Claude Lanfranconi
Died: January 22, 2022 | Place: London, Ontario
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Obituary
LANFRANCONI, CLAUDE P…
1942 – 2022
Claude was born in 1942 in Leatherhead, London, UK and he emigrated with his family to Canada in 1951. He lived in Montreal for his younger years and attributed his love of learning to the education he received from the Jesuits at Loyola, both in High School and College. Upon graduating with his B.Comm, he received the Hamilton Watch Award in Accounting, the Lieutenant Gouverneur du Quebec Medal and the McCarthy Scholarship Grant.
Claude went on to become a CA in Quebec and after several years of bankruptcy experience at McDonald Currie, he decided to pursue his MBA at McMaster. Inspired by several great professors & his love of a good discussion, Claude joined the faculty at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia. He was a good teacher and he discovered he loved being one. In order to pursue university level teaching as his career, he came to the University of Western Ontario and graduated with his PhD in Financial Accounting.
Claude went on to teach at the Richard Ivey School of Business for many years. He was awarded the Lawrence G. Tapp Award for Excellence in Teaching; he taught on many management programs from PEI to Vancouver Island, and he very much enjoyed being the director of the Western Executive Program for several years, influencing many business executives. Claude loved meeting new people and was so pleased to be part of the inaugural program at Ivey Hong Kong, where he taught the introductory classes in Accounting many times for the EMBA program. He inspired many students, not only from Hong Kong/China but from all over the world. The cases he wrote are being read and used around the globe. It made him smile to see his name in Chinese script on his business card. Claude served on many boards in his hometown of London, Ontario and was a valuable source of financial accounting support for many years for the Southwest CCAC.
Claude was a consummate teacher; he loved a good debate but the most important parts of his life were his love of family. Claude and Heather shared over 55 years of a happy marriage. Heather and Claude loved a road trip as much as a Business Class ticket to Beijing. They treasured times in Yarm, UK with their daughter Jessica and her family as much as driving 10 minutes to have a family swim in Tanya’s pool. He loved being surrounded by his ‘harem’, his two devoted daughters, Tanya (Jonathan) and Jessica, his three beautiful granddaughters, Maegan (Andrew), Katelyn (Nathaniel) and Tallulah. It was such a joy in his life to welcome his first great-grandchild, Henry Claude, a little boy and carrying his name. He was predeceased by his two brothers and is survived by his sister Pat (Charlie) of Toronto.
In his later years, Claude’s declining health challenged him in so many ways. Tongue cancer with aggressive treatment in 2005 and subsequently an 11 hour operation in 2017 which took away his swallowing and his ability to speak; such a loss for a teacher! He was able to remain at home for his final years with the caring support of Heather, his family and the team at Bayshore Health and an amazing medical team. Claude’s strength and tenacity and his will to live was incredible to all who knew him. He fought until the end and his tired body finally rested on January 22nd, 2022. We will miss his spirit; his strength; his love and mostly his presence, but we are comforted in the knowledge that he is at peace.
Cremation has taken place and a gathering to celebrate Claude’s life will be held when it is safer to do so. Please consider making a donation in Claude’s memory to a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
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To Heather and Family –
Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of Claude. I am so sorry. How well I remember him – and of course, you, Tanya and Jessica at Riverside. Such wonderful memories! Do know my caring thoughts are with you.
Peace to you . . . Norma Clare
I am a better person for having known Claude and for being able to interact with him
Heather and family, I was so sad to hear of Claude’s passing. He contributed so much to the CCAC. He was such a brilliant and clear thinker. And so supportive and kind. He always asked the very best questions and pointed us in the right direction. He contributed more as a Board member than anyone else I ever worked with. Strategic. Level headed. Willing to put in so many volunteer hours. Always focussed on the client and the best possible care and use of resources. And funny and so caring. I loved his laugh. Truly a very special person. My deepest condolences.
My sincere sympathy to Heather and the family. I sat on many boards but Claude went to the top of the list as a fellow board member. He certainly fought the good fight.
Claude was always very kind and supportive of me. We started each meeting with updates on our “Megan’s” and what our children/grandchildren were up to. He was always so proud of his family. I will not forget how much Claude taught me. Heather, my thoughts are with you and your family.
