On January 10, 2022, Claude "JC" Gentes at 75 years of age went to join the pond hockey game in the sky.  After a short illness, he passed away peacefully at Red Lake Margaret Cochenour Memorial Hospital with his family by his side.

Born to Ann & Maurice Gentes in The Pas, Manitoba, when he was 2 years old, the family consisting of Claude, Marcel, Denis and their parents moved to the Red Lake Area.   They first lived in a cabin on Upper Flat Lake where Maurice worked for Starratt-Olsen mine.  In 1953, the family moved to Red Lake where shortly after his brother Orville was born.

Claude attended Red Lake Madsen Public School and then Red Lake District High School.  He was a straight A student and an avid sports enthusiast playing basketball, football and track in high school.  He had hockey and baseball careers that spanned most of his life.  His hockey career highlights included Jr hockey with the Dauphin Kings, followed by many years at the Cochenour arena playing Senior Mens for the Red Lake Rockets, commercial league for the Red Lake Leafs and even old timers.  Through the years, he often won the most gentlemanly player.

Claude and Leah were high school sweethearts and were married in May of 1969, and they had two wonderful children, Cory and Shari.  During his working career, he worked for Kingsway in the early years of their marriage– but in 1974 became one of Red Lake's milkmen working for Vacationland Dairy for 27 years.

Claude spent many happy years on the lake with his family.  He enjoyed coaching and watching his kids in hockey, figure skating, baseball and their many other activities.  So many wonderful memories were created in that loving family home, on the road, boat and milk truck.

Over the years, Leah and Claude took many trips to beautiful locations including Hawaii, Florida, Arizona, Texas and Australia.

Claude retired in 2001 and became an avid golfer.  He and his friend Andre still hold the record for most golf balls found!

After his retirement, Leah & Claude moved to McDougallville, he enjoyed his daily walks to the Lakeview for coffee with his buddies, and later Tim's was the place to go.   He spent hours watching his birds, especially the hummingbirds, grosbeaks & chickadees, along with the planes, boats and other interesting activities that took place on the bay.  In Winter, he also dubbed the ice road "Highway 501"', enjoying the constant activity on it from his favourite chair.  Claude & Leah spent many happy hours with their friends at the Legion on Friday nights for the meat draw, not winning often – but enjoying always.

Claude was very proud of his children and five grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them all on many family visits.

Survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of 52 years, Leah, his children Cory (Nicole) Gentes and Shari (Exequiel Merlino) Gentes, his brothers Marcel and Orville Gentes, sister-in-law Margaret Mathieson, his grandchildren Connor, Shane & Blake Gentes and Sydney & Spencer Merlino, as well as many nieces & nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents Maurice and Ann Gentes, his brother Denis Gentes, and sisters-in-law Carolyn Gentes and Francine Geary.

Claude touched so many lives - always greeting you with his infectious smile and a kind word.   To those who knew him well – his favourite responses to so many questions were 'We'll see" or "Maybe later".

JC was the kindest, gentlest soul who had a life well lived, and we will all carry so many happy memories of him.  He will be sorely missed and will be in our hearts always.  Bye for now.

Cremation has taken place and a private Celebration of Life will be held.

Donations in his name may be made to Red Lake Margaret Cochenour Hospital Auxiliary through the Red Lake Chapel, Box 237, Red Lake, ON P0V 2M0.