How do we, his family and friends, attempt to summarize the life of Clarence, our dear one?

Clarence was born November 10, 1945, in Ponteix, SK, the eldest of four sons born to Peter and Irene Briand.

A francophone education was important to Peter and Irene, so off he went to boarding school in Gravelbourg and Prince Albert.

In 1962, he was awarded an air cadet international exchange trip to the U.K. Many happy memories accompanied him home.

Clarence highly valued his French heritage. After retiring, he spent many months researching and compiling his family tree. When completed, it stretched back several centuries.

In keeping with his pride in his French roots, he was involved with the Centre Francophone des Battlefords. He became a long-term member of the Board and participated in many of the Centre’s activities.

Using technology brought both challenges and fulfillment. Computers and the internet broadened his knowledge of the world, his faith, his heritage and all the other “stuff” that interested him. Never a dabbler, he immersed himself in anything of interest, learning as much as he could and eagerly sharing it with others.

Music and singing taught Clarence great joy He sang with Gallery Singers, Lisa’s Men’s Choirs and the St. Vital Parish Choir. Always willing to share his talents, he embraced any opportunity to sing as cantor or soloist and of course, to wear his signature music-themed red tie – the one he bought in Venice.

A passion for social justice, along with a keen analytical mind led to a decades-long involvement with Development and Peace. He held leadership positions and attended countless meetings, both in person and virtually. Whether in the classroom or out in the community, a pun or joke accompanied his ever-ready smile and happy disposition, and never failed to bring a moment of levity to those around him.

Clarence was always willing to help with any task. He had a cheerful, considerate, kind and enthusiastic nature. We will all miss his kind presence and positive spirit.

Now we must say “au revoir” to a very special man. Not goodbye, but until we meet again.

Clarence, so dear to so many, rest in peace.

Clarence is survived by his wife Audrey, son Lorin (Raylene Kennedy), grandchildren Jean-Michel and Adriene Briand, sisters-in-law Sandy Briand and Paulette Lavack, nieces and nephews and their spouses and families, and finally by his many friends.
Clarence was predeceased by his parents Peter and Irene Briand, brothers Robert (Bob) Lawrence (in infancy) and Richard.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Development & Peace – Caritas Canada, 555 Rene-Levesque Blvd. West, 8^th Floor, Montreal, QC H2Z 1B1, will be appreciated.

Condolences for the family can be made at www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service and Crematorium – Alyssa Kozinski Apprentice Funeral Director

• Date : 2025-09-16
• Location : North Battleford, SK