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Claude Francoise Poumerol
October 2, 1948 - November 4, 2011
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Paralympian Finishes Her Final Race
Claude Francoise Poumerol, who not only won a gold medal in the 100-metre track event at the 1988 Seoul Paralympics, she also set a world record. In addition, she won a silver medal in the 200-metres at the same games. This was a dream that began in France when Claude was a teenager. A motor vehicle accident changed the course of history. Decades later, when she became an amputee, she could resume running and begin to pursue her long-held dream.
Feisty, stubborn, determined and more, these are qualities that many athletes have and are desirable for winning in most arenas. She took them into her personal life and was able to achieve many things – motivational speaker, BC Champion of Toastmasters, International and charitable works in Honduras – to name but a few.
Her final race ended November 4 in Powell River General Hospital succumbing to an arch enemy of many, cancer. She can be at peace now and rest. Her spirit and impact will be felt and live on in all who knew and loved her from around the globe.
Claude is survived by her children, Nathalie Hrad of Courtenay, Steve Hrad of Powell River and her brother Eric Poumerol of Paris, France. Claude was predeceased by her husband and love of her life, Bryan Toews.
There will be a celebration of life held on Friday, November 18 from 2 – 4 pm at Cranberry Seniors” Centre in Powell River. In lieu of flowers, any contributions can be made to the Amputee Coalition of BC, 10080 Numer 3 Road, Richmond, BC V7A 1W4.
Condolences
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From: Stubberfield Funeral Home Ltd. Staff
Stubberfield Funeral Home Ltd. Staff send our condolences to family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
From: miriam gamez
Relation: friend
to a dear friend where ever you are thanks so much for all the happy moments you gave no just me and my family but for all those kids who call you paina you with your love and kidness gave them without expecting yourself , you will live in many hearts for ever i will keep your smile in my heart thanks thanks thanks for putting yourself and danger for things you believe, for dressing like santa in chistmas and going to the poor kids a make them happy for making your house a home for everyone for some many things for somany things i love you so
From: Andrea Gabrie
Relation: friend
I met Mrs. Poumerol when she got to Honduras, I was kid back then.
Ive never seen someone with so much courage and will. Even though she had rough patches in Honduras, she sticked around for a very long time helping children improve their lives. For those who don’t know, she was the godmother of 19 children, poor children of course.
I remember every christmas, she would dress up as santa claus, and go to some towns up in the mountain and give poor people presents. Not everybody does this kind of things, specially if they know they have an awesome life back in their home country.
Thats why she was so admired, because even though she could go back to her country, she stayed for so long; and did so much good.
Maybe she didn’t get rewarded as she should’ve, but she sure left a piece of her in our hearts.
Always in our hearts
From: Karen Diaz
Relation: I met her in a garage sale
Before she decided to leave Honduras, she put on sale almost all her belongings, my aunt bought a painting in a ridiculous price, I guess Claude was more interested in starting to detach from things than in making profits. After that, we had long conversations and I found an extraordinary person with a huge heart. She helped people in Honduras with things they needed, but what she wanted most was to impact the mentality of them, she wanted to eliminate the discrimination (starting from how people refer about others). I will never forget Claude.
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
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Bloom Wildly
4712 Marine Avenue
Powell River, BC V8A 3B7
604-489-3384
Nicole Quigley
5300 Yukon Avenue
Powell River, BC V8A 4H4
www.bloom-therapy.ca
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