Andre Henry Roger Degueldre

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Andre DeGueldre, who left us peacefully on November 24, 2025, at the age of 83.

He took his final breath with his daughter Juanita and sister-in-law Paulette lovingly by his side.

Andre was predeceased by his parents Roger Sr. and Aline; his wife Thelma, and most recently, his brother Roger Jr. He is survived by his children Henry and Juanita (Cavel); his siblings Shirley, Lucille, and John (Louise); his grandson Haiden; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Born on April 24, 1942, on the family farm in Swan Lake, Andre was the eldest of five children. He began working at the young age of eight to help support his family. He eventually went on to build a long and dedicated career with Versatile Manufacturing in 1965, retiring in 1999 after more than 33 years. Never one to stay idle, he soon worked for Dynamic Machine and Wallin Industries until he officially retired in 2018. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, beekeeping, and solar energy.

Andre had an exceptional mechanical mind and was known for his charismatic nature and ability to make friends wherever he went. He was instantly recognizable by his signature hat—an Australian-style camo bush hat covered in the many pins he collected, complete with a loonie and toonie he had proudly silicone-glued to the brim. Andre always had a story or two to share, each told with a spark of humour and warmth, and people were naturally drawn to him because of it.

In 1970, Andre met the love of his life, Thelma, and they married in July 1971. Together they shared a love of adventure and animals, especially their many dogs over the years. They welcomed their son Henry in 1980 and their daughter Juanita in 1982, completing their family. In 1988, they purchased an acreage in the RM of Coldwell, where they spent many happy year tending gardens, beekeeping, and enjoying country life. Andre also grew his love for solar energy, and even built a windmill to generate electricity to the cabin.

After Thelma's passing in 2013, Andre sold the family home and acreage and settled in Stony Mountain, where he continued pursuing his hobbies and maintaining simple, hardworking life. He filled his property with many different whirligigs and bird houses.

Andre will be remembered for his dedication to family, his strong work ethic, his friendly and outgoing spirit, and the stories he loved to tell. He will be deeply missed.

The family would like to thank the staff at Tudor House Personal Care Home in Selkirk for the compassionate care they provided to Andre over the past six months. Extended thanks are also given to the hospitals within the Eastern Interlake Region and Deer Lodge Centre for their care throughout the past year following his stroke.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Heart and Stroke Manitoba.