René Gerald Leclaire
LECLAIRE, René Gerald (September 6, 1960 – August 18, 2022) –
The Leclaire – Piché family are sad to announce the sudden passing of their beloved father, brother and friend René Gerald Leclaire a resident of St. Thomas and formerly of Aylmer at the age of 61 years. Raised in Northern Ontario, René learned to be content with a modest, private life. He lived by the adage to always support others first and foremost and he frequently did so. René always meant well, and he always supported others first before his own comfort. He worked hard and was a dedicated employee of Canada Timken LP, St. Thomas for over 33 years working as a Grinder and Lead Hand. René was a proud member of Steelworkers Local 4906.
René is survived by a loved son Brennan Piché-Leclaire and his son’s mother Emmajean Piché, both of Aylmer. Also lovingly remembered by his siblings: Robert, of North Vancouver, Marcel, of Sudbury, Vivianne (Mihai Decianu), of Victoria, B.C., Claudette & Jason (husband) Cox, of Waterloo, Claude and Lorna (Austin), David Leclaire and partner Sandy (Lawrence) and Jeanine Leclaire, of Espanola, ON. Survived by a sister-in-law Valerie Piché and her partner Rick Ford, and by several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Predeceased by his brother Richard Leclaire (1995), his parents Brunelle LeClair (2018) and Edna (Descoteaux) LeClair (2016), his grandparents Victor and Catherine (Menard) LeClair, Joseph, and Clara (Arbour) Descoteaux.
Public visitation will take place on Tuesday, August 23rd, 2022, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, August 24th, 2022, from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. (service time) in the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes- Burial and Cremation Services Inc. Chapel, 262 Broadway, Tillsonburg. Public Funeral Service to Celebrate René’s Life will be conducted on Wednesday, August 24th, at 1:00 p.m. in the Verhoeve Funeral Homes Chapel, Tillsonburg, presided by His Excellency Bishop Barry Clarke, of Trinity Anglican Church, Aylmer. Interment will follow in the Aylmer Cemetery. Friends, neighbours, and relatives are invited to offer support by sharing favourite memories, photos, letters of condolence, sending flowers or by contributing memorial donations to the “Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario” or to the “Alzheimer Society” via René’s online tribute page at www.verhoevefuneralhomes.com or by contacting the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes (519)842-4238, entrusted with all arrangements, with confidence.
Please remember to bring your mask as the family have responsible jobs of service in Long Term Care and want everyone to remain safe.