Bernard LeClaire, age 76, of Gladstone and Rock passed away Friday evening September 19, 2008, at his residence in Gladstone following a lengthy illness with cancer.

Bernard was born August 20th, 1932 in Escanaba the son of Ada and Dona (Belangie) LeClaire.  He was raised in Rock and graduated from the Rock High School in 1950.  He attended General Motors Institute in Flint, MI. 

Bernard worked as a Tool & Die Maker for General Motor’s Corporation in Grand Blanc, MI, retiring in 1984.  He resided in Clarkston, MI until his retirement.

Bernard was a Korean War Veteran serving in the US Army from 1952 until his honorable discharge in 1954.  In 1956 he married the former Barbara Nelson at St. Joseph’s Church in Perkins.  He was a member of the All Saints Church in Gladstone.

Bernard was a hard working, ambitious person with a great sense of humor.  He had many skills and was a “Mr. Handyman” to many.  Restoring his 1931 Model A Truck, woodworking and spending time at his cabin with family and friends were some of his favorite pastimes.

Bernard was an outdoorsman and he especially enjoyed hunting season.  He was an avid Detroit Lions and Tigers fan.  He also enjoyed coaching his daughter’s softball teams.
 
In addition to his wife Barbara, survivors include,

Daughter: Janet LeClaire of Gladstone

2 sisters; Eunice (Kelly) Elledge of Rock and Mary Sevo of Burton, MI

2 brothers; Gerald (Leta) LeClaire of Rock and Lionel (Brenda) LeClaire of LaPeer, MI

Numerous nieces and nephews
 
In addition to his parents, Ada and Dona, he was preceded in death by his brother, Ralph, in August of 2008 and his brother-in-law, Jim Sevo.
 
Bernard’s family will receive friends on Tuesday from 2:00PM to 4:30PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone.  Gladstone American Legion Post #71 Military Rites will be conducted at 4:00PM.  Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 5:00 PM at the All Saints Church in Gladstone with Rev. Fr. Arnold Grambow officiating.  Luncheon will follow services in the All Saints Church Parish Hall.  Entombment will be at the Gardens of Rest Mausoleum in Wells.  Memorial contributions in Bernard’s name may be directed to the charity of one’s choice.  Envelopes will be available at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone.