Obituary of Claude Henry Gould

CHG Claude “CHG” Henry Gould, 93 passed away Thursday, March 16, 2023. Claude was born January 23, 1930 the eldest of two children to Lenny & Loeva Gould. He worked in the Family Insurance and Real Estate business and in later years they added a travel agency to it. He had a passion for helping people, and being self-employed allowed him the flexibility to do just that. Claude was born in Connor Creek & lived in and around the area all of his life. He met the love of his life, Vivian, in Mayerthorpe at the train station when she came to town fresh out of nursing school. They married May 10th, 1952 with their parents present. Leonard their 1st child born in 1953, Claudette 1955, followed by Eric 1957, and their last child Cheri 1959. He worked hard every day to provide a good life for his family. Claude wore many titles in his lifetime; son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather and great grandfather, friend, business man, lions club member, chamber commerce, town councillor, three rivers gas co-op, Reeve, Scout leader, any group organization to help the Whitecourt community. Although Claude did not have a grade 12 education it never stopped him from being the best he could be. Claude was a kind and giving man, a Pillar and Foundation in his community, a trusted friend who stood for honesty, integrity and service, and was willing to help anyone he could. Claude’s love of music came from his childhood years when he started playing the violin, then later the guitar. He always looked forward to the Baxter band coming to the lodge and playing music; we think that may have been his most enjoyable event, except he also loved Bingo particularly when he had the winning card. Dad’s involvement in scouting encouraged his love of nature, camping and willow stick creating. Many tales & stories were shared around the campfire with Claude, Sparking much laughter and enjoyment. If we were lucky, the campfire would include one of mom’s famous doughboys. Dad, along with mom travelled the world which gave him many more stories to tell, he would always find someone, somewhere that he had some kind of a connection with. Dad loved his independence and living at Spruceview Lodge allowed him to have it. It was his second family, and he loved them all. He loved to help wherever he could; if anyone needed a screw, a battery, a nail, a lightbulb, a hoe, a weeder, a……….he had it and he was happy to share it. What a beautiful place to spend your final years, a place you were lucky enough to have friends you had gone to school with, friends you sat on boards with, friends you had camped with, friends you worked with to make your community a better place, a place to call home. May Dad’s life be an example to all-go forth, do good where you can, be kind, be compassionate, for none of us know what another is going through. He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Leonard Gould, Claudette Ashmore (Denis), Eric (Gail) Gould, and Cheri (Michel) Gaultier; nine beautiful grandchildren, Jonathan Gould, Jessie (Ryan) Mitton, Naomi (Luke) Yanik, Ryan (Carlyn) Gould, Daniel (Lori) Gaultier, Patrick (Randelle) Gaultier, and Mathew (Alyssa Gaultier; seventeen great-grandchildren, Heather, Maitraya, Avery, Emma, Victoria, Vanesa, Will, Gus, Vira, Evan, Vivien, Denae, Hunter, Hannah, Emmett, Ava and Halle; cousin, Theresa Heslop, and a very near and dear nephew and niece Lenny (Irene) Oltman and Loeva (Denis) Halko, along with many cherished friends. Claude was predeceased by his beloved wife Vivian; parents, Lenny Gould and Loeva Starman; sister, Margaret Tokarchuk; grandchildren, Shane Ashmore and Trinity Ashmore, Son-in-law Dave Ashmore. A very heartfelt thanks to all the wonderful staff at Spruceview Lodge that made Claude’s life so full of love and laughter. A warm thank you to the Home Care team for their exceptional care, which added to Dad’s quality of life, as well as Dr. Neal Beyers for his kindness and compassionate care over the past six years. The family would like to give a warm thank you to the Whitecourt Health Care Centre for the loving care our father received. Cremation has taken place and as per Claude’s request, no service will be held. A celebration of Claude’s life will take place in the summer of 2023. For those who desire, memorial contributions in Claude’s name may be made directly to Lorne’s Blanket (Men’s Shelter), Box 1402, Whitecourt, Alberta T7S 1P3