LEO LECLAIR

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LEO LECLAIR

Leo Leclair, 86, of Headingley passed away peacefully at St. Boniface Hospital on June 6, 2025, with his loving family by his side. He is now with his beloved wife, Rose once again.

Leo was born in St. Boniface to the late Yvonne Salter (nee Bergeron) on October 3, 1938. He was raised in Haywood, Manitoba.

Leo married Rose Bedford on July 27, 1963, in Carman. After moving to the Winnipeg area, they raised four children in Headingley where they lived for over 40 years in a house on Manitoba Street.

Leo was a devoted husband and family man. He was always a supportive and caring father. He always made sure his family was well looked after. He loved his wife and children very much and always put their needs above his own.

Leo was a quiet and humble man, yet he was strong, protective and proud of his family. He was always there to stand strong when his family needed him.

Leo was always hard working, and was dedicated to his trade as a Sheet Metal Mechanic. He proudly worked for Air Canada for many years and retired from there in 2002. Air Canada helped him develop a love for airplanes and travelling. He and Rose travelled the world together while he worked there, as well as after he retired.

Leo had a great sense of humour. He was fun to be around. He always made time for his loved ones and made everyone feel special. He had a beautiful and contagious smile.

Leo was always active in his grandchildren’s lives and was full of pride when he celebrated their achievements. He especially loved watching them play sports such as baseball, volleyball, hockey, and at the racetrack in Winnipeg and down in Tennessee, proudly cheering on Team 7 wearing a bright racing T-shirt.

Leo loved all kinds of music, and experienced pure joy when he listened to anything live, especially with a spiced rum or beer in his hand. He particularly loved traditional French Canadian and Metis music, as well as folk and blue grass tunes. Always a handyman, in his final years, he made a number of musical instruments himself, which he would dedicate to his children and grandchildren, and late wife Rose.

Leo lost his beloved wife Rose to cancer in 2023. Although a devasting loss for Leo, he persevered and became even closer with his children and grandchildren in his final years. Leo is survived by his four children: Debbie, Bev, Lisa and Ray, his seven grandchildren: Ryan, Brittany, Ricky, Chad, Corey, Lee and Ally, and his one great-grandson Morrison. He will be missed so much by each one of his family.

Leo had a private family funeral at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home in Winnipeg on Friday, June 13. Leo was buried next to Rose at the Holy Trinity Cemetery in Headingley.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Sturgeon Creek Residences and St. Boniface Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada - Manitoba Branch in Leo’s name.

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home

204-885-9715

Tribute Link: www.chapellawn.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 14, 2025