Seems like yesterday. That autumn morning, driving into town with Rene Lalonde and my Father for the first time, I was three years old and about to get my first kite. The sun cresting the treetops from the east, the thicket of leaves dancing away from the tires as we wound that fateful corner and came to a stop before a scene, to me, like something out of a wild west film. Clomping up the stairs excited, the hollow excitement of my feet on the wood flooring, as I pushed through the doors and ran to the back of the store to be greeted by the most gentle soul to grace the hills of Stormont. A warm smile upon his face and an acknowledgement from my father in stern form to draw respect to the moment, an apology for my excitement as it was explained I was embarking upon my destiny with science. I thought it was simply a kite. But alas, Claude soon resounded with me the importance of my purchase and with it, lent me a history lesson I would never forget. Yup, I learned about electricity at the age of three from a corner store Clerk. Little did I know he was oh so much more than a simple Clerk and a Clerk held more than a simple role, he was the town therapist, theologian, historian, teacher and even make shift doctor / veterinarian at times. Over the years, each visit grew further apart and each visit grew longer as it became near impossible to say goodbye to our friend. Every visit held a moment of escape, his rickety door the gateway to a never ending story. Side note, I always imagined he held the book from the film in his attic. There was something magical about Provost's for everyone. Even if you left the store empty handed. Your heart was always topped off. Selflessly, by a man who cared more sincerely about what took place in our lives than quite often we ourselves did and for that, I know he will be greatly missed, for its rare to come across a soul who can resound with us the importance and necessity of the smaller things in life and how often we take them for granted. Claude, I never took our visits for granted and pray you are to be Celebrated. My condolences to the family, the community and all those whom were blessed enough to share in his story, his legacy, his life. Godspeed