Claude Joseph Henri Charbonneau

Claude Joseph Henri Charbonneau passed away on February 17th at 92 years of age. He is survived by his daughter Michele and sons Tony, Philip and Marc.

Claude lived a life that swept the ages from the Great Depression, through the Second World War, Flower Power, Disco, the explosion of the Information Age and the Great Pandemic. Throughout that life he showed an exceptional openness to others and ability to change and adapt to the next crazy thing in the world.

Born and raised in Montreal with his older sisters Louise and Claire, Claude worked with his father at his car dealership from which he developed a lifelong love of working with his hands and for the iconic Packard brand.

Claude was lucky enough to marry Judith Braund, a woman who had been firmly warned against ever speaking with him and they raised their four children together in a beautiful home in rural Caledon.

A confirmed workaholic, Claude was renowned for his ability to renovate or repair almost anything and his foolishness for always trying. Claude had many projects and amongst his most cherished were their rural home, a cottage in Lions Head and a country store in Belfountain, Ontario. At each of these locations he helped create something better and more beautiful than was there before.

Perhaps what Claude enjoyed the most was driving his powerboat across lakes like Lac St. Louis, Georgian Bay and Lake Ontario. He loved using these trips as opportunities to go out on beautiful days with the very best of friends.

In retirement Claude used his work ethic and considerable skills as a handyman to help those in need. He was always the person that you could count on for help and from this he created a small community of friends who would meet every year at his annual Christmas parties.

Claude will be dearly missed by both friends and family alike. Given the current circumstances no service will be held. For those who wish to make a donation Claude supported the Mercy Ships at www.mercyships.ca