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With devastated hearts the family of Andre Lorenzo Joseph Aubin wishes to announce his passing after a fight with Acute Leukemia. Andre left this life at Talarico Place Care Centre on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 blessed with 57 years of life.


Andre was born in the Township of Kendall (Hearst) Ontario on May 13, 1953 to parents Noella and Gabriel Aubin. He met the love of his life Sharron Koftinoff in Kelowna BC, in September 1972 and they were married in November 1972. After living briefly in Kelowna and Victoria, Sharron and Andre moved to Sparwood BC in December 1974. Andre worked as a Security Guard for Kaiser Resources Coal Mines. Then later he began operating Heavy Equipment for Westar Mining (even driving the largest truck in the world, now parked in the City of Sparwood). In 1975 they started their family and Andre started a side-business, painting. He painted many houses, business buildings, churches and bowling lanes. Life was good, work was good and the family grew. In 1994, Andre moved his family to Castlegar. He started to work for the School District as a School Bus Driver. Many people remember “Andre the School Bus Driver #1” Robson / Pass Creek. Andre loved this job and all his precious passengers. He enjoyed seeing his first Kindergarten kids graduate and start their families. In 2004, Andre was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. The Community of Castlegar and fellow co-workers of School District #20 showed their kindness to help out Andre’s family by holding a Fundraiser. Andre was able to go back to work for awhile, but the illness returned.


Andre enjoyed his Saturday morning breakfasts with the “Guys”, arguing about who’s turn it was to pay. Then in 2008, the apple of his eye was born, Jersey. Andre was an “Umpa”.


In January 2011, Andre was diagnosed with Acute Leukemia. This journey took Andre to Vancouver and after 3 months, he returned to Castlegar to be with his family for his final days.


Left to mourn his loss are his loving wife of 38 years Sharron; daughter Andrea (Shaun) and grandchildren Zianna, Daulton and Jersey; sons Anthony and Ashley (Jen) of Castlegar and Aaron of Calgary; mother Noella of Kelowna; brother Louis (Linda) of Ontario, sister Antoinette Dodds of California, brother Marcel (Linda) and sister Jackie (Bob) Maeers of Kelowna; mother-in-law Helen Blake of Blind Bay BC; father-in-law Bill Koftinoff of Grand Forks; many nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins and numerous family members and friends from BC to Quebec to the USA.


Andre was predeceased by his father Gabriel in 2004 and brother-in-law Arnold Dodds in 1997.


Vigil Prayers were held at St. Rita’s Catholic Church on Sunday, April 17, 2011 and Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Father Harry Clarke at St. Rita’s on Monday, April 18, 2011. Cremation followed.


Arrangements were in care of Castlegar Funeral Chapel.



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