It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Andre Gerard Vanier passed over on Tuesday, April 30th at the age of 56, after a courageous battle with cancer.
We are comforted and at peace in faith knowing that Andre has joined his beloved grandmother, Elaine; father, Michael; aunts and many others in paradise with our loving God.
Andre leaves behind his adoring mother, Claudia Bisenberger; step-father, Adri Bisenberger; step-mother, Janet Vanier; sister, Michelle Tamlin; nieces, Sarah Ganeo and Hannah Tamlin and countless loving family and friends he impacted and touched in his life’s journey.
Andre was born in Grenada on January 27, 1968 and spent his first 9 years living with his parents and sister in Grenada, Guyana, Montserrat and other islands in the Caribbean. He immigrated to Ontario, Canada with his mother and sister in January 1977 where he remained until his passing.
Throughout his life Andre remained connected to his homeland and heritage. He returned to Grenada as often as possible over the years and always longed for the slow paced, simple lifestyle of the Island. He loved roaming the family land picking fruit from the various fruit trees; sitting at the corner stores sharing stories, playing cards and dominos with the locals; and his soul was most at peace when surrounded by the beauty of the mountains, beaches, and lush vegetation. You can take the boy out of the island, but you can’t take the island out of the boy.
Early on it was obvious that Andre possessed an interest and knack for computers and technology, and as banking ran in the family, it is no surprise that he pursued a career in IT at the Bank until his early retirement due to health challenges.
Andre was extremely confident and intelligent but above all he was genuine and loyal. He valued his relationships with his family, friends, and people in general. Andre was charismatic and possessed a beautiful, kind soul. Wherever he went people were drawn to him as he always went out of his way to make everyone feel comfortable and special.
To say he was taken from us too soon would be to question the will of God our Father. His purpose on earth has come to an end and he has been called home to heaven. For those of us blessed to have shared in his life, he will be dearly missed but not forgotten; however, we will take comfort in our memories and the love that does not end, until we are reunited again in spirit.
The family will receive friends at Rod Abrams Funeral Home 1666 Tottenham Rd., Tottenham 905-936-3477 on Friday May 10, 2024 from 11am until the time of Memorial Service in the chapel at 12:00pm. Reception will follow. Donations in Andre’s memory to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.
Service
Memorial Visitation
Rod Abrams Funeral Home
1666 Tottenham Road, Tottenham Ontario L0G1W0
Friday May 10, 2024
11:00am - 12:00pm
Memorial Service
Rod Abrams Funeral Home
1666 Tottenham Road, Tottenham Ontario L0G1W0
Friday May 10, 202412:00pm
Jean Moore-Calliste says
To;
Claudia, Aad, Michelle and all family members.
I share the sadness of our loss.
Please be comforted knowing he’s not gone but has moved on to a place prepared for us.
Andre was my favourite nephew. We laughed whenever I said this as he was my only nephew.
As David expressed, “ I will really miss Andre”.
He left his mark wherever he went.
A mark of love, caring, sharing, laughter, compassion and a selfless life.
“AJ”, as he abbreviated our correspondence.
To all our family members.
Love and prayers.
Jean.
Annette Moore (Grenada) says
“Popo Chile” is what Andre used to call me on his yearly visits home between childhood and youth, when his mother would travel to Grenada in February to escape the cold weather, with her husband, Aad, Andre and his sister, Michelle.
Back then, you might have thought their names were conjoined. It was always “Andre and Michelle”. Everyone was always calling out to them together or speaking of them as though they were twins.
I lived in the country and I would “spend time” in the city where Andre and his family stayed with his grandmother in a vintage home overlooking one of the most beautiful sights in Grenada – the Carenage, while on vacation.
During my time spent with Andre and his family, there would be almost daily beach visits to the famous Grand Anse Beach and sometimes an excursion to an unknown spot, near water of course, among other places. I recall being sun burnt to a crisp after one visit and our long walks up the Tanteen long steps upon returning from the beach tired, thirsty and craving a bath but chatty and happy.
It was an adventurous time, when Andre experienced the joys of boyhood while associating with other boys his age in Grenada, having his own personal adventures with friends like Belize and others on Coopers Hill, forming lifelong friendships and enjoying the sea, sand and sun.
Andre was often a golden brown complexion by the time he left Grenada, never wanting to get on the plane back to Canada. His grandmother, my Grand Aunt Elaine, cherished the time spent with her daughter and grandchildren, many times having my great-grandmother down for part of the visit.
As a child, I thought Andre was the best cousin I ever had. He would always be indulgent, caring and patient with me as a child. I enjoyed hearing the music he and his sister were listening to, whether it was Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” or “Evey Breath You Take” by the Police. I listened, ears glued, to discussions of the land beyond the clouds (Canada) and wishing I could return with them. I always wanted to go ‘away’.
