November 24, 1944 – July 16, 2020
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Roger Joseph Leclair, who slipped away peacefully at the age of 75 with his family by his side. He is survived by Jackie, his best buddy and loving wife of 53 years, and their children Michelle Leclair (Grant) of Deep River, Ron Leclair (Debbie) of Chelmsford, and Cathy Leclair (“Cat” to her father) of Deep River. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren Brooke Russell (Ben), Jordan Leclair (Penny), Evan Martel (Julie), Zach Martel (Melissa) and Abby Martin. He was also the beloved great-grandfather of seven great-grandchildren.
A veteran INCO worker of 37 years, Roger was an avid fisherman and hunter and was most at home on Bear Island in Ministic Lake where the family summered for years andwhere Roger and Jackie eventually made their permanent home. He also found joy and solace in his garden. He was a natural storyteller and drew on a vast store of life experiences to entertain family and friends. In later years, he and Jackie adopted Florida as their winter home where they created a loving and loyal circle of friends among their fellow snowbirds. In both places, he was the neighbourhood MacGyver who could be counted on to fix anything, with anything. He truly had the soul of an inventor.
Hard work, practicality and devotion to family and friends were the values that guided Roger in life. He has left a legacy of love in the form of stories, advice and weirdly practical inventions that will continue to bring a tear and a smile to the faces of all who miss him.
Respecting Roger’s wishes, he will be cremated. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday August 1, 2020, from 1-4 p.m. at 26 Normand Avenue, Chelmsford, ON.