Obituary of Paul Leclair

November 12, 1932 – November 28, 2024

Paul’s family lovingly reflects on his full and adventurous life as they share the news of his passing.

Paul was born in Blind River, Ontario, to Elzeor and Emma Leclair, Paul’s life was a testament to kindness, family devotion, and his love for adventure.

From a young age, Paul embraced the thrill of hockey, skating and skiing, a passion that became a defining part of his life. He was a co-founder of the Espanola Ski Hill and Ski Patrol, dedicating himself to creating a space where the community could come together on the slopes. Paul was also a coach for the Nancy Green Ski League, sharing his knowledge and joy for skiing with young athletes. As a ski instructor, he traveled to Boyne Country, Michigan, to train with Austrian experts, bringing their wisdom back home. His love for skiing left an indelible mark on his family, with countless cherished memories of days spent careening down the slopes and skating along the winding Rideau Canal.

Paul’s great love was his wife Shirley Emma (nee Beaudoin), whom he married in 1957.

Together they had a beautiful life and raised a caring family that became his pride and joy: daughter Teresa Sirianni (David) children Anthony (Stephanie) daughters Adriana and Sofia; Lisa McCullough (Nathan) son Ashton; daughter Paulla Ann Leclair (Ben); children Christopher; Emma (Jacob); son Kevin Leclair (Laurette); daughters Jessica (Josh), Meagan (Aaron), and Amy (Tyler); and son David (Roberto).

Paul was predeceased by his infant son, Timothy, in 1964, but remained a treasured memory.

Paul’s siblings and extended family were a part of his life. He was predeceased by his dear brother Henry (Margaret) and family, Irene (Tom), Cecile (Gerald), Jeanette (Fern), Wilfred, and Jimmy (Dorothy), his brother Joseph (Joan), sister Marguerite (Al), and brother Wilfred.

Paul is survived by his sister-in-laws Patricia (Wilfred) and Sheila Forstner (Steve) children Bryan (Marnie), Tracy (Christine) and Shawn (Addy) all their children.

His kindness will be forever remembered by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Professionally, Paul was known for his determination and skill. He worked for Espanola K.V.P. and later E.B. Eddy in the Boiler Room before moving to Ottawa with his family in 1970.

There, he joined the University of Ottawa as a supervisor in the Mechanical Division, where he became Chief after earning his First Class Power Engineer certification in 1979.

His hard work and intellect earned him the respect of his peers and colleagues.

Paul’s faith was a guiding light in his life, shaping his actions and values. A proud Knight of Columbus, Paul began his service in Espanola in 1953 and continued in Arnprior in 2004.

He completed a Lay Ministry program in 1964 in Espanola and a two-year Lay Ministry at the Diocese of Ottawa in 1981.

His devotion deepened when he became a Secular Franciscan in 2001 at St. Francis of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Ottawa.

Paul also co-founded along with Shirley, the St. Maximilian Kolbe Fraternity in Arnprior, leaving a legacy of service, humility, and faith that touched all who knew him.

Paul’s life was a beautiful blend of adventure and family.

His legacy lives on in the snow capped ski hills he loved, the family he cherished, and the countless lives he touched with his boundless generosity and kind spirit.

Paul's final arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the

Pilon Family Funeral Home and Chapel Ltd.,

50 John Street North, Arnprior

where visitation will take place on Tuesday evening, December 3rd from 7 to 9 p.m. and again on Wednesday morning, December 4th from 9:30 to 10:40.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. John Chrysostom Church, Arnprior on Wednesday morning at 11 o'clock. 

Interment Malloch Road Cemetery, Arnprior.

Reception at Pilon's following the interment.

Members of the Knights of Columbus, Council 2082 will assemble at the funeral home for prayers on  Tuesday evening at 6:30.

In memory of Paul, please consider a donation to the St. John Chrysostom Church Memorial Fund or the St. Maximilian Kolbe Fraternity.