Clair Richard Handsaeme

It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we, the family of Clair Richard Handsaeme of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Carolyn, and Father to Mathew and Carly, announce his sudden passing on May 19, 2020 at the age of 61 years. 

Clair was born April 6, 1959 in Lethbridge, Alberta to Matt and Elaine Handsaeme.  He grew up on the family farm in the Sunnyside Area and was surrounded by a large loving family of 8 siblings.  Life on the farm was filled with joy and adventure which included horseback riding, trail rides, and riding his trail bike. Clair enjoyed snow skiing, playing football for the Kate Andrews High School team and playing hockey. His love of hockey carried on into adulthood as he played for the Ranch Hand Hockey team. He decided that welding was his vocation, and he worked for many years before forming his own company. He was a very hard working and responsible person, and all who knew him loved him for his kind way, sense of humor, and humble wisdom.

Clair married the love of his life in 1989 and they were blessed to have had 30 wonderful years together.  His greatest joy was when Mathew and Carly were born. Clair was a person who loved children.  His kind loving nature made him a favorite with his nieces and nephews and any child that got to know him. He took that love for children and coached hockey, instructed welding in the creative kids 4H club, and was President of the Lethbridge Synchrobelles Synchronized swimming club. Whether it was singing or playing guitar, dancing or gardening, Clair had many interests. He did them all with passion and dedication, but it was his family that was his greatest love and source of pride.

Clair is survived by his wife Carolyn; son Mathew; daughter Carly (Jared); sisters Betty Snyder, Mary-Ann (Don) Wehlage, Carol-Lynn (Dave) Harker; brothers Bob (Nola) Handsaeme, Jerry (Lis) Handsaeme, Bill Handsaeme, Jack Handsaeme, Mark (Brenda) Handsaeme; mother-in-law Elizabeth Sera; brother-in-laws Albert (Pat) Medve,  Ron (Darlene) Sera, Allen (Dorothy) Sera, Bob (Evelyn) Sera, Richard (Carrie) Sera, and their families.

Clair was predeceased by his parents Matthew and Elaine Handsaeme; sister-in-laws Peggy Handsaeme, Sherry Handsaeme, Shirley Medve, and father-in-law Alex Sera.

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, a Private Service will be held at 2:00pm, on Friday, May 29, 2020, for those who wish, please visit www.mbfunerals.com click on Clair’s obituary to view the live stream of the service.

Memorial Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 119 14 St NW #100, Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6, Alzheimer Society, 1202 2 Ave S #40, Lethbridge, AB T1J 0E3, or the Canadian Cancer Society, 325 Manning Rd NE #200, Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 .

Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

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