In Grenada, Andre stood out with his glistening, curly dark hair, golden tan and handsome looks, but most of all the half mischievous, half welcoming smile. I boasted about my favourite cousin to my friends after each holiday stay when I returned to school.
As we both grew older, we saw each other less and less, but when it mattered or when he did return to visit, it was always a joy to be reunited and he was in heaven to be “home”.
During his last two visits he was mostly in the countryside, where the Moore family roots are. During his final visit, he spent about three months. What did he do? Played fireman and was thought to be a foreign fireman one night when several homes burned down the street. By the time I got there, he had already been fighting the fire with the firemen, pulling the hose with his bare hands until they blistered. He gave me a video camera and commissioned me to capture some of what was happening. Everyone who didn’t know Andre knew him after that. He probably has more friends down the street and in the town that I have.
But then he also organized a hash in St. Andrew, our parish. The Grenada Hash Harriers thanked him publicly for organising the trail for that hash and the venue for the usual after-hash cool down. This brought joy to the hashers and much revenue from the owner of the venue, Pepper. Pepper had never entertained a hash before. It was a win-win for all. Of course, Andre made even more friends. I guess you can see where this is going. In all the tales told in this forum, it is obvious that Andre was a social director. He loved people and people also gravitated to him.
I am proud of all the fine qualities demonstrated by Andre throughout his life – empathy, kindness, generosity, bravado/courage. He was a small town hero with a big heart. Andre would take the clothes off his back to share with others. He would always inquire about his family members in Grenada, sometimes packing parcels to send home to an older relative, while telling no one he was doing it. Everything he gifted was of the highest quality – what he might have chosen for himself. Andre did things from his heart.
I am proud of the way in which he approached his health battles, always gathering information, analyzing and being rational with the information, as much as he could be. He was organized and planned for all eventualities, taking the burden off others to do so. He took responsibility for his life to the very end and left this world gracefully, surrounded by the very warmth and love he generated in the lives of others.
In life, we all have our battles. Andre showed me that you simply deal with them, as they come and release trying to control everything when necessary.
Rest in peace my cousin, Andre, the once young man, who a fellow Grenadian, Kenroy, described as “pretty as ice”. Add brave soldier to that…
I express my condolences again to my cousin Claudia and her husband Aad, Andre’s sole sibling, Michelle and her family, the Vanier family and all other relatives, close friends and acquaintances.
Maria Dowhan says
To our Dearest friend Claudia,
Words are so inadequate at this time. We are so sorry for your loss, please accept our deepest condolences and prayers. Your beautiful mother my dear Auntie Elaine is at his side and taking care of him, he’s flying high with the angels looking down on his beautiful mother. Please know that you’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Much love,
Maria Joseph Dowhan
Eamon Wild says
Our condolences from the family on Andre’s passing. May your memories of him comfort you…
The Wilds
From cousin Glenda says
Dear Claudia I am so sorry for your great loss may God give you the strength to go on my deepest condolences to you and all the family
Keith Branch says
Deepest sympathy to Claudia and family . He (Andre Gromyko) will be remembered fondly.
Keith Branch and family
Ernst & Doreen Wiggers says
Our heartfelt condolences to the family.
May the Lord comfort and strengthen you
at this difficult time, and may His promise
of eternal life be a comfort to you in the loss of one so dear.
Roberta Munden says
So sorry for your loss …
Sending sincere condolences peace and hugs to you all …
The spirit is eternal and he will live on in your memories ..
Frances Shepherd says
Dear Claudia
The news of Andre’s passing has touched me deeply. I have always cherished the memories of the few times I had the privilege to be in his company. He struck me as someone who is gentle, kind and very special and he was such fun to be with. I remember those times as if they were yesterday so I cannot begin to imagine the depth of your grief.
I send you all my positive thoughts and wishes that you find support at this most trying of times.
My condolences to Ad and Michelle and all your extended family.
With love and best wishes,
Frances
Lennox Williams says
Dear Claudia and family, I am deeply saddened by the passing of your loving son Andre. The Lord Jesus has taken all his pain away and now he has him in heaven with his loving grandmother and all his other Heavenly family members. You can be sure of this so do not worry. He is with God his Heavenly Father. May he rest in Eternal peace and happiness.
Please accept our deepest condolences and our heartfelt sympathy.
Love, Lenox and family may God bless you all.
Rose Branch says
My prays are with you.
Rose
Ronald Branch says
My condolences to Michelle and Auntie Claudia.Andre’s memory will live on in our hearts.My fondest memories of Andre.I was at the age of ten. When Andre came to Barbados where I resided.
Andre’s smile embraced me.He was dynamic and warn.So full of energy.we reconnectecd after being in diferent countries.Andre made me feel all the attention was on me while we chatted.He was so eager to find out about my interests.we went to the beach.Andre and I shared the admiration for The serenity and natural Beauty for Grenada.
