Andre Roger Bilcke passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, March 22, 2024, in his 87th year.
Andre was born in Werken, Belgium, the son of Adamar Bilcke and Marie (Vandenameele) Bilcke. Adamar died during WW II. Andre is predeceased by his four siblings, Esther (Belgium), Simone, Silver, and Horace. Marie remarried Martinus Vanneste and Andre now had 7 more siblings; Martina, Marcel, Marcella, Mariette, Magda, Monique, and Mark. The family of 12 were in Belgium and in 1954, 9 children with Martinus and Marie immigrated to Canada.
In 1957 Andre met the love of his life, Mariette DeBackere, at a Belgium Club dance in Delhi. They married 63 years ago in 1960 and had three children; Janet (Bilcke) and Frank Winters of Stratford, John and Janet (Kinsman) Bilcke of Cromarty, and Randy and Heather (Stephen) Bilcke of Exeter. Proud grandpa of Sherrlynn (Mark); Pam (Dan); Brendan (Taylor); Curtis (Katie); Matt (Melissa); Carly (Michael); Anna (Drew); Harrison (Marly) and 12 great-grandchildren. Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.
Andre was a volunteer firefighter for 25 years and made pancakes at all fundraising breakfasts for many years and always looked after the rescue van. After retirement, he spent time in his workshop, splitting wood and turning bowls in the lathe, watered town flowers and removed leaves. Andy loved going to the shack to make maple syrup. He made many whirligigs, Tweety Birds and pumper-boys, they were his specialty. Andre was a real giver, he travelled on 3 mission groups to El Salvador to build homes for the poor. He attended Precious Blood Church. Weekday mornings he gathered with his coffee group: Piet, Butch, Larry, Tom and Bill (Bailey Bunch) to have coffee.
At Andre’s request cremation has taken place. A private funeral service will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, Exeter.
A celebration of Andys life will be held at Hensall Community Centre, 157 Oxford Street West, HENSALL on Saturday, April 20th from 1 – 4 PM.
Donations to the South Huron Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
The family of Andre would like to express a sincere thank you to the amazing staff of Stratford General Hospital, South Huron Hospital, Huronview and Huron Hospice for their care and compassion. Thank you to Charlene Foxton for all of her care, and a special thanks to Dr. Michael Hammond and his office for all his care over the years.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Ray Archer
My condolence to the family. Andy was a great boss and friend of my way back when in the 1970’s I enjoyed his humour, kindness and understanding when I worked at the Cooke’s. His encouragement helped me all my life.
John and Jean Rudderham
To all the Bilcke’s
Kindest regards on saying good bye to Andy. He was a good one.
John, Jean and Chelsea.
John and JoAnne Wiles
So sorry for your loss . Thinking of you
John & Arlene Berendsen
Sorry to hear of your loss…Thinking of you all at this time ..Arlene & John
Marlene Ingram
Marriette and family my sincere condolences .
Julie Grimminck
Dear John & Janet,
Sending my condolences to you. May you be comforted by those that surround you.
Mark Heimrich
Janet & Frank, John & Janet, Randy & Heather & Families & Mariette;
Our sincere sympathy in your loss, Thinking of you all at this time.
Mark & Julie Heimrich
Kathleen Verbeke
Mariette, Janet, John , Randy and families,
On behalf of the Verbeke family I would like to say how sorry we are to hear about the passing of Andy. What a fun loving, kind hearted and generous man he was. Our families go back many years and a great friendship was formed. We know that you will miss him terribly !! Hold on to all the wonderful memories that you have of all the great times you spent together.
Kathleen, George and Frank, Joanne and family.
Bryan Beer
Mariette, Janet,John, Randy & families.
Sorry to hear of Andre’s passing. He was such a pillar of life in Hensall… kind, hardworking and community-minded.
May his memory be a blessing.
Buck & Karen Beer
Dave Frayne and Cathy Cade
To Janet, John, Randy and families
Our condolences to all.
Jeff Borland
Condolence to the Bilcke Family.
Jamie & Barb Caldwell
To the Bilke family, so very sorry to hear of the loss of Andy. He always had such a jump in his step!! Walking with a mission! Hold your memories close.
Brad & Anne Mousseau
Mariette, Janet, John, Randy & families, our heartfelt condolences in your loss. Andy was an integral part of the community for many years & will be missed by many.
Keeping you in our thoughts & prayers.
