It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Andre Josef DeVuyst on May 31, 2021 at Nanaimo hospital with his beloved niece Linda by his side.
Andre was born the youngest of 11 children in Belgium on February 27, 1927. He is survived by 7 children, 20 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
At the young age of 18 Andre served in the Belgian Army. Andre and Adrienne were married and welcomed Jack, Rudy and Eddy. They immigrated to Canada in 1957 to join Andre's brother Joe, Louise and family in Kamloops. There they added Kerry and Andy to the family.
Andre briefly worked at a Sawmill there until moving to the Peace River country in 1960 where he homesteaded and worked numerous jobs.
Ann and Lynsey were added and completed the family. They had many happy times and hard times as homesteading is never easy. Andre and Adrienne parted ways in 1981.
Andre moved to Dawson Creek and joined dancing and social clubs where he was known as quite a ladies man! He met Nettie Judge and they eventually moved back to Kamloops where they enjoyed mild winters, dance clubs, beautiful bountiful gardens, growing fruit trees of all kinds and entertaining visitors.
In 2015 Nettie passed away and Andre moved to Vancouver Island where he continued growing his entire back yard and greenhouse into huge fruits and vegetables. Gardening was his passion, he enjoyed experimenting and harvesting his own seed from his garden to plant every spring.
He was also very social and loved to always have something new happening like a renovation or moving to a new place so life didn't get too boring no matter who had to be involved to get it done.
He had a fast car and a fast scooter cause any less wouldn't do! No matter what it was If you asked him "what kind do you want?" The answer was always "A big fast one!!" Andre lived large and had a strong, clear mind to his final moment. We love and miss you Andre, Rest In Peace.
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