C’est avec émotion que nous annonçons le décès de Robert Leclaire, le 30 mai ensoleillé à 99 ans. Il a été par sa ténacité, sa grande curiosité et sa volonté inébranlable de réussir sa vie professionnelle tout en demeurant proche de sa famille et de son entourage, une inspiration pour tous ceux qui l'ont connu.
Robert laisse dans le deuil sa conjointe Jocelyne Boudreau, sa fille unique Marie Leclaire (Mel Thurlow), sa petite-fille Melina Thurlow (Saurabh Bhatia), ses cousins(es) Josette, Adriana (feu José Del Vecchio), Normand (Marie-Christine), Johanne, Linda (Andy), Jacques (Louise), ainsi que de nombreux proches, autres parents et ami(es).
La famille souhaite remercier tous ceux qui lui ont apporté des soins bienveillants dans sa maladie : les équipes médicales en soins et services de l’Hôpital de Verdun, intervenants sociaux du CLSC Île-des-Sœurs/Verdun, Résidence Ambiance pour aînés et Maison l'Étincelle.
Grand voyageur planétaire, vétéran, humaniste tenant du bien commun, pianiste, sur le plan professionnel il occupe des postes en direction et marketing à la British Airways/B.O.A.C. aux bureaux d’Ottawa, Vancouver et Montréal, sur une période de plus de 30 ans. Il agit également à titre de président SKAL-Ottawa (1972-74), une organisation professionnelle internationale réunissant les leaders du tourisme du monde entier. À sa retraite de la British Airways, il fonde son entreprise SuperTours à Toronto, une entreprise spécialisée en voyages de croisières et découvertes touristiques nord-américaines et mondiales, créant de nouveaux corridors touristiques innovateurs. Tôt dans son enfance, il se passionne pour le piano et la musique qui l’accompagneront jusqu’à ses derniers moments. Père et grand-père attentionné et généreux, il favorise l’éducation universitaire de sa fille et petite-fille, les inspirant par son leadership d’exemple. Citoyen engagé, il utilise ses talents au piano pour égayer la vie des aînés retraités.
Selon les souhaits de Robert, il n’y aura pas de service funéraire ni de cérémonie religieuse.
Un événement hommage aura lieu à une date ultérieure.
« La musique est le son silencieux fait par le nageur dans l’océan de sa propre conscience » - H.Miller
•••
It is with emotion that we announce the passing of Robert Leclaire, on the sunny day of May 30th, at the age of 99. Through his tenacity, great curiosity, and unwavering determination to succeed in his professional life while remaining close to his family and those around him, he was an inspiration to all who knew him.
Robert is mourned by his partner Jocelyne Boudreau, his only daughter Marie Leclaire (Mel Thurlow), his granddaughter Melina Thurlow (Saurabh Bhatia), his cousins Josette, Adriana (the late José Del Vecchio), Normand (Marie-Christine), Johanne, Linda (Andy), Jacques (Louise), as well as many other close friends, relatives, and loved ones.
The family wishes to thank all those who provided compassionate care during his illness: the medical teams at Verdun Hospital, social workers from CLSC Île-des-Sœurs/Verdun, Ambiance Residence for seniors, and Maison l’Étincelle.
A great world traveller, veteran, humanist devoted to the common good, and pianist, professionally he held management and marketing positions at British Airways/B.O.A.C. in the Ottawa, Vancouver, and Montreal offices for over 30 years. He also served as president of SKAL-Ottawa (1972-74), an international professional organization bringing together tourism leaders from around the world. Upon retiring from British Airways, he founded his company SuperTours in Toronto, specializing in cruise travel and North American and global tourism discoveries, creating new and innovative tourism corridors. From an early age, he was passionate about piano and music, which accompanied him until his final moments. A caring and generous father and grandfather, he supported the university education of his daughter and granddaughter, inspiring them by his exemplary leadership. As a committed citizen, he used his piano talents to brighten the lives of retired seniors.
According to Robert’s wishes, there will be no funeral service or religious ceremony.
A tribute event will be held at a later date.
“Music is the silent sound made by the swimmer in the ocean of his own consciousness.” – H. Miller
Robert Leclaire
1926-2025
Condolences to the family
Je vais écrire mon message en anglais si on peut me permettre pour éviter plusieurs erreurs grammatiques, etc. I had originally been watching daily in early June for this notice, however am just noticing this now in the wee hours of June 12th, and so I post this humbly and with great sadness. My most sincere condolences to Marie, Jocelyne and all his family and closest friends (amongst which I was headed until our time was unfortunately cut short). I only had the privilege of meeting Robert twice but on both occasions, I felt his warmth, zest for life, and tremendous kindness. I had the honour of playing piano for this great pianist and piano enthusiast on the two occasions I met him - on New Year's Day, 2024, and then when I had the tremendous honour of being invited to drive to Montreal on his birthday to participate in a special celebration with his family. Robert was so appreciative of my piano playing on both occasions, but on January 1, 2024, when he was in better health and about to turn 98, he was not only incredibly kind as he was also on his 99th birthday, he was also about as receptive to my playing as anyone has ever been in my 60 years of playing with the possible exception of my parents! I have cherished memories but also photos marking the January 1 occasion when he either clapped fervently after each song I played on piano or else saluted (which for me as a retired Air Force officer who both saluted lots but also was saluted many times by the dozens of technicians that either served under me or else at least served on the same Air Force base) was even more special! What a special privilege I had to meet Robert twice! It was a shame that I didn't have more opportunities to talk about our common aviation background and experience, because had we done so, over and above the small amount we did discuss in January 2024, I am convinced we would have chatted excitedly for hours on that topic alone before getting to music - and in particular piano music - which evidently was the largest life passion for both of us!! I was looking forward to providing to him a series of lessons as he requested of me on his birthday in late March - ie only two and a half months ago. So when I heard that his passing was imminent from his dear daughter Marie, who despite the tremendous stress she undoubtedly was experiencing the day before she was about to lose her father, took the time to contact me and let me know of the seriousness of the situation which was one of the kindest acts anyone has ever extended to me, especially considering I had only met him twice. Once again, my heart goes out to Jocelyne and his family but especially to his exceptional daughter Marie who has evidently inherited his wonderful generosity, spirit of kindness and outstanding character. May the Lord bless all of you at this time and in the days, months and years which follow.