Lori Dietrich(Gould)
My sincere condolences to all of Andy’s family and friends. My dad spoke very kind of his good coffee buddy! I love the fact they all got together and chit chatted over coffee time… May he Rest in Sweet Peace
Jennifer Carter
Mariette and family,
Andy loved life by example. He helped where help was needed. He always had a smile on his face. He loved you, Mariette, and his family. I know that I am a better person for having known Andy and you. I will keep you in my prayers.
Jennifer Carter
Steve & Brenda Schroeder
Frank, Janet & Family,
Our sincere condolences to all the Bilcke Families. Reading the previous remarks, your Dad will surely be missed by family, friends and the community. The character of his family is a wonderful tribute to him. May you all find comfort in God and in your happy memories of him.
Hugs,
Steve & Brenda
Bernice & Bob Boogemans
Mariette and family. So sorry for your loss. Our sincere sympathy.
George and Sue Wilson
Mariette and family, heartfelt condolences on your loss of a dear husband, father and grandfather. Andy was a friendly man. He and Mariette were a lovely couple. Cherish your precious memories. Hugs and prayers.
Murray Armstrong
Our sincere condolences to Mariette, Janet and Frank, John and Janet, Randy and Heather.
Lori and Murray Armstrong
Angela Klaassen
Our deepest sympathies to the entire Bilcke family.
Thinking of all of you.
Angie and Gary Klaassen
Marilyn Kenda
Mariette and Family
Sending my deepest sympathies to you and your family. I know that you will miss him terribly but hold all the great memories close to your heart. Keeping you in my prayers and thoughts. 🙏🏻💕
Randy and Vicki Geoffrey
We send our deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband and father, such a nice man, Andy worked with my dad at Thompson and when my son played for the Hawks he was involved with the team. Your memories will be something you will cherish forever!
Rik Delarue
Mariëtte en dierbare familie,
Onze oprechte deelneming bij het verlies van André. Veel sterkte aan iedereen.
Hedwige, Rik en Conny en kinderen uit België.
Rose and Keith Brittain
Our thoughts and prayers for all the families RIP Andy our sincere condolences
Gerald and Truce Ten Hag
Dear Mariette and fam ,
Our deepest condolences with the loss of Andy. All the great memories will help you in the weeks to come . Sincerely Gerald and Truce Ten Hag.
Margaret Prout
Mariette and family..
Sincere condolences to all the Bilcke family. Cherish your memories
and may they help you now and in the coming days.
Rita Pettes
Please accept our sincere condolences. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Dick and Rita Pettes
Maria(Mickie) Struyke-Laurin
My deepest sympathy to the family for your loss. Heaven welcomed a new angel. Hugs
Stay strong.
Jen Taylor
Mariette and family,
Sending you thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. My dad enjoyed his coffee days with Andy. Thinking of you all.
Anna Marie Cook
Mariette and family our sincere condolences. Andy was a great man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Casey and Anna Marie Cook
Christine VanDeursen
Janet and Frank
I was so sorry to hear about your recent loss. Sounds like he was an amazing man. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Love Christine, Kate and Michael VanDeursen
Brad & Darla James
John, Janet and all of your family,
Our condolences in the loss of your Dad. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Brad & Darla
Tom and Julia Dickins
We are shocked and saddened at this news. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Sheila Davenport, Rob Sangster and Pam
Dear Mariette and family,
Please accept our sincere condolences in your loss.
Nancy Hutchison, Mark, Ang, Monique Vanbruwaene
Mariette, Janet, John, Randy & family,
Keeping you all tucked in my heart, thoughts and prayers.
He will be missed as he was an awesome husband, father, grandfather and special friend to my parents.
I still recall the wood work of twenty bird in dad’s yard! With dad(Rene) Having passed two years ago, I can only imagine theirs conversations in heaven!
Thanks so much for your treasured friendship with my parents and the fun we all had as children growing up.
Keep each other close as you treasure your memories.
Thanks for your continued friendship with my mom, Monique, who considers you, Mariette, a sister forever ❤️ 💖
Saying farewell to a beautiful man.
Lots of love and hugs,
Nancy, Mark&Ang, and Monique.
Debbie Regier
Sending my condolences to Andy’s family,at this sad time.
Evelyn Vincent
Mariette and family
Sincere sympathy. You lost a good man, husband, father and grandpa.
May God grant peace, comfort and strength
Ken Schroeder
My deepest sympathies to the Bilcke family.Worked with Andre for number of years until he retired.Lots of memories from those years.
B & G Regier
Our deepest sympathies to all the Bilcke family.
With love…Gary & Betty
Ron & Kathy Ward & Family
John & Janet
Sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Thinking of all the family at this difficult time.
