William Thomas Clair

William Thomas Clair, lovingly known as Bill, passed away peacefully at home in Belleair Bluffs, Florida, on October 13, 2025, surrounded by his devoted family and nearing his 96th birthday.
Born on December 12, 1929, in Clair, New Brunswick, Canada, he was the son of James T. Clair and Annie Sirois. He was predeceased by his parents, his beloved wife, Marion Clair, and his siblings: Stella (Richards), Robert, Theresa (Ward), T. Patrick, and Rita (Mooney).
Bill graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia in 1951 and from Georgetown University School of Dentistry in Washington, DC, in 1958. While at Georgetown, he met the love of his life, a native Washingtonian, Marion Kelly. They married, and after serving in the United States Air Force Dental Corps from 1958 to 1960, they settled in Bethesda, Maryland, where they raised their family and established his family dental practice. Later, he opened another practice in Southern Maryland, where he and his family enjoyed time together and made lifelong memories on the Chesapeake Bay.
Devoted to his faith, family, and country, Bill became a proud U.S. citizen in 1968. He dedicated his life to service, providing compassionate dental care to those in need and volunteering with Catholic Charities through the Archdiocese of Washington. He was the first dentist to receive The John Carroll Society Pro Bono Health Care Award, recognizing his selfless commitment to others. Bill was also active in the Knights of Columbus, the Lions Club, and his local Catholic parish, where he formed lasting friendships and lived his faith through community service.
After retiring, Bill and Marion moved to Clearwater, Florida, where he continued his lifelong commitment to service. He participated in World Health Organization mission trips to St. Lucia and Brazil and later volunteered locally for the American Red Cross.
Bill enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his treasured grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He had a passion for ballroom dancing, classical music, skiing, canoeing, reading, and storytelling. He was known for his quick wit and dry sense of humor, often making people laugh without even trying. His famous one-liners and expressions became family treasures—words that will be shared and smiled over for generations to come.
He is survived by his six children: Michael, Barbara Clair Harris, Kevin (Lisa Stadler), Eric (Jo Ann Beck; the late Susan Proctor), Norah Clair Gourlay (Sean), and Bridget Clair (the late Tom O'Brien II).
He was the proud grandfather of 13: James T. Clair III (Natalie), Charles J. Harris III, Kelly Harris, Dillon Clair, Alexander Gourlay (Kayla), Amanda Clair, L. Nicholas Clair (Hannah), Trent Gourlay, Eliana Schaaf, Rachel Clair, Julia Clair, and Olivia Schaaf, and the late Riley Clair. He was also blessed with 13 great-grandchildren and is survived by many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
Guided by faith and the enduring principles of recovery, unity, and service, Bill lived 44 years in sobriety with gratitude and love- a testament to his strength, humility and honor.
A celebration of his life and legacy will be held at a later date in Maryland.