Andre Charles Laurent, 54

Andre Charles Laurent went to Heaven on Nov. 14, 2006, to be with our Lord. He was 54 years old.

He was born in Southgate, Calif., on May 24, 1952.

He is survived by his mother, Janet Peters, and stepfather, Joe Peters, of Hope, Idaho; his two sisters, Gisele Knowles of Cocolalla, Idaho, and Roberta Koopal of Sagle, Idaho; a brother, Douglas Benson of Herford, Texas; 19 nieces and nephews; and grandparents, Irving and Anabelle Rossman of Post Falls, Idaho; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins in Idaho and Califarnia.

Andre was a quiet, loving and gentle man who enjoyed new adventures. He enjoyed artwork, hunting and fishing. Andre loved to spend his time outside collecting things to turn into art and he loved to carve and make things out of wood. His latest project was making jewelry out of elk horns. Andre was a wonderful artist and did a lot of sketches using pencils.

Andre was preparing to show his creations in the summer of 2007 at the Farmers Market and Art on the Lawn.

He spent his last days in North Idaho with his family and with his mom and stepfather. He was a blessing to us all and we will miss him greatly.

Andre grew up in Lynwood, Calif., and later joined the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War. In memory of his life, a memorial service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2006, at 4 p.m. at Southside Community Church, Cocolalla Loop Road, Cocolalla, Idaho.

Family and friends to attend. Those of you who knew Andre, please join us in rejoicing in his new eternal life in the fullness of God's love.

His beautiful spirit will remain in our hearts forever.

"Absent from the body — Present with the Lord."