Claude Laurendo Lalonde

Claude Laurendo Lalonde, loving husband and father, passed away peacefully in Victoria, BC, on November 4th, 2026 at the age of 83.

Born in Timmins, Ontario on February 12th, 1943, to Albert and Germaine Lalonde, Claude was raised in Timmins. He attended the University of Ottawa, graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1966. After completing a year of law school in 1967, he went on to earn his credentials as a Chartered Accountant and built a career in the civil service before moving overseas to contribute his professional skills to various international aid projects in Africa and Southeast Asia over the last 30 years of his career.

Wherever he found himself, he became involved in the community, often as volunteer treasurer for community organizations and social clubs, most recently as president of his building’s Strata Council. He was a compassionate man, always ready to quietly assist others with practical and immediate help when he identified a need.

Claude said that anything worth doing was worth doing well. He exemplified this in his work but carried it over into his leisure activities. He was a perfectionist in his photography and woodworking. His children fondly remember weekend mornings with him in his workshop and darkroom in their childhood. His passion for photography eventually gave way to sailing after he acquired his first sailboat and learned to love the peaceful sound of the waves against the hull as the wind quietly filled the sails to propel him on a new adventure.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years Louise (Dupuis) Lalonde; his children Paul (Shona) Lalonde and Joanne (Charles) Kerton; his grandchildren Matthew (Keturah) Kerton and Laura Kerton; siblings Murielle (Rick) Nystrand, Rejeanne Lalonde, and Gerald (Donna) Lalonde; and many nieces and nephews.

He has gone ahead to scout a new journey. There is no doubt when his loved ones join him on the other side, he will be waiting with the boat in fine trim, ready with a twinkle in his eye for the next adventure.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.