J. E. A. ANDRE BELISLE

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J. E. A. ANDRE BELISLE After a short, but intense battle with cancer, we announce with great sadness the passing of Andre on April 15, 2014. Andre was 65 years old. Andre requested that he be allowed to go home to live out the remainder of his days and with the love and support of family and friends this was accomplished. Andre will be deeply missed by his loving wife Sandy, and their "four-legged girls" at home. Andre is survived by his wife Sandy, his son Yannick in Gatineau and his daughter Roxanne, also in Gatineau, Quebec, stepson Harry Skene (Crystal) of Winnipeg, stepdaughter Jill Lafrance (Dean) in Ottawa. Andre was "Grandpa Andre" to nine grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Paulette Payette of Gatineau and Monique Belisle of Montreal, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Andre was predeceased by his parents, an infant brother and a sister who died while Andre was just a child. He also experienced the loss of his much loved nephew Mario Payette, and his sister Flo. Andre was born in Hull, Quebec on December 6, 1948. His mother died while Andre was still a young boy and his sister Flo took over the responsibilities of raising Andre. Andre worked for Canada Post for 23 years in Ottawa. During his last few years with Canada Post, Andre worked at the Federal Study Centre. It was while working here that he met Sandy. Andre and Sandy moved to Winnipeg in 1991. Andre and Sandy moved to Strathclair, Manitoba and Andre began his most favourite employment with the R.C.M.P. in Elphinstone, Manitoba as a Detachment Clerk. Illness forced Andre to take an early retirement and he and Sandy moved back to Winnipeg. Andre faced the diagnosis of cancer with such great dignity and resolve. He brought a sense of peace to so many family members during this struggle. His courage was extremely impressive, and his "private" discussions with various family members left them in awe. A service honouring Andre will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the Thomson Funeral Chapel, 669 Broadway. As per his request, Andre will be cremated and his ashes will be placed at a later date. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Victoria General Hospital on 4 North and 4 South for their kind and compassionate care. A huge thank you to the Palliative Care Team for their care of Andre, and the way that Andre's needs were met in such a timely fashion; our dear friends Rhonda Gates and Pastor Leslie Poulin for coming to the home and assisting with the care of Andre. Andre had a close connection to the community of The Urban and so donations can be made to The Urban, 560 Arlington St., Winnipeg, MB R3G 1Z5, or an animal rescue centre of one's choice. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 204-925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 19, 2014