kalyn and family Kitchener, Ontario

- Aunt Pat

June 11, 2016

Prayers for Jen and family members in this time of loss

- Sharon Gibbs

June 09, 2016

Rest in Peace Blair. You will be a bright star shining in heaven. We could never have imagined a more perfect husband for Jen or dad for Jack, Cate and Will. We will miss your humor, kindness and loving personality. It was an gift to have you as our son-in-law.

- Bruce and Mary Elenbaas

June 08, 2016

My condolences. May he Rest In Peace.... Rob Carrier, ( Annandale Class of '87 )

- Rob Carrier

June 08, 2016

We all kind of hung together for the love of Jimmy Buffet. Had a great time.Truly enjoyed your company and wished to revive it some day. Stored carefully within our hearts ! Guy and Rose

- Guy and Rose Ravin

June 08, 2016

With a heavy heart, RIP my friend.

- Steve McKenzie

June 08, 2016

With a heavy heart, RIP my friend!

- Steve McKenzie

June 08, 2016

Jen, kids, and all Mandryk's Family, I know we never met but my wife Cindy and I grew up in the same neighborhood as Blair (and Dan) and was a big part of my early life growing up here in Tillsonburg. Although I hadn't see Blair for many years I was able to follow him and your lovely family on FB. He was very kind hearted person and although his pain is gone he will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace. Gump, Cindy, Courtney, Claudia, and Tyler Hildebrant

- Gump Hildebrant

June 08, 2016

It was painful to learn of Blair's passing.He is a fantastic individual who will be greatly missed everyone who knew him. Please accept our deepest and heartfelt condolences. -Suresh Revuru

- Suresh Revuru

June 08, 2016

Thoughts and prayers to Jen and her family. I remember Blair being a great person and I always enjoyed his company.

- Matt Lockhart

June 07, 2016

I know of Blair's journey through my nephew Brent and his wife Charlotte. Blair built his family's foundation with love as the mortar to hold it together and this is his legacy he leaves to his incredible family. God bless and prayers from Texas.

- Gayland Hoffman

June 07, 2016

Blair's warmth and gentle kindness will be missed by so so many people. I had the great privledge to know him and even share a flat with him for a short time during our university days but have always cherished our friendship. I am also proud to have been by your side when you met your amazing life partner, Jen at that Jimmy Buffet concert and celebrate the joy of your marriage. I am so saddened by Blair's passing and my most heartfelt condolences go out to all those who loved Blair and were blessed to have him in their lives. All my love, Dougald O'Reilly, Canberra, Australia

- Dougald O'Reilly

June 07, 2016

Jen, your family and you are in our thoughts and prayers!

- Leesa Burrill

June 07, 2016

I remember the great times at school in Tburg, at Brock and rooming together 1st year. It is easy to see Blair never changed, always a great guy, always looking out for family and friends. The love of his immediate family and those who have been touched by such a special person is easily seen by the outpouring of thoughts and wishes. With a heavy heart and constant thoughts, Jen and kids I am so sorry for your loss. Ed Scruton, Tillsonburg Ontario

- Ed, Cheryl, Ethan and Brady Scruton

June 07, 2016

Blair was a member of my IT at Haworth during my tenure 2000-2002. He was a rapidly rising star, always cheerful, smiling, and eager to learn. He had wonderful ideas and could be counted on to get the job done, no matter how difficult. I recall him being an enthusiastic participant in my leadership development meetings and have reflected on that numerous times over the years. It was an honor to have worked with him. Brett Mello

- Brett Mello

June 07, 2016

Blair you will be an amazing angel in heaven! I know everyone will enjoy your chuckle and sense of humor. You were a fantastic husband, dad and friend! We will miss you more than you will ever know! Love, the Nurenbergs

- Randy, Doni, Jared and Jack Nurenberg

June 07, 2016

God Bless you, Blair. Rest in peace ❤️

- Sally Bettinson