Born in Etterbeek, 19-08-1940 - died in Anderlecht, 29-05-1999.
His father Maurice, born in 1902, worked for the SNCB (Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Belges) and his mother Jeanne CLERENS, born in 1900, brought up their 3 children.
On 11-04-1964, Claude married Gilberte ROUSSEAU, a childhood friend, in Etterbeek, with whom he had a daughter, France, born in 1972.
He studied at the Athénée Royal d'Etterbeek. He continued his studies at the E.C.A.M. and the I.B.M. (Computer Science) and then at the Facultés universitaires St Louis (Analysis in evening classes).
He did his military service in Germany, with the 4th Chasseur à cheval, as a radio operator (1961-1962). As a teenager, he joined the Cadets de la Marine, where he was Quartermaster on the bridge of the Caroline in Brussels. From an early age, he dreamed of becoming a naval officer.
On 01-06-1962, as soon as he had completed his military service, he began a career with the "Compagnie d'assurances Royale Belge", just as one enters religion. At the time of his death, he was still with "AXA Royale Belge" as assistant to the Director of Corporate Life and Head of the Coordination Department.
During 37 years of loyal service, he lived through all the changes and mergers in his company. With him disappears an important part of the memory of the "Royale Belge".
As an attentive and devoted father, he accompanied his daughter in her activities: gymnastics competitions and horse-riding. Later, with his wife, he explored the mysteries of genealogy, looking for his roots, which he thought were in Etterbeek and Brussels. He was astonished to discover that most of his roots were in the province of Antwerp and Flemish Brabant.
He particularly enjoys his position as secretary of GéniWal, the young club he founded with all his friends. A computer enthusiast, he had the pleasure of organising Généatica 98 and was actively thinking about Généatica 2000.
Claude devoted his entire life and energy to his profession. Able to take responsibility, he was resolutely focused on the future and on youth, not on the past. Perfectly bilingual and convinced, he never regretted his actions. Cartesian in spirit, he was an intelligent man of integrity, fair-minded and keen to help others. He appreciated perseverance and a job well done.
He says "Hi" to all of you
Gilberte Rousseau his wife
