Cornerstone No. 193, page 6
André Dürrenmatt 9.10.1935 - 25.05.2018
André grew up as an only child in the Yverdon area and was confirmed at age
16 in the Swiss Reformed church. He did technical training following his
schooling then worked at Paillard, who made Hermes typewriters and cameras,
the same company as his father. At the age of 23 he went to England, worked
for the Rank Organisation in Wales and ended up in London. He then moved
to Brussels to work for Xerox and it was there that he met a young Canadian
missionary in training, Diana Lamb. Diana and André struck up a friendship
that soon turned to love.
Diana worked for two years in the Belgian Congo
during which time André went home to Yverdon
and, on her return, they got married. They then
moved to Toronto, Canada for nine years and it
was here that Mark become a precious part of the
family. André studied business law and psychology
at university and worked for Siemens Medical
doing hospital planning. On their return to
Switzerland, and this time Lausanne, André began
work for Bobst in Prilly as N°2 in Human
Resources and remained with this company until
his retirement.
In 1974 the family chose to settle at the Scots Kirk
where André gave many years of service. He
became an Elder in 1980 and many people will remember his welcoming smile,
gentle manner and sense of humour as he interacted easily with all age
groups. He was responsible for the Free Will Offering Scheme, he was part of
the Recording team, he sat on the Property committee and he was in charge
of the church buildings. He also helped Diana when she was leading the
Sunday School for many years. As Presbytery Elder he visited other European
Scots Kirks and made lifelong friendships. André and Diana moved to All Saints
Church around 2008 where André was active for two years on the Chaplaincy
Council.
André loved history, photography, music and doing water colour painting. He
enjoyed learning about and using new technology.
André believed strongly that God guided his life and he was committed to
doing God’s work. He was a wise, soft spoken, intelligent man who was always
ready to help and give reasoned advice.
Our sincere sympathy is extended to Diana and Mark.
Peter Fairchild