I didn’t know Andre for very long, but in that time it was clear how kind, loving, and genuine he was. His deep love and devotion to Gerda shone through. I have so much admiration for the courage and strength he showed throughout his journey. He will be remembered with warmth and respect.

Andre, dear Andre. My funny friend. I pray to join you one day in paradise

Letter in Memory of My Uncle Andre Dear Family and Friends, It is with a heavy heart that I write about my uncle, Andre, who recently passed away after bravely fighting brain cancer for two long years. Andre was a man who left an unforgettable mark on everyone he met. Tall, strong, and striking with his long red beard, he carried himself with quiet pride. His tattoos—koi fish, lions, and more—were more than just ink on his skin; they told the story of his strength, his resilience, and his journey through life. Though Andre built his life in New Zealand, his heart always remained deeply South African. He never lost his roots, his warmth, or his connection to family. I will always remember the first time I met him. Without hesitation, I ran straight into his arms—like I had always known he was mine to run to. From that day on, he carried a soft spot for me, and I for him. I had the honor of being the flower girl at his wedding, and those memories of love, laughter, and family will forever stay with me. Even as he faced the hardest battle of his life, Andre showed courage and grace. He fought with the heart of a lion, and though cancer may have taken him from us, it will never take away the love, strength, and memories he left behind. He was more than an uncle—he was a protector, a storyteller, a gentle giant who will always live on in my heart. Rest peacefully, Uncle Andre. You are loved, and you will never be forgotten. With love, Marissa❤️

Andre thank you for the talks over the back fence when you lived in Howick. The Beautiful Kitchen you designed and built for us, we love it soooo much. R.I.P our friend, you lived a full life, but way to short.

Dearest Gerda, What a beautiful send-off for your dear hubby. 🤍🕊️Can only imagine the mamae (hurt) you are going through. You have so many beautiful memories to help you get through this. Sending you all the love in the world.💞Take great care and many blessings to you. 💞 Thinking of you lovely Nick, Rose, Ty, Nicholas, Esme & Baby Kaison. 💜

Getting to know you both on the Everest Basecamp hike was the best part of the trip. Steph and I often look back on that experience and talked about you both, and how we always planned to coordinate a trip to see you on the other side of the world. We also agree that Andre should not have eaten that 100 rupee pizza in Nepal right before we started the hike! In the military we like to call shared pain and suffering with other people ‘trauma bonding”. It’s our way of letting those around us know that we love them, and believe me there is no better or faster way to get to know someone. I believe the Basecamp hike qualifies as our “trauma bond”, and I am so glad that by chance we were partnered with you both. We have kept in touch over the years checking in from time to time, and though the time shared together was short both of you have always held a special and sacred place in our hearts, and I am truly heartbroken we never got to reconnect in person. We still plan to see you one day, either in the kiwi homeland or any other spot in the world. You are always welcome wherever we are. It’s clear that both of you loved each other wildly, and I think you are so brave for having the strength and courage to carry on and put this celebration together. We love you, and look forward to the day we can reconnect. Thank you for including us in this. ❤️

**“Goodbye, Andre… your afterlife has just begun. We say farewell with heavy hearts, but also with deep gratitude for the life you shared with us. You were a husband, a brother, a friend — a light in the lives of those who knew you. Though you faced struggles and pain, you faced them with courage and dignity. Now you are free, at peace, and embraced by love eternal. Your laughter, your kindness, and your spirit will remain with us always. In every memory, in every story, in every moment you touched, you live on. Rest now, Andre

I have know Andre for many years, his quick laugh, positive attitude and pure confidence in life gave me huge inspiration in my life. He was fiercely loyal, and a very true friend who I will miss very much. God love his soul, he leaves all of us with heavy hearts.

Dearest Andre. You fought bravely and valiantly and now you will finally have peace. It was an absolute pleasure having you in our lives. We will miss your sense of wanderlust and adventure, your cheeky chuckles and optimism. Thank you for being the Clyde to our Bonnie (Gerda) and showing us all that love and kindness transcends cultures and continents. We will miss you sorely but will always have you in our hearts.

Hello everyone My name is Ricardo, I meet André through work around 2010. Shortly after that day, we began a friendship based in a mutual respect, passion about our profession and tools. We share life experiences and likes me, he called this beautiful country, home. I feel grateful for those moments that we shared, and I learned some tricks from him. Some of that knowledge is still very useful, and I will pass those tricks to the next generation include my younger son. "He wants to be a Cabinet maker just like us, my friend. " Thank you for your help and for those special English lessons to get me out of trouble. I wish I could write them here, but I can't, because those words are for emergency only. So many memories and good moments, I guess that's life, and thank you to letting me in.. Maybe one day we will share two or three big glasses of beer again. Finally, you never will be forgotten big,good man. Sincerely, Ricardo Valdés

May your gentle soul rest in eternal peace.

Today I say goodbye to Andre — my neighbour from Mary Street, Florida, my partner in every childhood scrape and adventure. He was the one I blamed when I pinched cash from his granny’s handbag, the one who shared my very first smoky, awkward puff, and the one who taught me that grandfather’s garage was a place for more than just tools — it was our playground. We raced along the railway tracks in Unified, dared each other into trouble, and even bought flick knives together — reckless, intrepid, and fiercely loyal. Andre’s mischief was only matched by his big heart: he laughed loud, forgave faster, and made every small moment feel like an epic story. I’m grateful for those raw, real years that shaped us both. As he is progressing today to paradise, I hold on to the foolish, beautiful memories and the quiet kindness beneath them. With love, Ralph (and now hubby Johan too)

André I appreciate all you did during my our time working together. You are someone I look up to for your extremely hard work ethic and your attention to detail in all aspects of your life. The music you have shown me through out our time together is something I am grateful for and I will always cherish. It was always a pleasure being in your company, you will be missed very much. Thank you for everything xxx

André, I feel so privileged to have met you and your beautiful Gerda. I only wish we had more time together. But even in those moments we did share, it was so clear to me what a kind, loving, and gentle soul you were. You had a way of bringing lightness with your humour, and such humility that made you instantly endearing. Though our time was short, you found a special place in my heart, and that’s where you’ll always stay.

To my brother Andre, You showed such quiet strength through everything, even when the road got unimaginably hard. I’ve been thinking a lot about you—your courage, your fight, and everything you endured with grace. I hope you’ve found peace now, free from pain. You’ll be remembered, and you’ll be missed in ways that words don’t fully capture. And to Gerda—thank you. You never left his side. Your strength, love, and care were constant, and I know they meant the world to him. You are one truly remarkable human being, and I have so much respect and gratitude for everything you did. Rest easy, Andre. With love, your sis, Sal💔🙏

André you will be missed.. I will miss talking with you at the bbq area in your lovely garden.. was a pleasure to meet you and get to know you in the short time we had..