Andrew Ian Szafranski, a well-known figure in Ontario’s cycling community and a longtime member of the Newmarket Eagles Cycling Club, died on Nov. 8 at his home in Aurora, Ont. He was 51.
Born on March 26, 1974, Szafranski grew up in Midland, Ont. before studying geology at Laurentian University. He later built a successful career in sales within the manufacturing technology sector, but friends say bikes were always his constant. It didn’t matter whether it was the dirt or asphalt, Szafranski loved to ride and race. He was at all of Ontario cyclocross races, and often seen at events with the Durham-York Mountain Biking Association. He was also a regular of the Newmarket Eagles time trial series, always with some quick results.
Those close to him say Szafranski’s passions were simple and steady: bicycles, boxer dogs, beer, and the people he loved. He was also committed to supporting Boxer Rescue Ontario and was known for stopping to help anyone stuck on the trail.
Szafranski is survived by his wife, Charlayne Desjardins-Szafranski, and their dog Lexi; his mother, Cathy; his father, Rick; his brother, Christopher; sister-in-law Philly Stephens; nieces Claire and Sophia; sister-in-law Chantelle Desjardins; and his in-laws Dawn and Gaston Desjardins. Family and friends remember him for his generosity, off-the-wall humour, and his reliable bike-repair and beer-tasting skills.
To honour his memory, his family asks cyclists to follow a simple rule Szafranski lived by. If you see someone broken down on the trail, don’t ride past—stop and help.
Some of the staff of Canadian Cycling Magazine had the pleasure of knowing, and riding with Andrew.
Everyone here sends their condolences to his family and many friends in the community.
To share memories of Andrew, you can visit Online-Tribute.com
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