ANDRE KESTELOOT

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ANDRE KESTELOOT It is with immeasurable sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of André Kesteloot on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at Victoria Hospital while holding both of his daughters' hands. Dad leaves behind to mourn his passing his daughters, Donna (Ken) Anderson and Laurie-Lee Dungey; grandchildren: Anita (Chris) Van Kats, Lisa (Shawn Litman) Thienpondt, and Justin Dungey; great-grandchildren: Matthew, Emily, Josh, Bella, Dominic, and Georgia. He also leaves to mourn his siblings: Maurits (Emma) Kesteloot, Georges (Simone) Kesteloot, Madeleine (Rene Walrave), Irene (Bernie) Groot Koerkamp, Noëlla (Marcel Steelandt), Lutgarde (Gilbert) De Nolf, Yvonne (Gilbert) Derycke, Annie Prophéte, Monique (Andre) Balanck, Jean (Liliane) Kesteloot, as well as sisters-in-law, Esther Vermeersch and Camilla Sys and numerous nieces and nephews . He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary, his parents, Octaaf and Martha Kesteloot, his sister Marie-Thérèse Verschoore, brothers-in-law, Marcel Verschoore, André Roets, Roger Lobbestael, Frans Prophéte, George Sys, Armand DeBaets, Jules Gheeraert, Homer Vermeersch and Dave Poole, as well as his sisters-in-law, Jeanette Gheeraert, Marguerite DeBaets and Audrey Poole. Dad was born in Veurne, Belgium on November 7, 1924 and in January, 1928 the young family of five immigrated to St. Boniface, Manitoba and lived across the street from his beloved Belgian Sacred Heart Church, where he later served as an altar boy. In 1938 the family, which at this point had grown to seven children, returned to Belgium just before the war started where they lived during the Occupation. Due to his resourcefulness and strong work ethic, Dad was able to help his family survive during the War. We can all recall stories of Dad's adventures with his adored big brother Maurits during the War and his enlistment into the Belgian army. In 1951, Dad would make his way across the Atlantic on the Queen Mary for the second and final time. By this time his family clan expanded to an even dozen. He was however fortunate enough to return to visit his homeland on many occasions later in his life, the last time being in July, 2015. Dad was all about family and his beloved Belgium. Determined to settle in Canada, Dad returned to Manitoba via Ontario in a black Pontiac Coupe which would bring him to meet a long legged beauty named Mary Sys and help him realize his potential as a Master Carpenter. On October 15, 1953 the two were married at the Belgian Sacred Heart Church and they were Blessed to have lived and loved their fifty-seven years together. Ever the perfectionist, Dad built our home adjacent to the Sys family farm by hand in 1958. Truly resourceful, always the optimist and totally creative, these gifts enabled him to have our home become a virtual revolving door of delightfully different people and unique experiences. Artist after artist began to hear of the magic he could create out of absolutely anything as he put the final touches on each of their dreams. He was highly sought after for these amazing qualities and foresight. His gifts didn't end there. The French Horn was his instrument of choice which he played in the Belgian Club Band and every Wednesday night we endured the consequences as he endlessly practiced unaccompanied in our home. Music to our ears this was not, but so lovingly tolerated. His passion for Belgium would prove to be contagious as he handed down the importance of our heritage and love of his homeland and chocolate, Belgian chocolate of course!!! Belgian everything and Belgian anything. Above all was his hope and teaching of an era gone by that we never forget to just chip in always and lend a helping hand. If he had more than anyone in need, he gave what was needed. If he had less than anyone in need, he gave more. This was our Dad. In 1976 Mom and Dad relocated to St. Vital where they made so many lifelong friends and became selfless members of the community. Dad was always willing to help or provide his expertise to anyone in need at all times. Dad was a proud member and respected volunteer at the Belgian Club, from volunteering for Folklorama to utilizing his craftsmanship and skills in the continual renovations within the building. To say that we were proud of our Dad would be an understatement. For these things and the treasure he was, it has been a mighty large Blessing to have had him in our lives. God speed Dad. In keeping with Dad's wishes, a funeral mass celebrating his exceptional life will be held on Thursday, January 14, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in Christ the King Church, 847 St. Mary's Road. All ladybugs welcome!!! In lieu of flowers, donations please can be made in Dad's memory to the Belgian Club, 407 Provencher Boulevard, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2H 0G9. In our broken hearts forever, until we see you again. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.com
Publish Date: Jan 9, 2016

ANDRE (ANDY) KESTELOOT It is with immeasurable sadness the family announces the peaceful passing of André Kesteloot on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at Victoria Hospital, while holding both of his daughter's hands. In keeping with Dad's wishes, a funeral mass celebrating his exceptional life will be held on Thursday, January 14, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in Christ the King Roman Catholic Church, 847 St. Mary's Road. A longer obituary will follow in Saturday's edition. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086
Publish Date: Jan 7, 2016

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 09, 2016