ANDRE SAURETTE

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ANDRE SAURETTE Peacefully, on Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at Taché Centre, André Saurette passed away at the age of 83 after a lengthy illness. André is fondly remembered by his wife of 57 years, Madeleine (née Deschênes) and their 11 children, Gisèle, Hubert (Louise), Germain (Angelica), Roland (Eveline), Edouard (Nedein), Jacques, Lise (John), Fernand, Carole (Steve) Wells, Lucien (Paula), Monique (Denis) Evans, 37 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces. Predeceased by his parents Louis and Alma (née Leclair) and brothers, Denis, Julien and sister Sylvia, he is survived by his sisters, Honorine Fettis, Florianne and brother Joseph (Jeannette), brothers-in-law, Raymond Deschênes (O.M.I), Jean-Léon Deschênes, Matyas Hubert, sisters-in-law, Armande Saurette, Jeanne (Jos) Harren, Marguerite (Arnie) Sprogis, Marthe (Richard) Smith, Bernadette (Vernon) Keel, Margot (Tony) Deschênes. On March 29, 1925, André was the firstborn child of seven children born to Alma and widower Louis Saurette. He was a little brother to half-siblings, Edmond (Cécile), Benoît/Pete (Lucille), Jean and sisters Sr. Germaine and Sr. Imelda, the latter having devoted 40 years of her life in missions of Africa, all of whom have predeceased him. André grew up in St. Pie-Letellier where he met and later married Madeleine Deschênes on August 12, 1950, the year of the flood. The next years were busy providing for, nurturing and educating their 11 children. He had many skills and occupations including farming, but he found his niche as a bus driver with Winnipeg Transit. He had a strong work ethic and never missed a day of work. He was recognized for 27 years of continuous service until he suffered a heart attack on his last morning shift. His friendly personality and sense of humour won him friends everywhere he went. In 1947, at age 22, he took the opportunity to fly to Argentina and was bitten by the travel bug. He inspired a sense of adventure and travel to his children and grandchildren. He loved to travel to Mexico with family members and friends. He enjoyed meeting people from near and far. He was well read in various subjects in particular geography, culture and religion. He was a man of strong principles and convictions, committed to his Catholic faith and French-Canadian culture. He was very creative and innovative in finding solutions to various challenges. More specifically, he was environmentally conscious as early as the 1960s, well before the energy and the environment became current concerns. The family would like to thank the staff of 4 and 5 ABC of Taché Centre for their excellent care and support. A Requiem Mass will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 480 McKenzie St., Winnipeg, Father Gerard Rusak officiating. The funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McKenzies Portage Funeral Services. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations in André's memory may be made to the Saint-Boniface General Hospital Research Foundation. R.I.P.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 30, 2008