Heather and Family, we are so very sorry to hear about Claude’s passing. I would frequently run into Claude in the mornings; I was walking my dogs and Claude was running his route through the Acres. I will always have those good memories of him. Take care Doris and Rob Lane
I am very sad to read of Claude’s passing. I offer my heartfelt condolences to all of the Claude’s family and friends.
While a PhD student, I had the great opportunity to work with Claude in the early 1990s. His guidance and mentorship was insightful and valuable. I recall his great sense of humour very fondly.
Very sincerely, Danny.
Heather and Family, I’m deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Claude, a wonderful man that I’m glad I got to know. May your family find peace, comfort and all the love you need in the days to come.
Dear Heather and Family ,
We just heard about Claude , we are so sorry for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Pinnegar Family
Heather and Family, Guenter and I are both so very sorry to hear about Claude’s passing . I will always remember the times he would make me smile , I will always be grateful.
I’m very sorry to hear of Claude’s passing. He was definitely a great teacher and was a gracious a kind person. My condolences to the family.
Heather and Family
So very sorry to hear of your loss – Claude and I were on the CCAC Board together – his financial contribution to the Board was invaluable – he had a brilliant mind not only for the numbers but also an understanding of what this could mean for patient care – I was very lucky to have him as my mentor on the Board – the knowledge he imparted to me has served me well going forward
Dear Heather and family,
I am so sorry to hear the news. Claude was a wonderful colleague at Ivey. He made me feel welcome when I joined the accounting faculty in 1999 and was a wonderful mentor. I learned so much from him about case writing, teaching and being a good colleague. I will always remember him as a good colleague and role model. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Christine
I’ve known Claude for about 15 years since moving into our small community, but I know the generosity, compassion, and time he spent conversing at length with my son was so special and appreciative. Claude was instrumental in getting our condo Board up and running successfully and made things so much better for us all.
Our deepest sympathies to Heather and family.
To the Lanfranconi Family.
Please accept my condolences on the loss of Claude.
He was my Accounting professor in 2002. I have fond memories of my class with him. He was witty and accomplished the difficult task of making account fun and interesting. I still recall some of the cases that he taught us (Livent for one)!!
After graduating from Ivey I have worked in finance for 20 years and still to this day use the skills learned in Claude’s class as I ply my trade.
Wising you all much strength and courage in the coming days, weeks and months.
I love this picture of Uncle Claude, it captures his devilish humour and spark. Laughing is how I remember him. Thoughts with Heather, Jessica and Tanya, and wider family.
I first met Claude at MBA school at McMaster in 1970. We shared much in common since we were both from Montreal and he had been employed by McDonald Currie, and I went on afterwards to join their consulting arm Urwick Currie. Claude and I hit if off right away. I also enjoyed spending time with his wife Heather and his daughter Tanya. Discussions with Claude were always most stimulating, and we challenged each other in the program to great fun. We have been able to keep in touch over the years. He will be greatly missed. Our condolences to Heather and family. Bill & Anita Fellows
Heather I am very sorry to learn of Claude’s passing. I know how close you both were and can only imagine how much you must be missing him. I liked Claude very much and treasure our time together. Sincerely, Bob Madden.
I have many happy memories of Uncle Claude, and the best are our political arguments. Even after he lost his voice, we carried on by email and using his scribble pad at home. Such a great mind. Keeping Aunt Heather, cousins Tanya and Jessica, and the whole family in my prayers.
My deepest sympathy Heather and family. I remember Claude as a happy, friendly guy with a great sense of humour.
I served with Claude on the Board of the CCAC. He was a gentleman and a wonderfully astute board member and treasurer. I enjoyed his kindness and intellect. I am so sorry for your loss.
Dear Heather:
My sincere condolences to you and your family. I was in the PhD program with Claude in the 1970s and had an office across a very narrow hall from him for some time. We shared classes in first year. He was a delightful colleague with a warm, friendly demeanor and a great sense of humour. He was also a dedicated and accomplished scholar. His tremendous success as a teacher at Ivey is not surprising. I was happy to reconnect briefly many years later in a visit to Ivey for a conference. His generous spirit and many accomplishments will be long remembered, along with his ready smile and infectious laugh.