William Dale Andre

1947 - 2026

Bill was born in Nebraska in 1947 to Helen and Charles Andre. His early memories were of life on the road with his family. One of his favorite memories was living in a travel trailer in Oklahoma listening to the Lone Ranger on the radio. So began Bill's good life.

The Andres traveled and moved several times before settling in Tucson, Arizona. There, Bill discovered real cowboys and a love of the desert. While at Rincon High School, he worked part time at Barney's Nursery, cultivating a lifelong passion for cacti.

During his years at the University of Arizona, Bill spent summers working at the Grand Canyon, where he was inspired by natural wonders and the promise of travel. In 1969, he married his high school sweetheart, Annie (Corky White). Together they followed their curiosity and careers to Missouri, Texas, Kansas, and beyond.

After 30 years in the insurance industry, Bill retired and returned with Annie to the Tucson desert. In the Catalina Foothills, he was inspired to search and collect cactus skeletons and bring them back to life as works of art. Friends called him Cholla Bill.

Their creative spirits and love of adventure drew Bill and Annie to Burning Man in Nevada. There, he became the familiar affable guy up at dawn, cooking bacon for everyone in their camp. They called him Bacon Bill.

Bill died January 20, 2026 after a brief illness. Days before he died, he shared this thought with friends, "Old Burners never die, we just get blown away in the big whiteout in the sky."

Bill was preceded in death by parents Helen and Charles Andre; brothers Robert and Steven; and sister Jeanette. He is survived by Annie, sisters-in-law Cynthia and Moira; nieces and nephews: Annette, Bobby, Leigh-Anne, Lindsey, Christopher, Krista and Nic.

A Celebration of Life is being planned. In Bill's memory, please consider a donation to Pima Animal Care Center or your charity of choice.