Obituary of Claude Albert Skubovius

Claude was called home to be with his Savior on March 14, 2020, with his family by his side.

He was predeceased by his parents Albert and Irene Skubovius, sisters Ella Skubovius, Cathy Penney, and brothers Marvin Skubovius and Alvin Skubovius, as well as several brother and sisters-in-law, and one great-granddaughter Addison Todd. (Due to Covid restrictions at the time of his death, a memorial service was postponed for Claude until now)  Claude’s wife of 61 years, Bernice, joined him in heaven on March 4, 2024. See her obituary also listed. 

He leaves to mourn, his children Doug Skubovius, Jim (Colleen) Skubovius, Dan (Elaine) Skubovius, Leona (Ken) Doerksen, 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 (since passed) and Jim Bitz and many nieces and nephews.

Claude was born to Albert & Irene Skubovius on October 19, 1937, in Judah Hill, Peace River Valley, Alberta. When he was 14 years old, he bought a ticket on an East-bound train for Morden, Manitoba and in 1959 he married Bernice Bitz. In 1964 the family moved to St. Pierre-Jolys, 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 was a founding member of the Steinbach Auto City AA group where he served in many capacities. Claude was a sponsor to many people over the years.

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, B.C., for many years, they decided to retire in Smithers. Claude and Bernice were members of the Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church in Steinbach for 40 years and then for five years enjoyed attending the Free Church of Smithers, B.C.

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, hospital staff, hospice volunteers, Palliative Care, and staff at the Meadows, all of Smithers B.C., 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 joint memorial service for Claude and Bernice is planned for Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel in Steinbach. To join the family via live stream, please click HERE.

A private ash interment will take place in Smithers, B.C., at the end of August.