Eugene "Gene" LeClair

Eugene (Gene) LeClair, went to be with the Lord February 5, 2012.
He was born on July 20, 1936 to Eugene and Dorothy (nee DeCaire) LeClair in Black River, Michigan.
Beloved husband of Joanna (nee Clark) LeClair, whom he married on February 14, 1975; treasured brother of Carole (Joe) Mahalak; devoted father of Mark (Karen) LeClair of Muskegon, Jackie (Greg) Tingler of Texas, Nancy Anne LeClair of Florida, Kevin (Penny) LeClair of Auburn, Michigan, Todd (Trevia) LeClair of Texas; two step-sons, Paul (Karen) Waterford and Mark Wasoski, both of Arizona; former wife of Gail Bolden of Texas; grandchildren, Becky, Brandi, Amanda (Brian), Joe, Jeff, Jessie, Chelsea, Shelby, Paula (Aaron), Christine, Jordan, Bruce, Alana; great grandchildren, Devon, Daxton, Zoey, Angela, Hope, Elijah, Destiny; nieces and nephews, Brad (Cindy), Lynn (Dave), Steven (Elizabeth), Dan (Lee Ann), Cash (Amy), Kyle (Lisa), Tonia (Bill), Wendy (Jim), Sanders (Amy), and Matt (Jan); brother-in-law, Michael (Marty) Clark; sister-in-law, Joyce (Tim) Walker; sister-in-law, Judy (Bill) VanSetten; aunt, Minnie DeCaire. Gene is preceded in death by his uncle Edward DeCaire.
Gene served in the U.S. Navy from 1954 to 1962. His training was in Hospital Corp. He was in charge of the Hospital Bay. His travels took him to San Diego, California, Hawaii, Japan, and China. His love of the medical field took him to study at the University of Michigan for a degree as a Registered Respiratory Therapist. Gene spent 20 years in the field of Respiratory Therapy.
He started the School of Respiratory Therapy in conjunction with North Central Michigan College and Little Traverse Hospital in Petoskey, Michigan. He also ran departments at Cheboygan Hospital and other small ancillary hospitals in the area. He was also a Staff Therapist at Mercy Hospital in Bay City.
While in the Petoskey area, Gene was on the National Ski Patrol and taught skiing at Boyne Highlands in Harbor Springs, Michigan. Gene and Joanna moved to the Bay City area for several years in 1979. Gene's love of sailing took him to New York City where he became a Master Sail Maker.
He ran and operated LeClair Sails for 17 years. Gene also hauled bulk cement out of Essexville, Michigan for many years for Triple R out of Essexville.
In 1997, Gene and Joanna retired to the AuGres, Michigan area. Gene enjoyed many years of sailing and biking. Gene restored RV's and truly loved the time spent camping with his family and friends in Michigan campgrounds and Grumpy Lake (Ossineke, Michigan).
Our heartfelt thanks to Angelic Hospice, Dr. Sharma and the wonderful staff at Lakeview Manor of Tawas City.
The celebration of Gene's life and military honors will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the Alabaster Bible Church in Tawas City, Michigan with Pastor Andy Price officiating. Gene was very open to share his new relationship he began several years ago as a born again believer of Jesus Christ. He is now in Heaven singing with the saints, no pain, and able to play his music again and surely…sailing…..with Jesus as his Captain….life has just begun.
Cremation arrangements are by the Buresh Funeral Home of Tawas City. An on-line guest registry is available at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.