Real (Ray) Paul Emile Gaudreau
April 6, 1931 – October 13, 2026
It is with great sadness, the family of Real (Ray) Paul Emile Gaudreau announces his passing on October 13, 2026 at the age of 95 in Edmonton, Alberta.
Ray was born on April 6, 1931, in Courval, Saskatchewan, to Armand and Lea (née Blanchette) Gaudreau. His early years were spent working and playing on the family farm in Courval. He attended primary and middle school locally, including time at Mathieu College, before completing high school at Gravelbourg and Peacock High School in Moose Jaw.
Driven by a lifelong passion for learning, Ray completed Teachers College in Moose Jaw and went on to earn his Bachelor of Education from the University of Regina. His distinguished career as a teacher and principal spanned 40 years. He began his journey in the country schools of the Assiniboia School Unit (teaching in Mitchellton, Mossbank, Mazenod, and Ormiston) before dedicating the majority of his career to the Moose Jaw Catholic Board of Education, where he left an indelible mark on generations of students.
In 1954, Ray wed Henriette Jacques, and together they raised four children. Though they separated later in life, they maintained an enduring friendship and spent his final months together residing in the same long-term care facility.
Ray was an avid gardener, fisherman, camper, curler, and he loved to play the slots. He never turned down an opportunity to go to Vegas or a local casino, especially if it included one or more of his sons. He often shared stories of his cherished time spent hanging out with the beloved "James Street gang" in Moose Jaw during his 38 years living there. Considered somewhat of a jokester, Ray excelled at engaging with everyone who crossed his path. He never shied away from asking personal questions—not out of intrusiveness, but because he genuinely wanted to know everything about each person he met. A deeply spiritual man, Ray was also a devoted and active member of the Knights of Columbus for over 60 years, serving in various leadership and community roles.
For the last 26 years, Ray lived in Alberta (Calgary and Edmonton), where he was blessed to spend abundant quality time with his family. Ray was a proud grandfather/greatgrandfather who took great joy in dispensing classic wisdom to the younger generation. He frequently left his grandchildren scratching their heads with old-fashioned sayings that felt like a foreign language to them. Whether he was warning them that they 'can't have their cake and eat it too' or advising them to 'keep their eyes peeled,' his family will forever treasure the gentle confusion and laughter those conversations brought to their lives.
Ray was predeceased by his parents; his brothers, Louis, Gerald, and Allan; and his sister, Blanche. Left to grieve his loss and celebrate his legacy are Henriette; his sister, Dolores (Claude); his sisters in law, Adeline, Diana and Lea; his children, Paul (Shelley), Marc (Eve), Robert (Sheila), and Denise; his grandchildren, Paige (Troy), Brett (Ericka), Jason (Jennifer), Megan (Adriano), Renae, and Sydney (Matt); his great-grandchildren, Dash and Sage. He also leaves behind many loving nephews, nieces, former son in law Sam and lifelong friends.
The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers you consider a tribute donation to the Canadian Mental Health Association or to a charity of your choice.
Friends and family are invited to share expressions of sympathy and memories in the comments section below.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Care Entrusted to Pine Box Funerals Inc.
pineboxfunerals.ca