VICTORIANO ANDRES

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VICTORIANO ANDRES April 30, 1932 - October 12, 2006 Victoriano Andres, our Papa, abuelo, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2006 at the Grace Hospital, at the age of 74 with his loving family at his side. Papa was born April 30, 1932 in Toulouse, France. He was predeceased by his wife Juliana; parents, Angel Andres de la Eglesia and Augustina Borrego Martin. He is survived by his brother Aurielo and sister Angelita along with numerous relatives in Spain. He is survived by his children, Maria (Jack), Angela (Jaime), Paloma, Blanca (Edward); Julia (Antonio); Victor (Edna) and Linda (Blake); Papa will also be dearly missed by his eighteen grandchildren who were the apple of his eye; Manola and husband Dhillon, Kevin, Kyle, Jenna, Jeff (Maria); Jeffrey, Mellissa, Corey (Angela), Joshua, Jason (Paloma); Heidi, Tim, Eddie, Beverley (Blanca), Miguel, Juliana (Julia); Lena, Adam (Victor); honourary grandchildren, John and Jennifer Ordonez. Great-grandchildren, Zachary (Jeffrey and Courtney Rodrigues), Darcy (Jenna and David Anhill) and honourary great-grandchildren, Carman and Justin (John and Shannon Ordonez). Victoriano was a loving father, a devoted grandfather and great-grandfather. He was truly happiest spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He emigrated from Madrid, Spain to Winnipeg, MB, Canada in the winter of 1966, preparing the way for his wife and young family to follow three months later in February of 1967. A self-taught cook, described by friends and family in Spain and Canada, as having had hands of gold , he began his employment in Canada as a general labourer in northern Manitoba working on the Hydro dams in Gillam before his legendary cooking skills were discovered. He was then immediately assigned to his rightful position as camp chef. No better cuisine was ever had in northern Manitoba before or since. In his cooking career, his fondest memories involved his tenure with the culinary staff of The Velvet Glove, and subsequently Los Espanoles. His favourite cooking times however, were at family events, showing off his skills amongst the clamour and love of his large family. Paisano , as he was affectionately referred to by friends and family, always enjoyed a passionate game of Dominos, especially when he would beat his Portuguese son-in-laws. Despite a lifelong struggle with personal challenges, Victoriano came to realize, in the twilight of his years, the meaning of grace, and the joy of forgiveness. The boy who was left fatherless at the age of five during the beginning of the Spanish Civil war, now enters the heavenly realm, as a grateful man and father, knowing the soothing balm of the heartfelt love of his children. We love you Papa and we will miss you dearly. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Victoriano's memory to CancerCare Manitoba. Funeral service to take place at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 16 at Voyage Funeral Home, 220 Hespeler Ave., with viewing to begin at 10:00 a.m. To My Dear Friend Victor, Your victory over life is your family. Your victory over death will be your immortal soul, which will live with Jesus our Lord in his house with all your loved ones Forever. (Written for Victoriano by his friend Douglas Wilson whom he met in hospital during the final weeks of his life. Thank you Doug. From the bottom of our hearts.)

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 15, 2006