Christopher John Reaume

Christopher Reaume passed away October 29, about a week after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. His ending was gentle and he had had so many visits and good wishes from family and friends. He left us just short of his 64th birthday.

He was short in height. His wit was razor sharp and he was smart and so well read. He learned his craft as a farrier from his father, Gil, and his uncle, Robert, and he was proud of the skills he brought to each horse he trimmed or shod, whether it was an elderly pony or a prominent show horse. He was active in the Michigan Horseshoers Association. After the physical demands of horseshoeing took their toll on his back and knees, he worked as a carpenter and tackled that with the same commitment to good work. His final career was as a trucker and medical courier and he enjoyed those jobs, too.

Chris was a talented musician. His fingers were like little lightning strikes on the guitar strings, so fast, so illuminating. He played with a number of mid-Michigan professional bluegrass bands and he played with family and friends. He like fishing, he liked driving horses, he liked great ideas and history. He suffered a stroke about three years ago, and he worked hard to carve out a new way to live with his physical disabilities.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gilbert Reaume. He is survived by his mother, Janice Reaume; sisters, Mary Reaume Alvera and her family and Jeanne (Don) Van Wieren and her family.

Memorial service at Gorsline Runciman Williamston Chapel, 205 E. Middle St., Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 11 a.m.

Those desiring donations may be made to Leroy Twsp. Fire Dept. c/o NIESA, 1296 W. Grand River, Williamston, MI 48895.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.grwilliamston.com