Dave and Robin Prout
Randy John Janet and Family
Condolences to all the Bilcke family A life well live
Dave and Robin
Deraeve Carla en familie
gecondoleerd ( Innige Deelneming ) met jullie verlies , heel veel sterkte Mariette , Janet en familie
Rob & Christina Taylor
To the Bilcke family sending our condolences on the passing of Andy.
Margaret Brintnell
Mariette & All Your Family
I extend my sympathy to all of you on the passing of your wonderful husband, father & grandfather.
It is a difficult to loose your loved one but you all will be granted the strength you need. Mariette I know you are a strong person. Thinking of you. Share your memories now & in days to come.
Margaret Brintnell
John and Ruth Timmermans
Our condolences due to Bilcke family. Our prayers are with you.. John and Ruth.
Glenn & Sharleen PhillipsPhillips
John & Janet & the Bilcke Family
Sorry to hear of the passing of your Father. You will have many great memories.
Delarue Franky/ Bultynck Patsy
We send our sincere condolences to Mariette and family
Katharina Coolman
Mariette & Family
Sincere condolences to all the Bilcke family at this most difficult time.
Kathy Coolman
Shirley Southcott/Smale
Mariette & family,
Deepest sympathy in the loss of a special husband, dad & grandpa. He was great at conversation whenever or wherever he ran into you. Always remembering you by name.
Treasure all those precious memories in the days ahead and keep them close to your hearts.
Anita Frayne
Janet, Frank, Carly & Michael:
My condolences to all of you on the passing of Andre. He had a long and eventful life.
Anita Frayne
Joyce & Frank Maas
Mariette, Janet & Frank, John & Janet, Randy & Heather, and the entire Bilcke family:
We were very sorry to hear of Andy’s passing. He was a wonderful man. He left a great legacy.
Please accept our sincere condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Joyce & Frank Maas
Larry and Sharon Lynn
To all of Andy’s family we send our deepest sympathy on your loss. Our thoughts are with you all.
Mary Vergeer
So sorry for your loss Janet and Frank! It’s always difficult loosing a parent regardless of age. Cherish his memories and keep him close in your heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Hugs. 💔💔💔💔 Mary
Faye Skinner
Mariette and family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
May you cherish your memories.
Faye Skinner
Scot Morgan and Judy Parsons
Mariette , Janet, Frank, John, Janet, Randy, Heather and all the Bilcke family:
Sending our sincere condolences on the loss of Andre. May your cherished memories carry you through this sad time.
Carolynn
Janet Frank and Bilcke family
My condolences on the passing of your dad. I always enjoyed chatting with him. He was so very proud of his family. Hold all the precious memories close
Sincerely
Carolynn Hodgins
Sue Riley
Sending deepest condolences to Andy’s families. May your memories carry you through.
Darren Boyle
Our deepest and most kind condolences to Mariette, Janet, John, Randy and families on this tremendous loss. We have such fond memories of Andy and hope all of yours help you through this time.
Denise, Darren, Kayleigh & Sean Boyle
Doug & Deb Masse
Our sincere condolences to Mariette and family for the loss of a very sweet man, Andy. Cherish your memories.
E Randall Campbell
My sympathies to the Bilcke family!
Doug and Sharon Kyle
Extending our sincere sympathy to the Bilcke family at this difficult time.
Doug and Sharon Kyle
Brenda Jones
My deepest Condolences to Mariette and family..Always enjoyed morning coffee with Andy at the restaurant always had a story tell..He will be missed by many..Sending love and hugs..
Rick and Cindy Vanneste
Dear Mariette John ,Janet and Randy and families…
It is with heavy hearts that we send you all our deepest sympathies…
We loved Andre and hold you all in our hearts and prayers at this difficult time..
we will remember his kindness and oh my that great sense of humour…
We feel so blessed to have called him our favourite Uncle .. he will be missed.. he will remain loved … and we will see him again..
God Bless you all..🌹🙏🏼
Dan Heywood
My condolences to the family for your loss.
Jim and Kathy Stephenson
Mariette, Janet and Frank, John and Janet, Randy and Heather and family members,
Our sincere sympathy to all of you at this difficult time. We were so fortunate to have all of you as friends and neighbours for many years.
Sincerely,
Jim and Kathy(Sangster) Stephenson
Cathy Batten
Mariette & Family
My condolences to you all at this difficult time. Treasure the Memories you all have of him to get through the days, weeks & months ahead. Thinking of you all & sending hugs.
