Andrew Pyper Obituary: Andrew Pyper, 56, a beloved father, husband, and acclaimed author, passed away peacefully with his wife, Heidi, and their children, Maude and Ford, by his side. Canadian author Andrew Pyper, celebrated for his gripping novels blending literary fiction with psychological suspense died unexpectedly this week. .
Born in Stratford, Ontario, Pyper was the youngest of five siblings. A lover of literature from a young age, he pursued an Honours BA and MA in English Literature at McGill University, followed by a law degree from the University of Toronto. Although called to the bar, Pyper chose to dedicate his life to writing. His debut collection, *Kiss Me*, was published in 1996, and he went on to author 14 novels, including the internationally acclaimed *The Demonologist* and *The Wildfire Season*. Many of his works were translated and sold worldwide, cementing his reputation as one of Canada’s foremost contemporary authors.
Pyper’s writing career continued under the pseudonym Mason Coile, with two novels set for posthumous release. Beyond his literary achievements, he was known for his deep devotion to his family and his advocacy for traffic safety, a passion he championed throughout his life.
Andrew Pyper leaves behind a legacy of impactful storytelling and an enduring love for his family and community. He will be deeply missed by readers and loved ones alike. Details of a celebration of his life will be announced soon. A Fundraiser was created.
Andrew’s love for literature and curiosity about the world emerged early. While his classmates read comic books, Andrew carried a briefcase filled with *New Yorker* magazines and Graham Greene novels, earning him the affectionate nickname “The Professor” in grade school. His first foray into publishing came as a young boy with a letter to the editor of the *Stratford Beacon Herald*, demanding a stop sign at the top of his street—a battle for traffic safety that he carried on throughout his life. Even in his final days, Andrew could be found scolding speeders at the four-way stop near his home, proving that after writing, road safety was his truest passion.
Andrew’s academic pursuits were as ambitious as his literary endeavors. He graduated from McGill University with an Honours BA and MA in English Literature before earning a law degree from the University of Toronto. Called to the Bar in 1996, Andrew published his first book, *Kiss Me*, a collection of short stories, that same year. Despite being licensed to practice law, Andrew followed his heart and dedicated himself fully to writing. His leap of faith led to the publication of 14 novels, many of which were translated and sold internationally. He later adopted the pseudonym Mason Coile, under which he authored several books, with two more slated for posthumous release.
For all his professional accomplishments, Andrew would readily say his greatest joys came from being a husband and father. His love story with Heidi was marked by a whirlwind romance and a five-month adventure across Canada that ended in Whitehorse, where Andrew wrote *The Wildfire Season*. Before returning home, he proposed beside the Yukon River with a lump of gold he had prospected from Last Chance Creek—a fitting start to a 20-year marriage filled with love, laughter, and devotion.
Andrew found immense pride and happiness in his children, Maude and Ford. Whether cheering them on at games and tournaments, applauding their performances, or celebrating their milestones, he delighted in their growth and achievements. He especially cherished family time—movie nights, shared meals, holidays, and even the construction of a family cottage, built with no prior experience but plenty of determination, to create a place for togetherness.
Andrew’s final year was a testament to his courage and gratitude. Though his life was cut short, he often remarked that he wouldn’t trade his journey for anything, feeling profoundly lucky for the life he had lived.
He leaves behind a close-knit and loving family, including his siblings Sheelagh (Peter Kalman), Alex (Hilary Frank), Jamie (Kathy McCain), and Jonathan (Cathy Thompson); his in-laws Matheson Rittenhouse (Tara McCrae), Andrea Rittenhouse (Kamal Lazar), and mother-in-law Donnie Rittenhouse. Andrew was a proud uncle to many nieces and nephews and a doting grand-uncle to three new grand-nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Olive Pyper, and his father-in-law, David Rittenhouse.
Details about a Funeral celebration will be shared in the coming days.
