Search by Name

Search by Name

Bill LeCLAIR FCA

1953 - 2017

Bill LeCLAIR FCA obituary, 1953-2017, Kelowna, BC

BORN

1953

DIED

2017

Bill LeCLAIR Obituary

LeCLAIR, Bill, FCA: It is with sadness and pain that his family announces the unexpected death of Bill LeClair (William Raymond) in Sorrento, BC, on October 4, 2017. Bill was the beloved husband of his high school sweetheart Sharon (née Crawford); devoted father of Lindsey (Andrew Lindsay), Rebecca (Sean Scott) and Carleigh Ray (deceased); and adoring Papa of Brady, Shea, Keenen and Isla. Bill is also survived by his sisters Caroline Darts (Dan) and Susan LeClair and by numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews and nieces from the Fenton, LeClair and Crawford clans and many friends. Born on March 7, 1953, to Carrie (née Fenton) and Ray LeClair, Bill graduated from Centennial High School and became a Chartered Accountant after completing his studies at UBC. Extraordinarily successful in business, he worked in various parts of Canada and in England, Africa and the Philippines. His philanthropic work, both privately and in relation to his business interests, was renowned. He was a long-time fundraiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Coquitlam Foundation. He also sat as an elected Councillor for the City of Coquitlam from 1983 to 2005. Throughout his life, Bill remained grounded in family and community. He was a musical entertainer, taking centre stage at family gatherings, a nature lover and a fishing enthusiast. He loved to laugh and to sing with family and friends, and his energy knew no bounds. Bill's life dream was to live on the beach surrounded by his family, boating and fishing to his heart's content. He and Sharon culminated that dream on the shores of the Shuswap Lake. Then, suddenly, he was gone. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Bill's life at a memorial to be held at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel in Vancouver on October 29 at 1:00 P.M. Bill's work and dedication to helping others will be continued through the Bill LeClair Community Fund. Contributions will be gratefully accepted at the Coquitlam Foundation, c/o PO BOX 2, 1207 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, BC V3B 7Y3. In lieu of flowers, Bill's family asks that you spend time with your loved ones, take a walk on the beach, and make a toast to friendships, lifelong and beyond.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Okanagan Valley Newspaper Group on Oct. 14, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Bill LeCLAIR

Not sure what to say?





35 Entries

Mike Mccallum

February 25, 2018

Sorry to hear of your loss. Bill was a good high school friend. Many good times at Como Lake, Centennial and sports teams.

November 9, 2017

Sharon and family
I was so shocked and sad to hear of Bill passing. I first met Bill while he was with golf BC.We recently we're together o the Peterson board and I have so much respect for Bill and his energy that he brought to all situations. Just a very wonderful human being.
I share in your loss
Bob Anthony

Lucinda Flavelle

November 1, 2017

I send sincerest condolences to Sharon and family. What a shock to hear of Bill's untimely death--so unexpected, unanticipated, unfathomable. I knew you and Bill in high school and have kept track of you through my brother Aird. Bill was a stellar human being. May his memory be cherished and lived on.

Melinda Moorhouse

October 29, 2017

Bill is missed by all he was like a big brother to me as one of the older cousins I looked up to him all my life,so many good memories.
Love to all
Melinda Wayne, Shawneen, Melia,and Colleen Moorhouse

October 29, 2017

I have just arrived home from a weekend of sharing our memories of Bill. It has reminded me of not only what an amazing man he was but how lucky we all are to have all of you in our lives. As Sharon and I said it has been way too long and we will be stepping things up, we miss those fenton gatherings and need to address this so hope you are ready to spend more time together, this also would let us remember all those who have gone before us. I brought a photo to Dan and Carolines on Saturday of Bill, don't know if you saw it but it was at one of our Torry Christmas Eves and Bill was sitting on Santas knee receiving his gift, it was a doll... only can imagine the conversation between Santa and Bill. Miss you every day cousin, don't worry we will keep the traditions happening love to all our family and friends we visited this weekend Jim and Brenda

Laurel Lawson

October 29, 2017

I am saddened to hear of Bill's passing and wish to send my condolences to Sharon and all of the family.
I did not know Bill well, but my work with the Coquitlam Foundation allowed me the honour to work with the fund that Bill and Sharon, their family and friends, created in memory of their daughter Carleigh. I was deeply inspired by the strength and caring the LeClair family showed in moving through unspeakable grief to raise significant funds & create a legacy that will assist other children for decades to come; such an incredible, selfless act of caring and of seeming boundless capacity. It is a special person who can contribute so much in a life cut short so soon. All my best to Bill's family and friends, I am so sorry for your loss.

Shirley-Ann Rubis

October 27, 2017

As a former colleague of Sharon's, I remember several parties at hers and Bill's home in Coquitlam. Bill loved joining in the fun, laughing and chatting with everyone! He always made us feel so welcome. A special man who lived a remarkable life, gone much too soon.

E~

October 27, 2017

I am truly sorry for your loss. Draw closer to God. Psalms 145:18 He "is near to all those calling on him. May he provide you with strength and comfort.

Frances Rinaldi

October 25, 2017

Sharon, Rebecca and family, so sorry to hear about Bill, I know he will be terribly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Francie

Susan Barron

October 24, 2017

Sharon, Lindsey, Rebecca & Family, I'm so saddened by Bill's passing, I cannot find the words to explain how I feel. I know his family meant everything to him, and he will watch over you all forever.

