Claude Gareau

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Claude Joseph Gareau, husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. Claude passed away peacefully on Friday, February 16, 2024 at the age of 77. Florence, his wife of 55 years, was by his side.

Claude was the first of ten children born to Georges and Madeleine Gareau on July 7, 1946 in Prince Albert. He met the love of his life, Florence (nee Cousin) in high school, and they were married on July 13, 1968. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love and laughter. They are a true testament to everlasting love.

Claude grew up on the family farm in Bellevue, Saskatchewan before he moved to Saskatoon to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics at the University of Saskatchewan. After graduating he took his first job in information technology at the University. His keen interest in technology persisted throughout his life. Claude enjoyed playing fastball, hockey, and any sport you could play with a racquet from ping pong to squash. During the 1970’s, Claude and Florence lived in a little bungalow in Saskatoon where they welcomed three children. In 1980, Claude and Florence moved the family to an acreage near Clavet. While Claude continued his career in technology, Florence took on running the tomato farm which they expanded when they built a second greenhouse. In 2004 after a successful 36-year career, retirement took Claude and Florence to Wakaw Lake where they spent their summers at “the 19th hole”. With their site and trailer, they helped build a community of family and friends. Many a visit from children and grandchildren were enjoyed. Over the years, a golf cart garage, sleeping bunkhouses and innumerable other projects were lovingly undertaken by Claude. Many a beverage was consumed after a round of golf at the Wakaw Lake Golf Course where Claude was a member for sixteen years. After 37 years on their beloved acreage, they moved to a condo in Saskatoon in 2017. In his later years, Claude’s health issues were not insignificant, but he always remained positive and never let his circumstances dampen his enthusiasm. Claude had many hobbies and talents. He was a builder, an inventor, and he loved a good bargain. But above all, he was a creator and a problem solver with a particular passion and talent for woodworking. Right up to the day of his passing, he spent many an hour in the workshop of St. Volodymyr where he completed many projects with his wife and sisters.

Claude leaves to mourn: his wife, Florence, his children, Gwen Gareau (Guillaume Girouard) of Oakville, Ontario, Shannon Rooke (Ramey) of Kelowna and their sons Tyler, Austin, Chase and Evan, Ryan Gareau of Kelowna and his daughter and son, Amelia and Finnian. He also leaves to mourn nine beloved siblings, Emilienne (Ron), Marcel (Deirdre), Aline, Simone (Leo), Irene, Georgette (Arlen), Gaston (Shannon), Laurent (Shelley), Jocelyne (Grant). Claude was predeceased by his mother and father Georges and Madeleine Gareau.

A Celebration of Claude's Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 22, 2024 at Acadia McKague's Funeral Chapel at (915 Acadia Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan). For those unable to attend please visit www.faithproductions.ca/livestream to view the service. Light refreshments will be served after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatoon gratefully accepted.

Arrangements entrusted to Brady Levesque.