- Winnipeg Free Press Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday

(ROLAND) CLAUDE ROUGEAU
Date of Passing: Aug 06, 2019
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
(ROLAND) CLAUDE ROUGEAU
Claude's youth was spent in St. Vital, where as a teenager he began his career in the grocery business which was followed by a long career with Canada Safeway as store manager in many city stores. Prior to retirement, he embarked on a second career with Frontier Toyota where he enjoyed "playing cars with his friends."
Claude and Marlene and their two children loved camping which naturally progressed from tents to trailers to a cottage. As their family grew to include grandchildren, wonderful memories were created and will always be lovingly remembered.
In 1986, Claude and Marlene moved to a small acreage in Ile des Chenes, where Claude enjoyed tending the property, playing in the garage listening to country classic, his cars, buying and selling "stuff" (treasures to Claude) and his dogs.
On early retirement, Claude and Marlene fulfilled their dream of spending winters in Arizona where they enjoyed sightseeing, golfing, the mountains, the weather and socializing with their many friends.
Claude was a fun and engaging person who enjoyed chatting with everyone - including strangers. He loved to laugh and to make others laugh. His upbeat outlook on life continued even after his diagnosis of esophageal cancer in January 2015 that began a new life journey. The strength, courage and positivity he maintained throughout his four and a half year battle were admired by everyone he encountered.
Three years ago, Claude and Marlene moved to Calgary to be closer to their son Paul, daughter-in-law Sheila and grandchildren, Sabrina and Jean-Claude. Of all things Claude enjoyed in life, he enjoyed his family the most. All week he looked forward to Sunday family dinners where stories, laughter (and opinions!) were always willingly shared.
Claude's life was celebrated with him during his final days. We will be forever grateful for the opportunity he took to share his wisdom and experience with us before departing. He was and will always be loved!
Claude is survived by his wife and his family in Calgary and daughter Michele and family in Manitoba.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 17, 2019
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
-
Remembering… and thankful! Wish you were here to enjoy your legacy. You would be so proud. Love you and miss you. - Posted by: Sheila (Daughter-in-law) on: Nov 24, 2023
-
First met Claude when he was Assiatant at 585 around 1966. He was very sure of himself and was a great assistant manager there. Next time our paths crossed, he was store manager at 562 and I was his lead man on nights. Bob Swan was his assistant. Claude gave me a lot of responsibility. He let me do the store ordering and we had a plan to reduce the 12 flats of inventory in the basement. 562 had a large basement and all groceries were stored there. In a matter of time the reserve stock was down to less than one flat. Not only did Claude's store save money in sitting inventory, he could save on manhours. As MIP had no spares for sickness, Claude informed them that we could be taken out several nights a week. We would work an hour on Sunday night and then work rest of the night at other stores, likewise with floor washing night. Years late I ran into Claude at Frontier Toyota and we visited several times. Some people change with time but not Claude, same personality that one liked. Claude was one of the people you worked with and 40-50 years later you can relate to the good times together. Thanks for the memories Claude. - Posted by: colin dederick (fellow Safeway employee) on: Aug 31, 2019
-
My condolences to the family. I first met Claude when he was assistant manager at 585. Our paths crossed again when he was Store Manager at 562 and I was lead man on nights there. If Claude had confidence that you could do the job, he gave you his full support. He let me do the ordering and the plan was to reduce the 12 flats of reserve stock. In a short time, the reserve was down to half a flat. The upside was that money was not tied up in inventory in the basement of the store and Claude saved a lot of man hours each week. As there were next to none extra workers for night crew sickness, Claude advised MIP that one or both of us could be taken out several nights during the week. We would only work two hours Sunday night and work the rest in another store. Likewise on floor washing night. The only time I saw Claude was on order nights when we put in a full night of work. I found Claude to be a good communicator and valued your input. He didn't get excited and was calm all the time I knew him. I saw him a couple of times at Frontier Toyota when he was selling autos there. He hadn't changed over all those years. Thank you for the memories and the good times over the years. - Posted by: colin dederick (former collague) on: Aug 28, 2019
-
My condolences to my dear friend Marlene and her wonderful family. Claude was a special man who always found the joy in life. My last visit with Claude and Marlene was in June and it was very special. We managed to stay up to the wee hours, laughing and sharing stores. You will be missed my friend. - Posted by: Diane Borowski (Friend) on: Aug 21, 2019
-
My condolences to you Marlene and your wonderful family, we had so much fun in Arizona with our dinners and Saturdays going to Costco for lunch, we we so blessed meeting you and Claude, he was a great man I will miss him. Love Bet - Posted by: Betty Hunter (Friend) on: Aug 17, 2019
-
For several years we were long range snowbirds from the UK via Alberta and we would spend a few of the winter months in Apache Junction. We met many great people there but we like to think Claude and Marlene were among our special and closest friends. Claude's irrepressible humour and positive outlook made the decision to extended our visits well beyond our intended dates an easy one. It was great to know that although we had travelled thousands of miles we were surrounded by such good friends and neighbours. Although our long distance travelling has moved elsewhere our friendship has continued through social media and although Claude has moved on he will always remain in our heart, a symbol of what is good, kind and fun to be with and someone who always laughed at my atrocious jokes!! - Posted by: CR Bradley (Friend from across the water) on: Aug 17, 2019
-
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss Paul, Sheila & family. Our deepest condolences dear friends. - Posted by: Craig & Ann Griffin (Friends) on: Aug 17, 2019
-
Our condolences to Claude’s family. As my store manager Claude was an awesome mentor and became a friend over the time we spent together. His laid back approach inspired others to move forward and not be afraid of a challenge. Thanks Mr. Rougeau. To the both of you Paul and Sheila, Brigitte and I are are so very sorry for your loss. May the memories help you get through this difficult time With much respect - Posted by: Joe Missalino (Friend) on: Aug 17, 2019