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BORN
1928
DIED
2020
Guy Leclair Obituary
Fairport, NY - Monday, August 3, 2020
Born in Montréal, Quebec on January 25, 1928 to Irène Beauregard Leclair and Lucien Leclair, Guy Armand Leclair, passed peacefully at the age of 92. Guy enjoyed a life dedicated to family, the pursuit of knowledge, and the arts. Before graduating from McGill University in 1951, Guy summered in Noranda, Quebec fulfilling practical experience at Noranda Mines. It was there he met his future wife Aline, with whom he was happily married for 67 years.
After starting a family, the Leclairs moved to the United States where Guy worked for Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation as a metallurgical welding engineer. He was a member of the American Welding Society, an inventor and granted two US Patents, and a leader in his field. After retirement, Guy began studying plein-air oil painting and gained acclaim for his impressionist renderings of the Genesee Valley and the Charlevoix coast of his beloved Quebec. He was a member of the All-Weather Gang (a plein-air painting group), Penfield Art Association, and the Rockport Art Association in Massachusetts where he studied with Charles Movalli. He received accolades in numerous juried art shows. His work is part of the Molson Collection in Canada. Sharing his artistic expertise, he volunteered as a docent at the Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester, NY.
With a strong belief that "knowledge is power", Guy was especially proud to have attended each of his 11 grandchildren's graduations and was enthusiastically supportive of their academic, sporting, musical and theatrical pursuits.
A man of strong faith and principles, Guy was a dedicated member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Geneseo and St. John of Rochester Roman Catholic Church in Fairport.
Guy has been pre-deceased by his parents, his sisters Lyse Leclair Donnenfeld of New Jersey, and Yolande Leclair Lamerton of Toronto, and grandson Dane W. Leclair of Pittsford, NY.
He is survived by his wife Aline Hébert Leclair, his sisters Denise Leclair Morel (Jean) of Montreal, Irène Leclair Traub (Thomas) of Chicago, Brother-in-law Wallace Lamerton of Toronto, his children Louise Leclair Garner (Blaine) of Surf City, NJ, Marc (Maryann Rodzen) of Manchester, NH, Andrée Leclair Brasser of Greece, NY, and Paul (Rebecca Johnson) of Pittsford, NY. His grandchildren include Jacqueline Leclair Lynch (Richard), Philippe (Alexis), André Garner (Christine), Yvette Garner (Raymond), Evan Garner (Mallory), Michelle Brasser, Alison Brasser, Douglas Leclair, Aline Leclair, Natalie Leclair and great-grandchildren Shane Lynch, Josslin Lynch, Claire Garner, Owen Garner, Alice Garner, Blaine Garner and Amelia Leclair.
Mr. Leclair's private funeral mass will be held at St. John of Rochester Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the Abbey of the Genesee. https://www.geneseeabbey.org/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Guy Leclair
Christine and Ken Gray
August 12, 2020
Dear Aline and family,
My memories of living in Capitol Hill Village, PA, always include the Leclairs. I couldn't have had better role models and so loved being invited to your house as a young child. Every time Christmas rolls around and I look at my address book, I wonder what everyone is up to and wish that we all lived closer so we could get together. I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Guy. Sending mountains of hugs your way. Christine (Cable) and Ken Gray
Callie S Rabe
August 11, 2020
I would like to express my sincere condolences for the passing of Guy. He was such a sincere and great person, and always so pleasant and friendly to everyone. He was also a wonderful neighbor to my Mother and Father, Sue and Val Rabe, who lived next door to him in Geneseo for many years. I am honored to have one of his beautiful paintings that hangs by my front door. He was an incredible artist, and my parents (and I) were always big fans of his art work. My heart goes out to you Aline, and to your family. I send comfort and hugs your way. He will be sorely missed, and was the best of the best.
Callie Rabe
Ben Barras
August 11, 2020
What an amazingly full and blessed life, fully lived with each breadth of each day! What a blessing to have had such a man in our lives! We send prayers and loving thoughts for comfort during this time of loss. Peace to the Leclair family from the Barras family.
Jim Nicell
August 11, 2020
Dear Mrs. Leclair,
I am writing to express my deepest sympathies to you, and your family about the death of your husband, Guy A. Leclair.
While words do not provide adequate consolation for the loss of a loved one, please know that my colleagues and I at the Faculty are with you in our thoughts.