Cathy
Rita Bilcke
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Noncle Andre was a wonderful man and uncle. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Annette Denomme
Mariette and family, so sorry for your loss.Andy was a great man and will be missed, 🙏🙏🙏 to the whole family
Deb Gehan
Dear Mariette, John, Janet and Randy and families
Please accept our sincere condolences for the passing of your husband and Father.
My the memories help you through your difficult time.
Sincerely Deb & Bob Gehan and Family
Cindy Taylor
Dear Mariette and family I would like to send my sincere condolences 💐 with the passing of Andy. I had the pleasure of having them as neighbours and watching their children grow up. They were always there with a helping hand. Cindy
Donna Masfrankc
Mrs. Bilcke and to the entire Blicke Families. Sorry to hear of the passing of Grandpa Bilcke. My thoughts and Prayers are with you all at this very difficult time.
Jackie Ferris
So sad to hear of Andy’s passing a nicer man you’d never find may he R.I.P.
Ann Maxwell
Mariette and family
Sending my sincere condolences for your loss. Remember all your precious memories.
Ann
Jackson Janmaat
Bilcke’s,
Sending you all a big hug.
Love the Janmaat’s
Marilyn Taylor
Mariette and family
Sorry to hear Andy has passed. I enjoyed seeing and talking to him at the coffee get togethers. May happy memories help you through this difficult time.
Jerry & Linda Traquair
To Mariette and family, DeBrakere, Bilcke and Vanneste families, as well…Sending heartfelt condolences on your great loss. Wishing you all the peace that comes from a life well-lived and loved.
Kathy Mann
To Mariette and family. My deepest condolences with the loss of Andy.
Caroline, Malcolm and Anna Peterson
We are so saddened to hear the news. He was a wonderful person and will be missed. Our thoughts are with you all.
Mike Veal and Marlyn Wein
Mariette and family. So sorry to hear about Andre. We were on the fire department years ago together. Great man and family. Condolences
Bob Dawe
So sorry for the loss of Andy . Always a man with a smile who loved solving mechanical problems and helping people . Rest Easy Andy you left big shoes to fill.
Marion McCarter
Mariette and family:
So sorry for the loss of your dear husband, father and grandfather. Treasured will be the memories you hold in your hearts forever.
Sincerely Marion McCarter
Inge Mowat
A beautiful tribute to a very special man. His family was his pride and joy and he delighted in all their many achievements. Andy never missed an opportunity to lend his hand where it was needed and his kindness was offered without reserve. I am going to miss the ever present twinkle in his eye when he spoke and the great fun he had teasing those he cared for. Your peaceful rest is well earned Andy – I am going to miss you, my friend.
Peter and Linda Bedard
Condolence goes out to Mariette, Janet,Frank,John Janet,Randy,Heather and all grandkids on the passing of a good husband , father , grandfather , I’m sure dad will be missed , I have many a memories of growing up with the Bilcke family and sharing some good times together .Andy love to be social and enjoyed sharing a conversation even with a neighbour boy now and again was a good mentor for the newbies at the fire hall passing on what he knew thanks for the memories Peter and Linda
Mary Lou Thomson
Mariette & family,
Deepest sympathy in the loss of a special husband, dad & grandpa. Treasure all those precious memories in the days ahead.
Hugs, Mary Lou Thomson
Rick & Marilyn Vandenbussche
Our sympathy to the Bilcke family on Andy’s passing. Thinking of you.
Pete and Deb Timmermans
Heartfelt condolences to the Bilcke family…
Gary and Judy Kyle
Mariette and family. We are very sorry for your loss. Andy was such a good man and he will be missed.
Jim and Marlene
Sorry for your loss Mariette and your family
Andre was a great neighbour,fellow firefighter and always willing to help out with anything. RIP . Andre 👨🏻🚒🚒⚒️🍻👍😎
Doug and Betty Lynn Eckel
Janet, John and all the Bilcke family – We send our sincere condolences. Cherish all of your wonderful memories.
Bonnie Gould
Dear Mariette, Janet, John, Randy and Families: Know you were blessed to have this guy in your lives for many years. He loved and adored you all. We are both sad and sorry Andy has passed away. He will be missed by so many. Leaving behind a lifetime of wonderful memories, hopefully will help comfort your feelings of sadness and loss. Sincerely Larry & Bonnie.
Alma & Tony Dayman
Such a giving & gentle soul. Our sincere condolences to Andy’s family! RIP
Rudy Jansen
Deepest sympathies to all the Bilcke families far and wide. Rudy/ Mary Jansen