Janet Jensen (formerly Marshall)

October 20, 2017

Sharon, my deepest condolences to you, Lindsey and Rebecca. I have so many lovely memories of Walnut Crescent in the late 80's and early 90's, with Bill surrounded by his wonderful girls. Sending you love from Tara and Ryan as well.

Edie & Jeff Rice

October 20, 2017

Our sincere condolences to Sharon and family on the sudden loss of such a wonderful man. We had the pleasure of getting to know Bill in the past few summers at the lake. Such a tragic loss and gone to soon. Cherish his memories
to get through this difficult time. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
your Shuswap friends and neighbors
Edie & Jeff Rice

Patti Stewart

October 19, 2017

To the Leclair family,
very saddened for you all, to have to bear the loss of such a beloved man, husband, father, grandfather. Seeing photos of Bill with his family (thru Rebecca) it is so evident how much he loved you all. Cherish his love and carry it with you now. He will give you strength for the future!

Elouise Roane

October 19, 2017

May cherished memories bring you moments of comfort. My condolences Sharon, and family.

Jo-Anne (McQueen) Harrison

October 19, 2017

I am deeply saddened to hear about Bill. My heart goes out to Sharon and family, Sue, and Caroline and family. My most sincere condolences.

October 19, 2017

Such a sudden tragic loss of an outstanding man in so many ways! So very painful for your family to move forward without his larger than life presence, though his life was well-lived with meaningful contributions in many realms. We are so very glad he touched our lives too.
Our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family, Sharon!

Gerry Lush & Jill Rowledge (friend from high school and Coquitlam)

Terry Watt

October 19, 2017

Sharon, so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family. Gone far too soon, and at the best time of life.

Alan Drinkwater

October 18, 2017

Sharon and family: I offer you my deepest sympathies. This is so sad. Bill was a great man in so many respects. I enjoyed the time we worked together at C&L.

October 18, 2017

Sharon and family, our thoughts and prayers go out to you in this time of loss and pain. We are so sorry to hear the shocking news of Bill's passing. He was loved and will be sorely missed. All our love. Bob & Pat Thompson (Gallagher's neighbors)

Ruth Hoyem

October 18, 2017

Sharon;
It's been so many years but I always think fondly of the two of you. When I drive to the pool at Poirier and pass the street where you lived, so many memories come to the fore. Always warm and caring feelings.
My thoughts are with you and your family. Such a loss, such a wonderful life together, so many memories to comfort.
Ruth

Nancy McQueen

October 17, 2017

My sincerest condolences to Bill's family. I have many fond memories of growing up in Coquitlam with Bill and his siblings. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by many.

Karen & Arlene

October 16, 2017

Sharon, we were so sad to hear the news about Bill. Our thoughts are with you and your family, Lindsay, Rebecca, Sue and Caroline

Greg and Donna Hoskins

October 16, 2017

We were shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Bill's unexpected passing.
Our hearts ache for you in this time of loss and pain.
We will keep you in our prayers and will cherish many special memories and times with Bill.
May the Lord keep you strong and carry you through this difficult and sorrowful time.
With love and sympathy, Greg and Donna Hoskins

October 16, 2017

Our sincere condolences to the LeClair family.
Stephanie Ohirko and family

October 16, 2017

Sincere condolences to Sharon and family during this difficult time.
Bruce & Verna Mullen (your neighbors at 1655 Blind Bay Road)

Carl Heino

October 16, 2017

I was deeply saddened to learn of Bill's expected passing and wish to express my deepest condolences to the LeClair, Fenton and Crawford families. Your dear loved one was taken far too soon.

Sharie Ford

October 16, 2017

I am so very saddened. My sincere condolences to Sharon and the family.

Jim Tonn

October 16, 2017

Sharon, my most sincere condolences to you and your family on your loss.

October 16, 2017

Sharon and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you, may the many memories shared lighten your hearts.
Sincerely
Jaye Read

Sharon Smith

October 15, 2017

Dear Sharon & Family
Sending you my sincerest condolences during this very sad time. Remember all of the wonderful times you shared . . .my thoughts are with you xo

Warm regards,
Sharon Smith

Donna Pisoney

October 15, 2017

Sending my sincere condolences to the LeClair family.

October 15, 2017

Hello Leclair family,

I write this on behalf of the Stefani family, we are so sad to hear of the passing of Bill. We remember many fond memories of him and the family. We remember Bill as a wonderful father and husband, someone who would always greet you with a big smile. Please accept our sincere condolences during this very difficult time.

Tanvir Bhambra

October 15, 2017

Extremely sad news. I worked with Bill back in the glory days of Hot House Growers. I remember Bills pain when he lost his beloved daughter to this day and now our pain losing him. Strength and love to the family. Tanvir Bhambra - friend and work colleague.

October 14, 2017

With great family memories we are very sad to lose such a great man. Our thoughts and prayers to everyone much love Jim and Brenda and family xoxo

Mike Roxanne Mccloskey

October 14, 2017

Much like his father, touched my life in a very positive way in my youth. Will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate to make his aquaintance. All the best to the family in this time of loss and may some solace be taken in his extrodinary life and experiences through out the world

Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results

Memorial Events
for Bill LeCLAIR

Oct

29

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m.

Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel

Vancouver, BC