Steen Borup Andersen

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Dr. Steen Borup Andersen on April 1st, 2025, in Canoe, British Columbia, at the age of 79.

Born in Aalborg, Denmark on October 4th, 1945, Steen immigrated to Canada as a youth, first settling in Hythe, Alberta. He later moved to Victoria, BC, where he discovered his lifelong love for the ocean and honed his skills as a gifted sailor — a passion that led him to serve with pride in the Royal Canadian Navy as a physician and led to many adventures around the world.

Steen dedicated more than 40 years of his life to medicine. He practiced both family medicine and obstetrics, delivering a great number of babies and touching the lives of countless families. He was beloved by patients and respected by colleagues for his skill, calm presence, and unwavering dedication.

Steen’s journey took him from the remote community of Massett, BC, to Salmon Arm, BC, and eventually to Hooker, Oklahoma, where he finished his career in medicine before retiring to Canoe, BC. No matter where he lived, Steen made lasting connections and gave generously of himself.

Beyond medicine, Steen was an avid outdoorsman and craftsman. Whether quietly fishing on a lake or battling the elements on the open ocean, he found peace and joy in nature. He was a skilled woodworker and carver, best known for his beautiful, detailed carvings of birds and fish — treasured gifts for many he cared about. His artistry, like his presence, left a lasting impression. Steen was also a man of service, deeply involved in his community. His faith was a source of strength, and he found joy and fellowship as a devoted member of the Canoe United Church.

He was fiercely intelligent, kind, patient, hardworking, determined, and just the right amount of stubborn — a man of deep integrity who led by example and loved without condition.

Steen is lovingly remembered by his wife, Kathy Andersen; his children: Sherran Andersen, Carrie Low (Scott), David Andersen (Bailee), and Katelyn Andersen; his grandchildren: Zoe, Jaxson, Harper, Bella, London, and Lia; and his brothers: Mike Andersen and Fin Andersen. He was predeceased by his father, John Andersen; mother, Inger Andersen; brother, Jess Andersen; and sister-in-law, Linda Andersen.

As per Steen’s wishes, there will be no formal service. His ashes will be spread privately in the places he loved most — among quiet waters, open skies, and peaceful forests.

The family asks that in honour of Steen, you take a moment to be still in nature, to help someone in need, or to carry on his spirit of quiet generosity. He leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and kindness that will continue to live on in all who knew him.