Andrew (Andre) Pelgrims, 92, died June 7, 2013, at his home in Coeur d’Alene. Andrew was born Dec. 19, 1920, in Antwerp, Belgium, to Maurice Pelgrims and Mireille (Gilliard) Pelgrims.

When Andrew was 3 years old his father moved the family to Djokjiakarta, Indonesia, where he was a diamond broker. Andrew always fondly remembered his childhood and adolescence in Java. While French was his first language he also spoke Dutch and Malaysian. While living in Java he joined the Boy Scouts and became an Eagle Scout. In 1939 his family moved to the United States and settled in Los Angeles, Calif.

In September 1942 he joined the United States Army and was assigned to the Army Intelligence Bureau. Because of his language skills he was sent to the South Pacific where he was stationed in Merauke, New Guinea, and served as the liaison between the American and Dutch Armies. While on leave in Brisbane, Australia, in February 1945 he met the love of his life Ena Annand. They married Dec. 6, 1945. When he was discharged from the Army he returned to the United States bringing with him his war bride Ena. They settled in Los Angeles.

He then began his career in the Savings and Loan business, first as Treasurer of Huntington Park Savings and Loan and in 1968 as Vice President of Southern California Savings and Loan. In 1971 he retired from the Savings and Loan business and founded a new company. Western Financial Printing Company and Western Advertising Specialties Company. He sold this business in 1985 and retired. He loved traveling the world with his wife Ena and their daughter Denise. When people would ask him what his hobbies were he would proudly say “my wife and daughter.”

In 1991 Andy and Ena followed their daughter and son-in-law to Coeur d’Alene. He and Ena continued to travel up until 1998 when Ena was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. He cared for Ena at home with the help of his daughter and caregivers until her death in January 2008. He was devastated by the loss of his wife of 62 years. He continued to reside at home until he passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones and went to join his beloved wife. His brother-in-law Cos Annand once asked him if his life had turned out as he dreamed. His answer was that he had “exceeded every expectation that he had in both his professional and personal life.” He was a kind and caring man who was devoted to his family and he will be forever missed.

A special thank you to Kym, Lu, Karen, Sonjia, Jan, Pete, Barbara and Terry for their kindness.

He is survived by his daughter, Denise Hickenbotham and son-in-law James Hickenbotham of Coeur d’Alene; sisters, Mimi Carlson of Foster City, Calif., Monique Rosso and brother-in-law Ron Rosso of Belmont, Calif.; sister-in-law Dell Annand of Brisbane, Australia; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A private family gathering will be held at a later date to celebrate his amazing life. Memorials may be made in his name to either the Alzheimer’s Association or the ASPCA. Please visit Andy’s memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.