ROSS, Andre Victor

Born November 19, 1957 and raised in Wahnapitae, Ontario.  Andre passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2020 at the age of 62, with family by his side.  Andre was a much-adored husband and soul mate to his wife, Debra Sylvestre-Ross.  Devoted father of Crystal (Jasmin), Bryan, Allen, and James (Sarah).  Proud Papa of Alexa (Keenan) and Bea and loving great-grandfather to Kayden and Nova.
Beloved son of Romeo and Anna Ross (nee Champagne) (predeceased 1981 and 1997).  Cherished brother of Helen (Tony) Cayer (predeceased), Julia (Gerald) Joly, Maurice (Glenda) Ross, Muriel (Victor) Guindon, Alma (William) Rivers (predeceased), Laurent (Rachel) Ross (predeceased), Claire (Roger) Gignac, Anne (Charlie) Charron, Claudette (Dave) Brabant, Ernest (Aline) Ross, and Gerard (Brenda) Ross.  Andre is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Born the youngest of 12 children, Andre was always surrounded with love.  He learned to cook, garden, and renovate at an early age and he carried these interests throughout his life.  As a teenager, Andre found a love for cars and he and his friends would rebuild cars and have a fun time driving them in quiet areas.  He became a skilled tradesman working all throughout Ontario for many years and across Canada.  Andre’s renovation ‘hobby’ allowed him to help others realize their dreams.  Helping others was a core value of Andre’s.  He was always willing to go when and where the help was needed.
In his 20’s, Andre became a proud father of 2 precious children, a girl and a boy, whose happiness was his main priority.  In his 30’s, Andre found love again and became a proud father of 4 children.  He worked hard to give all 4 children everything they needed, and then some.  He shared his time with the children playing games, making up songs and stories, attending the kids sporting and special interest events, and Andre was never afraid to act silly.
Andre and Debra shared a life together with ups and downs but they had an enduring love for each other.  They enjoyed cooking, playing music, gardening, watching movies and documentaries, camping, fishing, playing games, working on cars and homes, making fires, playing crib, and so much more.  They often acted silly together and enjoyed making others laugh.     
Andre was most at ease when he was out in nature and when he was playing the guitar, keyboard, or any other musical instrument.  He often recounted memories of many camping trips, especially on the French River.  He loved fishing and spending hours on the water with his friends, extended family, and close friends.  And, he always put the plug in the boat.
Andre: I lived my life as best I could. I loved. I laughed. I worked. I played. I was always willing to lend a helping hand.  I was loyal and protective and always tried to live honestly.  I was the lighthouse for my children as they grew, guiding them through to safe waters.  To my wife, I was her confidante, counterpart, and inspiration.  To my siblings, I was like a playful and curious cub, forever venturing and exploring.  With my friends, many of whom I grew up with and truly valued, I had many special and memorable times.  You were all very important in my life.
Family were friends; and friends were family.  Andre held nothing but pride and love for his family.  He lived a life of kindness and caring, always lending a helping hand, and sharing his knowledge, creativity, intelligence, wit, and sense of humour with those around him.  
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Andre Ross Memorial Foundation would be appreciated.  Donations may be made through Jackson and Barnard Funeral Home, to the RBC account, Lasalle Blvd. Sudbury, ON, Transit # 00492, Account # 5001359 or visit [email protected]. Funeral service in the R.J. Barnard Chapel at the Jackson and Barnard Funeral Home, 233 Larch St., Sudbury on Saturday, September 26, 2020 at 2:30pm. Friends may gather after 11am Saturday. Cremation at the Park Lawn Crematorium. Due to the COVID 19 directives, 50 people in our visitation room and 80 people in our chapel. Facemasks are mandatory. For those who wish to view the service online: https://www.oneroomstreaming.com/view/authorise.php?k=160079110677970
For donations or messages of condolence, www.lougheed.org