Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
CLAUDE DESROSIERS
Born: Sep 17, 1932
Date of Passing: Aug 16, 2026
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
CLAUDE DESROSIERS
Claude Desrosiers passed away peacefully at 93, surrounded by family, the evening of August 16, 2026, at Ste. Rose Hospital,.
Predeceased by wife, Johanna; siblings: Raoul, Théodore, Roland, Jacqueline, Raymonde, Laurent, Elphège, Philippe, Wilfrid; great-grandchildren: Amy, Joseph, Johanna, Jasper.
Honouring his memory are his wife, Adèle Letain; his children: Annika, Sonja (Paul), Normand, Thérèse (Douglas), Monique (Gérald), Christina (Smain), Solita (Daniel); his grandchildren: Gilbert (Erin), Denis (Heather), Nicole (Jonathan), Rennie, Cailem, Sienna, Bronté, Frieda, Mohammed; and great-grandchildren: Madeleine, Alida, Sophie, Silas, Xavier, Oliver and Bryer as well as Adèle’s children: Marc and Michèle Cherak; grandchildren: Devon (Shea), Bryce (Stephanie); great-grandchildren: Elie, Serenity, Dallon, Illyanna; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Claude was born in Biggar, Saskatchewan, September 17, 1932. Following years of religious studies with les Frères du Sacré-Coeur in Montréal, he attended the University of Ottawa, earning his BA, then his teaching diploma.
Claude enjoyed a long teaching career in Québec, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Manitoba before retiring in 1991. He met Johanna Verdonk in 1960 in Winnipeg. They married in 1962, and moved to Alonsa, then to McCreary when he accepted a position as high school principal. They purchased a farm west of McCreary in 1972, establishing a dairy before becoming maple syrup producers. Claude spent the rest of his days in this paradise.
Claude was a devoted and loving spouse, father, and grandparent. He selflessly helped and served people and community through volunteering, driving a Handivan for many years, and serving on many municipal committees. His knowledge and skills were evident in his devotion to liturgical preparation. Music was a main focus of his life. He was organist for his home parish, Our Lady Of the Nativity in McCreary for 56 years, and for Notre-Dames-des-Victoires in Laurier since 2009. He was also a member of La Chorale des Intrépides for a number of years.
Claude loved being outdoors, working with his hands, gardening, building and repairing, working with and caring for animals. He loved and encouraged wildlife and created a safe haven for them on his farm.
Please join us on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Roman Catholic Church in Laurier, for prayers at 12:30 p.m. and mass at 1:00 p.m. A luncheon will follow at the McCreary Community Centre. All are welcome to the interment, August 31, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to CancerCare Manitoba or the Prevost Foundation Inc. (Ste. Rose Health Centre Inc.).
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 27, 2026