Januce Camps and family says
I send my deepest condolences to my dear cousin Claudia and her family from myself and my family here in Trinidad and London.
May God bless your family and give you courage at this time.
For the times I met Andre he was such a nice young man, and he was a joy to chat with.
May he rest in peace and let the perpetual light shine upon him.
Thinking and praying for you all at this time.
Janice and Joseph,Tessa Rene. Randal and Shane. And family.
Stephanie Curry says
My heartfelt sympathy go out to Claudie, Aad, Michelle, Sarah, Hannah and Janet. I have known and have loved Andre (my nephew) all his life.
He has always been happy and compassionate with an endearing smile. He has been one of the kindest people I have known and he has always had time to support others.
When my Mum passed, I found such support from him I will never forget, He did the eulogy and it was all I could have asked for as I was not able to perform. He even retrieved her gold chain from the hospital garbage, after she died, I threw away in error and presented it to me later after we went home.
When Aunty Ireane passed, he was right there again helping to clean out her condo and was instrumental in arranging the painting of the entire space.
He loved Grenada and the culture and was fond of the Carnival (even here in Toronto Caribanna held special place for him). He enjoyed spending time at his home there and supported the community there as one of them. There was a fire in a village near his home and he organized fundraising to help the ones who had lost their homes, even giving some of his own funds.
When my husband suffered a stroke, Andre was there again helping to deliver and pick up goods for and from Chris’ customers as he healed.
I have also witnessed strength like a giant the last few months as he battled the most difficult time of his life. He willingly shared his treatment with me with grace and acceptance.
I am truly inspired by his example and was grateful he left, with God, peacefully.
Sleep well dear Andre, you are always in my heart.
Brenda McNeilly says
Condolence to Claudia and the entire family
May you find comfort in knowing that he is resting in the arms of his maker
May his soul R.I.E.P
Tessa Forde says
Dearest Aunty Claudia, Michelle & family,
Sending my deepest condolences on the passing of my cousin : Andre.
I was just so saddened and shocked to hear this news and I cannot begin to imagine what you all must be feeling or going through.
I know Andre & I were not close, having only met twice or maybe three times in my lifetime (that I can remember) but he did impress me as being really fun and “the life of the party” type of guy.
It feels so surreal that we will not meet again.
I am sending my all love and hugs and wishing you all the strength to get through the next few days and weeks.
Please know that the family are especially in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
May Andre rest in eternal peace!
Danielle Vanier and family says
Sending our love and deepest condolence to Michelle, Claudia, Sarah, Hannah and everyone who was lucky enough to know Andre. He was always smiling and full of compliments, stories and advice. Growing up Andre always had the ability to make me laugh. He would often visit us at the cottage, I can say with confidence that it was always more entertaining when he was around. After graduating college I lived with Andre for a brief period of time, our late night chats and the wisdom he tried to instil in me is something that will be remembered and cherished always. Andres larger than life personality drew people in to him, we wanted to be around Andre for he had this aura about him that brought love, peace and contentment. I pray that you’re dancing in the sky, free of pain and looking down on us with that smile that lit up every room! I love you Andre and will miss you immensely!
Uncle- Peter Desmond Compton Golton Theadore Stanisclause John Ignatious Herbert Micheal Dennis Vanier says
I would like to send my deepest condolences and love to Michelle and family at this difficult time. Andre was a man of many talents and many words. Since a young boy he had the gift of gab and a heart of gold. Andre had a knack for getting into trouble and was always up for a dare. He had a way of making everyone around him feel special and welcome. When we were at the cottage and Andre was around, I never got dinner. He praised his aunt Diane’s cooking as if it was a 5* meal made for a king and therefore Andre got it all. He was always a thankful and grateful man who never shied away from giving a compliment and he always had many to give. Andre and I shared a special bond and I will miss him, his laugh and our conversations deeply. Rest in peace Andre, take care of my sisters and brothers and enjoy being the centre of attention at the party up there. Love, Uncle Des
Jean Winsborrow says
Our entire family sends their heartfelt condolences to Claudia, Michelle & all of Andre’s immediate family and friends.
It’s been years since we’ve been in touch, we’re from the same Island of Grenada & came to this country in the same year, we lived in the same neighbourhood & our families got to be together on many occasions, our first son, Ian is the same age as Anre, life happened, the kids grew & we went our separate ways, but Andre, Michelle, & Claudia were always in my thoughts.
The passing of Andre was a blow to us, I feel your pain Claudia, stay strong, Andre is at peace now, blessings to the entire family.
Jeannie, Eric, Ian, Ryan, & Nicole
Serge Bisenberger says
Deeply saddened by Andre’s passing, we offer our sincere condolences to all of his loved ones, especially Claudia, Adri, Janet, Michelle, Sarah and Hannah.