Sincerely,
Jim A. Nicell
Dean, Faculty of Engineering
McGill University
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Chris
August 10, 2020
15 years ago, in Russia, there was a door handle to a sauna . . . Paul will have to tell you the rest of the story.
Stephen BonDurant
August 10, 2020
I owe a debt of gratitude to Guy Leclair.
We first met twenty years ago at the invitational workshop of Don Stone, in the Dordogne region of France. I was relatively new to painting outdoors, in my second year. I will never forget the camaraderie of those I had painted with on Monhegan previously, and meeting Guy and Aline. Upon our return, with the realization that we were two of a few painters geographically located quite closely, Guy fanned my flame to help me find my painting way.
Upon his encouragement, I joined the Penfield Art Association, where I won best of show and a couple of other awards upon my first try with mostly paintings from France. From there, Guy encouraged me to apply for juried membership with the Rochester Art Club (the second-oldest art club in America, founded in 1877), and he sponsored me (then the requirement for application). I was accepted upon my first try, and that's when his belief in me took root. He said, "if you keep working at it, maybe one day you'll be good enough to paint with the All-Weather Gang."
Fast forward to 2012, when I was invited to join the All-Weather Gang, eight years ago, prompted by my resounding "yes!" Guy was not regularly painting then, but his encouragement from the beginning was enough for me to arrange my Saturday schedule going forward. 224 attempts to the date later, this group is where I can be found, painting outside, year-round.
Guy and I had another connection for which I am grateful—his grandson's and my son's orchestra concerts at McQuaid. Indeed his support was reliable, to the point that we knew where to find each other at school performances.
Guy, thank you for your friendship and encouragement, and may you rest in peace, my friend!
Steve BonDurant
August 10, 2020
I owe a debt of gratitude to Guy Leclair.
We first met twenty years ago at the invitational workshop of Don Stone, in the Dordogne region of France. I was relatively new to painting outdoors, in my second year. I will never forget the camaraderie of those I had painted with on Monhegan previously, and meeting Guy and Aline. Upon our return, with the realization that we were two of a few painters geographically located quite closely, Guy fanned my flame to help me find my painting way.
Upon his encouragement, I joined the Penfield Art Association, where I won best of show and a couple of other awards upon my first try with mostly paintings from France. From there, Guy encouraged me to apply for juried membership with the Rochester Art Club (the second-oldest art club in America, founded in 1877), and he sponsored me (then the requirement for application). I was accepted upon my first try, and that's when his belief in me took root. He said, "if you keep working at it, maybe one day you'll be good enough to paint with the All-Weather Gang."
Fast forward to 2012, when I was invited to join the All-Weather Gang, eight years ago, prompted by my resounding "yes!" Guy was not regularly painting then, but his encouragement from the beginning was enough for me to arrange my Saturday schedule going forward. 224 attempts to the date later, this group is where I can be found, painting outside, year-round.
Guy and I had another connection for which I am grateful—his grandson's and my son's orchestra concerts at McQuaid. Indeed his support was reliable, to the point that we knew where to find each other at school performances.
Guy, thank you for your friendship and encouragement, and may you rest in peace, my friend!
Patricia Mercado
August 10, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Guy was a wonderful person, so sad to hear this news.
Pat Mercado
BARBARA JABLONSKI
August 9, 2020
Guy was my inspiration and mentor of plein air painting. He influenced many artists. Truly a great gentleman! Always kind and helpful. Guy, you will not be forgotten. May you rest in peace.
Marjorie Searl
August 8, 2020
Guy was a terrific addition to our docent program at MAG. I enjoyed seeing him at the Gallery and also seeing the beautiful artwork that he created. May you all be comforted in your loss of such a lovely man.
Harry J. Weil
August 8, 2020
Aline: I am so sorry to hear about Guy. You don’t know how often I have thought about you and Guy and the fun times that we had together in Schenectady. I really apologize for not contacting you earlier. I was planning t wrote to you about Diane who passed away on July 28th, after several years suffering from Alzheimer’s. We had been married for 67 years and she will be missed. We are sending you a copy of Diane’s obituary and several pictures. You may remember the picture of Diane standing on a rock in a lake. This was taken on Lake Dufault during our wonderful vacation with you and Guy in the 1960’s. Again, Aline, may Guy Rest In Peace and may God bless you. All my love, Harry
Marcia Mendola
August 7, 2020
Dear Paul, Rebecca and Family,
We send our sincere condolences in the passing of Paul's Dad. He must have been a special guy to have such a special family.
Love, Nick and Marcia Mendola and Family
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