Földes, André (Endre, affectionately known as Bandi) (née Klein)

André died on December 28, 2023 in his 94th year of life. He is survived by his children Robert (Barbara) and Judy, and grandchildren Emily, Avery and Amanda. Andre is predeceased by Violet (Ibolya, née Krausz), his wife who lovingly steered his life for 48 years, and his brother Dr. Gyula Földes of Budapest.

Bandi was born October 27, 1930 in Budapest to Jenö Klein (b. 1893) and Erzsebet Friedmann (b. 1898). He lost his mother to illness at a young age and was adopted by his mother’s brother Tivadar (Theodore) Földes (née Friedmann) and his wife Dr. Julia Altmann. Bandi and Tivadar’s biological son, Gyula were raised as brothers and the family lived for part of WWII in a Swedish protected safehouse. Despite being in possession of a Shutz-Pass, Tivadar was shot into the Danube by the Hungarian Arrow Cross militia in January 1945, 10 days before liberation. Jenö was presumed to have perished in Auschwitz.

Bandi was educated in Budapest and Paris and escaped Hungary in early 1957 together with his wife, brother-in-law, and sister-in-law shortly after the Hungarian Revolution. He settled in Montréal and received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the Université de Montreal under the mentorship of Prof. Camille Sandorfy in 1969. Andre worked at Delmar Chemicals Ltd. For 18 years and Sterling Winthrop Inc. for 11 years leading regulatory affairs, quality assurance and scientific and technical affairs. He finished his career as an independent consultant.

Bandi had a passion for swimming, chess, bridge, theatre, the symphony, the opera, and was devoted to his children and grandchildren and their careers. He had a great sense of humor.

Over the past 4 years, André’s health declined progressively due to the ravages of frontotemporal dementia. He received outstanding care and attention from the many dedicated and compassionate staff at One Kenton Place.

Please direct donations to B’nai Brith Canada (https://www.bnaibrith.ca/), Magen David Adom http://www.cmdai.org, or the charity of your choice that supports the citizens of Israel.

Shiva will be observed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Visitation between 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. Please contact family for location.