Maurice Paul Masse
May 10, 1918 - November 23, 2012
The death of Mr. Maurice Masse of Chateau Providence, St. Brieux, SK, occurred at his residence on Friday, November 23, 2012. He was 94 years of age. Maurice was born on May 10, 1918, on the family farm near St. Brieux, to August Sr. and Marie (nee Renier) Masse. He grew up on the farm and attended school at Miora Lake until Grade 6. After school Maurice helped out on the farm. At that time, they were farming with four horses and small machinery. As he grew older, he started farming with a tractor. In June 1958, Maurice met Anne Marie Martine. One month later they were engaged, and on October 20, 1958, they were married. Maurice and Anne Marie raised their family of six on the family farm in the St. Brieux area. Maurice continued to farm and, eventually, took on more land when his sons started farming with him. When he wasn't farming he could be found tinkering on something in the shop. Maurice was a jack-of-all-trades, from carpentry to mechanics, even building his own snowmobile and snow plane. He loved hunting, fishing, auction sales, gardening, and farming. Maurice taught himself how to play the banjo and violin. He would clear brush for people in the area and also cut wood for the neighbors. Maurice spent a lot of time with his grandson, Tyler; everywhere he was Tyler wasn't far behind him. Anne Marie's health began to seriously decline in 2005, and Maurice was her devoted caretaker until 2007, when she became a resident of Chateau Providence. After her death on November 26, 2009, Maurice continued to live on the farm until November 2010, when he moved to Chateau Providence, where he resided until the present. Maurice will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his four sons, two daughters, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild: Denis (Valerie) Masse of St. Brieux and family, Blaine (Adam) and son Carter, Tyler (Amanda), Keeley (Steven) and Cassandra; Rita Masse (Doug) of Biggar; Paul (Krista) Masse of Middle Lake and family, Lee, Kayla and Scott; Lucie (Darryl) Bradfield of Melfort; and Leon Masse and Ernest Masse, both of St. Brieux; one brother: Lucien (Germain) Dubreuil; one sister, Irene Gorin; numerous members of the Martine family; and by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Anne Marie (nee Martine) Masse; his parents: August Sr. and Marie (nee Renier) Masse; two brothers and three sisters: August Jr., Marcel (in childhood), Marie, Angele (in infancy), and Celine Dubreuil; step-father, Alfred Dubreuil; and numerous nieces and nephews. The Funeral Mass for Maurice was offered at St. Brieux R.C. Church, St. Brieux, on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 10:00 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Manh Nyguen. Others taking part were: Cassandra Masse, crossbearer; St. Brieux Parish Choir, music ministry; Blaine Valade and Betty Ann Godart, scripture readers; Colyn Rempel, intentions; Lucie and Darryl Bradfield, giftbearers; and Pete Martine, eulogist. Honorary pallbearers were "all those who shared in Maurice's life". Active pallbearers were Tyler Masse, Edward Thebaud, Randy Martin, Adam Valade, Kim Stratulat, and Len Roenspies. Interment followed at St. Brieux R.C. Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to the Chateau Resident Council. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.
