André Jean Louis Cloutier

André Jean Louis Cloutier, passed away surrounded by family at the age of 82 in Visalia, California on Saturday, April 5, 2025. We are comforted knowing that he has joined the heavenly band, rejoicing in the presence of God. He was born on August 25, 1942, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. André was the son of Maurice Cloutier and Antoinette (Martel) Cloutier, who passed away in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. He and his wife Helen Druecile (Sullivan) Cloutier were married for nearly 60 years. 

André was one of eight children and greatly enjoyed the camaraderie of his siblings. As a boy he spent time at his grandparents’ farm. André graduated high school, served in the Canadian reserves, and attended two years of business school in Quebec before coming to the United States in 1963. 

André and Helen were married on August 24, 1965 in Mexico and again, shortly thereafter, in Winterhaven, CA. After their wedding, they settled in Covina, CA, lived in Utah for several years, and finally made their home in Visalia, CA in 1983. André and Helen loved to spend time with their grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He regularly would take the kids in swimming, bring out a pet rabbit, or sit with one of the babies. 

During his working years, he was a musician, construction contractor and an expert at laying tile. He played drums in many groups including with Charlie Steinman & Friends as well as playing backup for Wynn Stewart and Merle Haggard. He performed in Portuguese parades around California, the Visalia Christmas parade, Three Rivers Jazzaffair, and at many senior dances. 

André was legally blind for over 25 years of his life and he did not let it stop him. 

He was a dedicated member of the Grace Community Church Men’s Group. He lived out his faith in God, including traveling to Mount of Olives Orphanage in Mexico to build showers for the residents there. He also helped repair bicycles for the homeless in Visalia for several years. He generously volunteered his time and talents on many projects for family and friends.

André was a friend-maker throughout his life. He and Helen enjoyed long friendships in the Southern California, French-Canadian community. The years brought good friends to their lives in the Visalia community as well.  André loved all animals and had a special relationship with his horse, Pepsi and his dogs, Cocoa and Willie.

André Cloutier is survived by his wife, Helen, and children, Corky (Laurie Baughman), Cissy (Dave Cummings, deceased), Brenda (Steve Mulford), Antoinette, and Daniel (Angie Kampsen). André is also survived by his 10 grandchildren: Jeff (Alex), Richard (Wendy), Jason (Stephanie), Kenny (Amber), Jacob, Chris (Amanda), Sarah (Brett), Stevie, Sami, and Nicole (Harrison); his 15 great-grandchildren: Phoenix, Noel, Ava, Jamison, Connor, Chase, Trevor, Heidi, Casey, Kahlen, Erik, Tyler, Lilly, Adrian, and Caiden; as well as 1 great-great-grandchild: Everlee.

He is also survived by his sisters and brother: Louise, Micheline (Pierre Chayer), Hélène (Normand Richard) and Daniel (Lyne Savoie), (in Canada); and by his sister, France (Serge Kotnarovsky, deceased) (France); as well as many nephews, nieces, and cousins. Two of his sisters preceded him in death (in Quebec, Canada), Suzanne (Jean-Paul Lafrenière, deceased) and Céline (Robert Desroches).

Flowers are welcome, or if you prefer, in honor of André's love for animals, a donation may be made in André's name to an animal rescue of your choice or to Gabby's Animal Rescue, 5920 W. Caldwell Ave., Visalia, CA 93277, or online at www.gabbysanimalrescuevisalia.org/

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