CLAUDE JOSEPH PREFONTAINE

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, father-in law, brother, family member and friend after some major health issues. 

Joseph fought a real hard battle and never gave up.

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Claude was born on May 22, 1938 to Laura (Alarie) and John Prefontaine that have both predeceased him.  He lived in Elie Manitoba,  until the age of 5, then moved to Saint Boniface, Manitoba. He is the youngest of eight children. 

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Claude was fluent in both French and English and attended Provencher Collegiate. In 1955 he applied for summer work at Salisbury House and worked for a decade and a half with Sals. He met Shirley at a Sals dance, they were married in 1964 and began their family, Shelley, Ronnie and Kelley.  They separated around 10 years later.  Claude is predeceased buy his son Ronnie in June 2008.

Claude had a long time bartending career until he retired from the Velvet Glove/Fairmont Hotel (Winnipeg Inn), with over 25 years of service. He worked at many bars through out his life the Concord Hotel, Los Espanola’s and many more. He had drinks he developed put on menus at the Fairmont Hotel.  He was featured on Bar enRoute magazine and many others, also won regional awards for his cocktail recipes. He always enjoyed his Hockey games, was very happy when the Winnipeg Jets came back to Winnipeg.  He enjoyed reading the stats and getting to know the players.  Claude was a big supporter of children's charities and devoted his time and generosity to many charities.

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Claude had two grandchildren Kylee and Tyson that he loved dearly and they loved him also. He also enjoyed the Calgary Stampede and attended it for years. Claude had a very distinct laugh that you could not miss, that we will now all miss hearing.

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Thank you to everyone at the Saint Boniface and Seven Oaks Hospital for the exceptional kindness and care you gave our father. 

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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