Claude Albert Skubovius

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

CLAUDE ALBERT SKUBOVIUS

Oct. 19, 1937-Mar. 14, 2020

Smithers, BC

(formerly of Steinbach, MB)

Claude was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, Mar. 14, 2020, with his family by his side. He was predeceased by his parents Albert and Irene Skubovius, sisters Ella Skubovius and Cathy Penney, and brothers Marvin Skubovius and Alvin Skubovius, as well as several brother and sisters-in-law, and one great-granddaughter, Addison Todd.

He leaves to mourn his wife Bernice, his

children Doug Skubovius, Jim (Colleen)

Skubovius, Dan (Elaine) Skubovius, Leona (Ken) Doerksen and Barb (Kyle) Mulvaney, 21 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, his brother Ted (Jackie) Skubovius, sister Eileen Hobson and Peter, brother-in-law Fred Penney, sister-in-law Georgina Bannister, sister-in-law Verna (Steve) Krasnianski, brothers-in-law Tom Bitz and Jim Bitz, and many nieces and nephews.

Claude was born to Albert and Irene Skubovius on Oct. 19, 1937 in Judah Hill, Peace River Valley, AB. When he was 14 he bought a ticket on an east-bound train for Morden, MB and in 1959 he married Bernice Bitz. In 1964, the family moved to St Pierre where Claude would meet the men that would walk alongside him in his journey of sobriety through the AA program. After moving to Steinbach in 1974, Claude met a man named Austin Stouffer who led him in making the most important decision of his life, the decision to trust Jesus Christ as his Savior. Claude and Bernice have been members of the Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church in Steinbach since that time and most recently the Free Church of Smithers, BC.

At age 55, Claude enjoyed an early retirement from the Manitoba Telephone System. Spending time with their children was very important to Claude and Bernice, however, after driving back and forth from Steinbach, MB to Smithers, BC for many years, they decided to retire in Smithers.

In the last few weeks of his life, family enjoyed several evenings of singing with Claude and Bernice and were especially touched by Claude’s concern and prayers for his family. In his words, “I’m going to see Jesus and I want to see you all there someday.” Claude will be remembered as someone with a strong work ethic, a love for family, a commitment to friends and as a man who served his community.

Family would like to thank Dr Dykstra, the hospital staff, hospice volunteers, palliative care and staff at The Meadows for their excellent care of Claude.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to World Vision Canada or the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba.

A memorial service is pending with ash interment at the Morden Hillside Cemetery at a later date.

As published in The Carillon on Mar 25, 2020