The past few weeks must have been heartbreaking and indescribably emotional. We hope that the many happy memories of Andre will help you through the difficult times ahead.
It is times like these that it is difficult to live so far away, but please know that you are always in our hearts and minds.
With love,
Serge, Sandra and Bodi
Teresa Medendorp says
It is so difficult to find the words in these situations. Grief for each person is its own journey, and a process that cannot be avoided. I hope that the kind words and support from those who acknowledge your loss are of some comfort. I hope that the opportunity to remember good times and all the things that you loved about Andre brings more joy than pain. I wish each of you the best as you mourn your loss, but celebrate the way he touched your lives.
Kindest regards and sympathy.
Randy Tamlin says
My sincere condolences to Michelle, Claudia, Ad, Sarah, Hannah and Janet. My thoughts and prayers have been with you all these last few weeks.
I will cherish forever the many times and adventures I shared with Andre, while we were young men when we met, I found in Andre a kindred spirit with a similar childish, clownish mentality as me. The fond memories of our fishing trips, going to pool halls, him helping around the house with various projects, trying to fix his various cars. He was always there when needed. He helped me emotionally on few occasions as well. His love of various hobbies’ was something to behold in being totally committed to understanding everything there was around a particular interest. He was also the very best dressed man I ever knew ( thankfully we were the same size so was able to borrow his clothes on more then one occasion-I did not have near the fashion sense my brother in law did! )
I regret not being in touch as much over the last number of years, but am grateful to have spent some time with him this past Christmas and visiting him in the last couple of weeks.
We cross paths with many individuals in our life, many come and go who do not leave a lasting impression. Andre left a lasting impression with whomever he met, Andre got to know most of my family and they all would agree. Andre has been one of my most cherished relationships not only as a brother in law but a dear, close friend. While they may say you cannot choose your family, I would have chosen Andre.
You are and will be missed by many, rest in peace my friend, you deserve it.
Randy
Elson Da Silva says
My condolences go out to Michelle, Claudia and the entire family during this tough time.
Andre had a special connection with my wife Anita over the years. After Anita’s passing I was happy to keep that connection going and enjoyed some special time with Andre before his passing.
May he rest in peace surrounded by the grace of his heavenly family.
~ Elson Da Silva
Nicole Jones says
We will always remember Andre for his big smile, playful energy and larger than life personality. His smart wit, playful grin and tinkle in his eyes kept you laughing and constantly on your toes. I’m so grateful to have rekindled a closer connection with him these last few months before his passing. He was a complex, intelligent and philosophical person with a warm heart and the best of intentions. I enjoyed our conversations immensely.
My condolences go out to Aunty Claudia, Michelle, her daughters and all those people who were touched by the light of Andre’s life.
~ Much Love, Nicole
Lisa Da Silva says
Sending love and light to Michelle, Auntie Claudia and everyone who loved Andre! I will always remember Andre’s bright smile and charm. In my twenties, before moving to the US, he would make all my friends laugh with his stories.
I feel blessed to have reconnected with Andre these past few months. Like all of us, he had his ups and downs in life. He was smart as a whip and you had to be on your toes if you didn’t agree with him – but I feel blessed to have also experienced his courage, his grace, his love and his deep desire to leave a positive impact in this world. I have no doubt that my mom (his Auntie Anita) is by his side.
And I am grateful for the reconnection with my awesome cousin Michelle.
xo
Sharon Kwok says
35 years ago, I was introduced to Andre at the time dating his Dads nephew. Andre looked at me, looked at Wayne, and said Boy Wayne, you did good..lol it’s been 35 years since that day and Wayne still doing good lol. Over the years, Andre brought so much laughter to our family countless stays with us at the cottage. Sometimes we would see him almost every weekend , and sometimes years would pass.. but he was one member of our family that would make us laugh very much like his Uncle Desmond. Andre, you will be missed. I am forever thankful for your help also with Braedon, our son, your little now 22 year old cousin with Grandads Nuts. I remember cutting Braedons toe nails at 19 months old and you putting the clippings aside to show him grown up that you had his baby nails … last time you saw him, you said I still have your nails, lol. You had a way with people that was beyond words, although you are no longer with us in the physical world. You have left us with unforgettable memories… until we all meet again. Thank you for just being you.
Our heartfelt condolences to the rest of our family especially his Mom and Michelle and the girls and Aunty Janet.
Sharon, Wayne, Braedon, and Kayleigh Ann
Miranda and Rosie Vanier says
Sending love and strength to Andre’s family.
We have some very fond memories of Andre and are saddened to hear of his passing.
Rest in peace Andre x
Thinking of you all, Miranda and Rosie (Alan Vanier’s daughter) xx