Williamston, Mich., farrier Gilbert Reaume passed away March 29, 2016. He was 87.

After being a dairy farmer for more than 15 years, he apprenticed with his brother Robert to become a farrier. He continued work as a farrier with great pride and satisfaction until he was in his 80s. He and his son Chris worked together for many years, which was a special source of pride for him.

Resume admired good horses and good horseman and he had a wealth of stories about them. Even in the last days in the hospital, nurses who once had been little girls on horses would recognize him and remember how he had shod their mounts. “Whenever I go to a new barn,” he would say, “I would find out the names of the young kids who worked there. I’d write the names down and always make a point to thank them by name for their help.”

They remembered.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 2, 2016, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 157 High St., Williamston, MI. The family will receive friends 1 hour before the service.

Contributions may be made in Reaume’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to St. Mary Catholic School, 220 N. Cedar St., Williamston, MI 48895.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at the bottom of the online obituary at Gorsline Ranchman Funeral Homes’ website.

» Read Full Obituary