Andre Gareau

Dr. Andre Joseph Normand Gareau, born in Bonnyville, Alberta, died peacefully in his sleep in the Foothills Hospital, Calgary, on October 6, 2010.

Andre will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 40 years, Dr. Mary Dumka; his mother Therese Dandurand Gareau of Edmonton; his brothers and sisters, Marianne (David) of Vancouver, Jean-Paul (Patricia) of Nelson, Robert (Loretta) of New Brunswick, and Simone (Blair) of Edmonton; and by his many nieces and nephews, relatives, and good friends from all over the world. He was pre-deceased by his father Laurent Gareau (1986).

Andre had a Ph.D. in Social Psychology, and taught at the Faculte St. Jean in Edmonton. His thesis was on the reactions of victims to injustice, and this led him to pursue a degree in Law. His work as a Councilor for the town of Canmore in the last 10 years made excellent use of all his expertise in both psychology and law.

As a councilor, Andre worked tirelessly to preserve habitat and corridors for the wildlife in the Bow Valley area, and to improve the quality of life for those of us living here. Andre was a well-nurtured, good-humoured man, who never took things too personally, and who knew that you can NEVER please all of the people all of the time. For him, the most important thing was to remain clear about his values, and to take the time to listen carefully to all sides of any issue.

Andre was a true Renaissance man: environmentalist, adventurer, musician, astronomer, world traveler, insatiable learner, snowboarder, modern-day voyageur, hiker, canoeist and punster extraordinaire! He was a loving person, who loved life and lived it fully. It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to our husband, son, brother, friend, and advocate.

If you would like to make a memorial tribute, please direct it to the Bow Valley Naturalists, c/o Shelley, Box 1693, Banff, Alberta T1L 1B6. You can also phone Shelley at (403)762-3521.

A celebration of Andre's life was held on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at Millenium Park, at the south end of 5th avenue, just past 1st street in Canmore.

Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.