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ANDRE ACHILLE GOUSSAERT
Born: Oct 03, 1930
Date of Passing: Apr 09, 2021
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
ANDRE ACHILLE GOUSSAERT
Left to mourn are his loving wife Beatrice (Huysentruyt) and daughter Vera, and his extended family in Ontario and Belgium. He was predeceased by his parents, Victor and Flavie (Denorme), and siblings, Anna, Paul and Marieke.
Born on October 3, 1930 in Beveren-Leie, Belgium, Andre lived an exceptional life. In 1949, after completing his high school education in Waregem, Andre joined the novitiate of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI). In 1955 Andre was ordained a priest and in 1956 moved to Canada's Arctic as a missionary. It was in Canada's Arctic that Andre followed his passion and put his values into action when he started working with the Inuit to develop co-ops. Living and working in the North, Andre had many adventures and learned many lessons, including the power of cooperation, self-determination, and social and economic justice. In 1980 Andre was recognized for his work with the Inuit when he was inducted as a member of the Order of Canada.
Having met Bea while living in Cambridge Bay, it was clear that they were destined to share life's journey together, and upon moving to Yellowknife in 1980 their daughter Vera was born. The family of three moved to Winnipeg in 1985, a city that has been home ever since.
While he retired in 1990, Andre never stopped living his values and following his passion. He continued his life's work through volunteering and sat on the Boards of Red River Co-op, Boni Co-op, the Manitoba Co-op Council, LITE and Development and Peace. He was an exceptional father and devoted husband. He always made time for his family, and showed endless love and compassion through his actions and his presence in their lives. Andre built a network of friendships, particularly the "Coffee Gang" from St. Ignatius, with whom he could spend hours debating the day's news, discussing philosophy and theology, or just making small talk.
In the past few years the affects of Parkinson's took hold on Andre. The dementia associated with Parkinson's lessened his ability to tell stories and share conversations with those he loved. Despite this, Andre could still light up a room with his smile and his family and friends continued to cherish the time they were able to spend with him. Andre was a man of deep faith and that provides peace and comfort.
As a result of pandemic restrictions, a private funeral mass was held at St. Ignatius Parish with Fr. John Perry, SJ officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice - as Andre did throughout his life, follow your passion.
The family would like to thank the staff at Actionmarguerite 2DE for their care and compassion over the last three years.
LECLAIRE BROTHERS
475 Provencher Blvd.
in care of arrangements, 204-775-2220
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 17, 2021
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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Dear Bea, I sent the following email last April but it must have landed in a spam file. I hope you are well. Dear Bea, I was saddened to read in the Free Press of Andre’s passing. My father Dermot had great affection and respect for him. I knew a lot about Andre before I ever met him. Later, after meeting him and the rest of the 'Chicken Delight' gang, I enjoyed his quiet insights and, especially, our conversations about the Tour de France. I feel very fortunate to have known him. May his memory be a comfort to you and Vera. Deepest sympathy on behalf of my mother Mavis and the Egan family, Frankie Egan - Posted by: Frances Egan (friend) on: Feb 12, 2022
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As I often do I was perusing old newspapers the other day and was saddened to see the Passages article about Andre. He always had a twinkle in his eyes and strength and kindness in his voice. I’m sorry for your loss Vera but I’m sure you were always looked on as a blessing and brought him and your mother many joys. Condolences are extended from the Scott’s. - Posted by: Gavin R. Scott (Former neighbour) on: Nov 04, 2021
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I arrived at Ikaluktutiak Co-op when Andrew left Cambridge Bay for Yellowknife and worked with Bill Lyall and the late Winston Fillatre to get the new grocery store up and running. Andrew was an exceptional man, totally devoted to the communities in which he lived and worked and loved throughout the Arctic. Sincere condolences to Bea and Vera. Colin Webster, Prince George, B.C. - Posted by: Colin Webster (Former work colleague) on: Jun 28, 2021
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Chère famille - nous venons d'apprendre seulement maintenant le décès de notre cousin André. Nous garderons toujours un très bon souvenir de André et la famille Goussaert. Nous présentons toutes nos condoléance à Béa et Vera. Bien affectueusement. André et Michéle - Posted by: DENORME ANDRE (COUSIN DE ANDRE) on: May 16, 2021
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Bea and Vera——my deepest condolences on your recent loss of Andre. I remember him as a kind and caring man. Bea—you and Andre were such a beautiful couple—-I could always tell the love you had for each other. - Posted by: GARY OKO (Friend) on: May 01, 2021
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Dear Bea and Vera, I am very sorry for your loss. May dear God console you with wonderful memories of Andre and sustain you in faith and hope of eternal life. May Andre rest in peace, Gordana - Posted by: Gordana (St Ignatius parisioner ) on: Apr 21, 2021
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Andre was a predecessor of mine on the National Council of the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace-Caritas Canada. He was a man of deep faith, always deeply committed to social justice, and equally always a sound guide on principles to be followed when decisions had to be made. He and Bea were always totally welcoming of everyone. I wish Bea and Vera great peace and wonderful memories in this painful time. - Posted by: Ray Temmerman (Friend) on: Apr 19, 2021
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We got to know André when he was on the board of Red River Coop. He was an amazing priest, a great man, and a devoted husband and father. Because of his deep faith, he did wonders with the Inuits both as a priest and a married man. He was very dedicated as well on the Board of the Red River Coop. It was a privilege to have known him. We shall pray for him and his family. - Posted by: Gilberte Proteau and Guy Jubinville (Friend) on: Apr 18, 2021
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Dear Bea, I am so sorry to read today of your André's passing. What a beautiful write up. Giving us all a glimpse into André's life. And who he was. His photo reflects the gentle loving kind man behind the words about him. Here I am to acknowledge your and Vera in your loss. And to send healing prayers and yes a comforting hug. My deepest condolences dear Bea and Vera. Rest in the SUNLIGHT of PRESENCE itself now, dear André. - Posted by: Rachelle (Just a caring friend) on: Apr 18, 2021
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Merci cher André pour les moments privilégiés passés auprès de toi comme Associés de la Congrégation des Oblats. Ta foi profonde et ton travail auprès des Inuit et dans les oeuvres sociales seront toujours une inspiration pour nous. Que Dieu t'accueille dans son Royaume. - Posted by: Louis & Armelle Molin (Friends) on: Apr 17, 2021
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