Clarence Ernest Gourneau
Clarence Ernest Gourneau, age 60, of Spokane, WA, formerly of the Sheyenne and Oberon, ND area, died Thursday, March 22, 2012 at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, Spokane, WA.
Clarence was born on July 5, 1951, at Belcourt, ND, the oldest of 12 children born to Fred and Elizabeth (Peltier) Gourneau. He and four of his siblings were placed in the orphanage in Fargo at a very young age. At the age of 11, Clarence was reunited with his sister Vicki, when they were placed in the home of Henry “Styke� & Evelyn Stenberg, Oberon. He attended school in Oberon. Clarence joined the U.S. Army in 1968, going to Fort Lewis, WA. He spent 1 ½ years in Germany and was honorably discharged in 1971, at Fort Dix, NJ. Clarence married Janet Bingham of Maddock, ND on July 26, 1974, and they had two sons, Robert and Mark. They later divorced. Clarence was always full of laughter, loved to play chess, dominoes, cards, board games and put puzzles together. He could always make you laugh. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing with his foster dad, Styke. He worked as a cook, hotel manager and truck driver. He also worked for the Hyatt Hotel on Union Square in San Francisco. He enjoyed traveling and would pack up his bags and go to Portland, OR, Sunnyside, WA, San Francisco, CA, or home to North Dakota. He had many friends and family in these places and enjoyed visiting and spending time with all of them. Clarence is survived by his two sons, Robert (Kimberly) Gourneau, Yakima, WA and Mark Gourneau, Mabton, WA; six grandchildren; special sister, Vicki Gourneau, Sheyenne, ND; sisters, Janice (Jerry) Nelson, IL, Barbara (David) Darby, CA, Karen Gourneau, CA, Martha (James) Molossi, CA; four brothers, Harvey, WI, Fred (Joyce), ND, Russell (Terry), CA, Danny Gourneau, CA; and many nieces and nephews. Also his very dear friend of many many years, Estagen (Linda) Zimmerman, Esmond, ND. He will be forever loved and missed by all. He was preceded in death by his biological parents, Fred & Elizabeth Gourneau; brothers, Dennis & Marvin; nephew baby Russell; foster parents, Henry & Evelyn Stenberg; foster brother, Blane Stenberg. MEMORIAL SERVICE: Evans Funeral Home, New Rockford, ND DATE AND TIME: Thursday, April 12, 2012 at 1:00PM BURIAL: Private Burial Service at Hillside Cemetery, Oberon, ND
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Posted Condolences:
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Name: Lorrie Sandoval
Message: My condolences go out to Clarence and his family even though were blood and I never met you I believe you and I shared lot in common by what I've read you were well loves and will be greatly missed cousin Clarence to bad I never met you bit in heave we will meet much love family
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Name: Joe Bouret
Date: 04/10/2012
Message: Clarence & Vicki came to live with my aunt & uncle, Styke & Evelyn (Bouret) Stenberg when we were all still very young. Foster children or not, THEY, are as much blood relatives to me as anyone else in the family. Always will.
Aloha Clarence, your cus, Joe
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Name: Sandy (Olson) Swenson
Date: 4/10/12
Message: My sympathy to you , Vickie, on the loss of Clarence.
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Name: Estagen Zimmerman
Date: 04/06/2012
Message: Clarence's friendship will be greatly missed, but cherished forever. He was what I call a true friend through out the years, we always met up in Portland, Sunnyside, Yakima, or North Dakota. He was full of laughter, we always played cards and games, but most of all I enjoyed the conversations and visits. Let all the wonderful memories of Clarence carry us thru. To his family, you have our deepest sympathy. May he rest in peace for eternity.
Your Friend,
Estagen
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Name: Russell and Terry Gourneau
Date: 04/05/2012
Message: Clarence so many happy memories of you will always be in our hearts. To speak your name brings a smile to the face. You were a gentle man and we are at peace with you being in a better place - free from all of Earth's bonds. Healthy and happy again. We love you always dear brother.
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Name: Roseland E. Bailey
Date: 04/05/2012
Message: Gourneau family: Let God be your strength and fond memories be your key to bringing joy to your heart and a smile to your face. (((((hugs)))))
Roseland (Martha's co-worker)
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Name: Barbara Darby
Date: 04/05/2012
Message: Clarence I miss you so much and think of you daily. I mostly miss our weekly chats and shared laughter, I sometimes find myself waiting for the phone to ring in the evening. I love you dear brother. Rest in Peace, your sister Barbara