The first thing I noticed about Andre when I met him many many years ago is his big smile. It didn’t take long to discover that his smile matched his personality. And it’s that personality that I would like to celebrate today. His kind and empathetic nature, his inquisitiveness, sense of adventure, and precociousness are the words I’d use to describe my former colleague and now a dear friend.
Andre, your smile opened a door to many conversations where topics seemed endless over the years, we could go on for hours. I loved your stories about your biking adventures or an event in Calgary that you were shooting. We shared many laughs and even tears, I always loved seeing your face popping in my office, even for a minute! I still smile at the time when we shared a table at CERI’s Christmas theater/dinner party, you entertained us with your stories all night long.
I am grateful for having met you and I will forever cherish the moments we had. I raise my glass in your honor and celebrate your beautiful life!
“There are good ships and wood ships, ships that sail the sea, but the best ships are friendships, may they always be!”
Irish Proverb
P.S. The picture is from my family’s road trip across Canada in 2017. An old wood ship was redesigned as an obstacle course for kids in Montreal, Quebec.
-Dinara
