André was born on June 13, 1926 in Parike and died on March 10, 2025 in Opbrakel. He was known as a veteran and active in the resistance and the Secret Army. After the Second World War he was richly decorated for his heroic deeds in the resistance. For example, he played an important role in the liberation of Nederbrakel in 1944. Many Brakelaars also knew André Vandenhaute as musical clown Dédé performed a lot with Fons Jouretz.