André (Andy) Lansard

Unexpectedly, on December 10, 2012, André passed away in his workshop at home. At the age of 73, he still had so many plans, projects to complete, places to go, never letting life’s constraints hold him back from living every day with vigour.

André will be sadly missed by his beloved wife of 49 years, Elizabeth, daughter Leah (Matthew Linklater), and son Cheney (Guizy and Géhdian). He was predeceased by four brothers and two sisters, and is survived by one brother Léo, and five sisters, Isabelle (Alphonse), Adrienne (Jacques), Anna (Jean-Marie), Blandine and Rose-Marie, and many nephews and nieces.

André, Dad, was born in Ste. Rose du Lac on December 5, 1939. When the family moved to Richer several years later, his mother asked him to build the new kitchen cupboards. She decided to buy him the tools he needed, little knowing that she had nurtured something that would become a lifelong creative passion for woodworking.

When Dad was in his late teens, his family moved to St. Boniface and it was there, at 18 years old, he would meet his future wife. He had been sitting on a stoop with a few friends attempting (badly!) to play guitar when three girls walked by. He thought the blonde one was pretty so naturally he spent most of that time talking to the other two. He did, though, offer all of them a stick of Dentyne gum. It would be several months before André and Elizabeth had their first date but that started an enduring romance that would span more than five decades.

In 1967 he began working for the R.M. of Springfield as a motor grader operator. His work ethic eventually elevated him to the position of Public Works Supervisor in the municipality. His dedication to the quality of his work led to numerous innovations that contributed immeasurably to the smooth running of all aspects of the Public Works Department. He was very well-respected by both the employees and the public he served. Even to the end, he still maintained an interest in public works and was well-remembered by the people he had met along the way.

After his retirement he continued to seek out new interests, his favourite being golf. As long as the weather allowed, he would hit the course three or four times a week, shooting a round with friends or family. To his delight, one year he was able to golf into the second week of November. He was looking forward to the 2013 season and trying out the latest golf gadget that he had really hoped to get for Christmas.

Never one to do things by half measure, he always strove to learn as much as he could to be his best at whatever he did. He was constantly tinkering and coming up with ideas or devices to simplify his tasks, or those of others, always amusing us with his ingenuity.

All these things in his life paled to that which was his greatest love, his family. Everything he did was to provide for and support us. He was always so proud of our accomplishments, no matter how small and he always made sure to tell us he loved us. Always he would greet Mom at the door with a kiss and a hug and when he talked with his children, he would always end the conversation with, “I love you.”

Dad carried in his wallet a little note paper of different thoughts that inspired him. This was one of them: “To live in the hearts of those you love is not to die.” André, Dad, we love you so much and will miss you even more. There is no one like you.

A service of remembrance will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, December 17th, 2012 at St. Bernadette Parish, 820 Cottonwood Rd.