Andres, Rodney E.

February 14, 1953 — October 2, 2022

It is with sadness that we inform you of the untimely, but peaceful passing of ‘The Big Guy’ Rod Andres.  He went into the hospital on Thursday evening of September 29th, at the age of 69, and left us on Sunday evening, October 2, 2022, at 11:20 pm.

His passing was preceded by his mother, Pauline (née Seebach) Andres; his father, Ewald Andres; his younger brother, Barclay Andres; his brother-in-law, Waldemar Rinas; and his grandson, Beau Barnes.

He leaves behind his immediate family: his beloved wife of 43 years (and best friend for 48 years) Rose Andres; and his two children, Corry Gliddon and Leroy (Tracy) Barnes.  He will also be remembered as “Big Babba” by his grandson Christian; “Pappa Rod” by his granddaughters Evening & Israel; and “Opa” by his youngest grandchildren Willow, Echo, and Arrow. He is also survived by his brothers Greg (Marilyn) Andres, Jack (Andrea) Andres, his sister-in-law Sharon Andres, and brothers-in-law Bernard (Christine) Rinas and Willie Zimmermann; as well as his many nieces and nephews: Dean, Rhonda, Sheila, Linda, Nancy, Jason, Jennifer, Keith, Kyle, Brandon, Nadine, Lisa, Kurt, Erika, Richard, Robert, Randy, and Jennifer, and all of their families.  Also left behind are many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Though born in Princeton, BC on February 14th in 1953, Rod spoke most fondly of living in Edenwold, Saskatchewan (a small prairie town), and of his skating and playing hockey.  “Those who don’t work, don’t eat!” guided his life, so it is not surprising that many people know him through his various work hats: his parents’ Antique stores; the former ‘People’s Grocery’ on Gordon in Kelowna; as a bouncer at The Coast Capri and other such establishments; trucking for Ready Mix Concrete; Property Management in Regina, Sask and Calgary, Alberta; Tolliver’s Bakery & Deli in High River, Alberta; Calgary’s Safeway bakery; Main Street Public Market’s Bakery (the current location of New Life Centre) in Kelowna; and then for much of his later years as a painter wearing his trademark painting pants, overalls, and “Rod’s Painting” hats…  He spoke proudly of working with businesses like Chaparral, Spider Manufacturing, the Dolphins, Wolverine Industries, The Society of Hope, Columbian Centennial Housing Society, TroMark Contracting Inc. and Coldwell Banker Real Estate.  He stepped out and tried some new things before he started to slow down – woodworking and hunting to name a few.

Rod was well known as a jovial, larger-than-life man of prayer and faith, happiest when he was interceding or speaking out a word of encouragement to those requesting prayer.  He boasted of reading through a different version of the bible each time he did it, collecting different copies as he went along.  He bonded with many of those he met through various men’s small groups, or other church services.  He loved to cook and be surrounded by his family.  He was the one in charge of the big Christmas Eve meal… often singing and making horrible ‘dad jokes’.

His respected work ethic & boisterous prayers will be carried forward by those who knew him most, and he will be dearly missed as a dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, accomplished baker, professional painter, prayer warrior, friend and neighbour.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, any contributions in memory of Rod, or donations can be made to ‘The National Society of Hope’ in Kelowna, BC.

There will be a Memorial to honour Rod at a later date, yet to be announced.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.