Obituary of Claude Raes

Claude Valere Raes died peacefully at Providence Place, Moose Jaw, SK, on January 12th, 2018, at the age of 88 years. He was born on December 17, 1929, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Gravelbourg to Armand and Annette (nee Rheaume) Raes. The family resided on a farm south of Fir Mountain. Claude, his brother Jean and sisters Georgette, Suzanne, and Simone attended school at Gwendella, a mile and a half east of the family farm. When the school closed, his sisters went to the convent in Lafleche to finish their education, while Claude and his brother stayed to help on the farm. Seeding was with horses, and in the fall they stooked and threshed the crop. For extra money, Claude and his brother dug trenches for culverts with a pick and shovel. July 1st was the Dominion Day Celebration and the annual Pool Rally with races, ball games and topped off with an amateur hour at People's Park. Claude competed in many races and was an excellent runner. The second outing of the summer was Wood Mountain Stampede. Claude also worked in Moose Jaw for a brief time, returning home in the late forties and went to work for Alphonse Poirier. It was here he met the love of his life, Yvette Poirier. In 1950, Claude and Yvette were married at St. Joseph Church in Moose Jaw. Claude and Yvette purchased land from her uncle and started their homestead, across the road from her parents. They were blessed with two sons, Darwin and Morrie and daughter Maureen. Claude was an early riser and an extremely hard worker. He found great joy working alongside wife Yvette and his sons. He loved farming the land and raising Hereford cattle, winning many ribbons at Agribition. Claude was active in his community and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone. He enjoyed curling in the local bonspiels and was a devoted fan of WWF wrestling. In later years, Claude and Yvette enjoyed wintering in Arizona, playing shuffleboard and Canasta, and visiting with friends. He will be dearly missed. Claude is survived by his son Darwin (Laurie), granddaughter Regan (Jason), great grandchildren Ronnie, Ryley, Kymberly, Owen; granddaughter Claudine (Karen), granddaughter Kirsten (Aaron), great grandchildren Sierra, Dakota, Cassidy; granddaughter Aimee (Mitch) great grandchildren Abby, Jaimee, Craig, Korbin, Lex; son Morrie (Colleen); grandson Sheldon (Cath); granddaughter Natalie (Serge); great grandchildren Daylan, Tyson; grandson Bradley (Lacey); great grandchildren Avery, Gavin, Luke; granddaughter Fiona (Evan). He is also survived by sister Simone Raes. Claude is predeceased by his loving wife Yvette (2013); infant daughter Maureen (1961); grandson-in-law Jon Larson (2015); siblings Georgette Schroeder, Jean Raes, Suzanne Giovanella.