Obituary of OCdt. Mathieu Robert LeClair

The unexpected death of Mathieu Robert LeClair occurred in Kingston, ON on Tuesday, February 28, 2012. He was born on June 16, 1991 in Saint John, NB to Mireille Basque and Danny (Gladys) LeClair. At the time of his death, Mathieu was attending the Royal Military College of Canada and was a member of the college’s collegiate basketball team. Besides his parents Mathieu is survived by his brothers: Marc LeClair of Saint John and Eric LeClair of Ripples, NB; his grandmothers: Rita Basque of Tracadie-Sheila, NB, Léa LeClair of Hampton and a special family friend, Lorna Boyd. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins. He was predeceased by his grandfathers, Fabien Basque and Alyre LeClair. Mathieu loved life. He was disciplined, ambitious and organized from a young age. He had eyes that sparkled brightly and a big beautiful smile. He was kind and generous to all. Many were aware of this young man’s presence. He was an extremely social person and a gifted athlete. He loved his family and always enjoyed any special holiday spent at Mémére’s house. From the age of 12 to18, he was enrolled as an Air Cadet for the Royal Canadian Air Cadets Simonds Squadron #527 rising to the title of Warrant Officer II Band Leader and was selected for an International Cadet Exchange Program where he had the pleasure to travel to Washington DC and to Texas. A 2009 graduate from Simonds High School, he was awarded an outstanding $80,000 Cadet Scholarship from the Royal Military College in Kingston ON. The Regular Officer Training Program is a fully subsidized degree program and Mathieu was in the process of completing his 3rd year in the Engineering program. In his senior year at Simonds High School, he traveled with his classmates on an educational trip to Greece and Italy. He played on both the Junior Varsity and the Varsity Basketball Teams. He was a member of the School Band and a member of the Drama Club. As a drama club member he had parts in both the Guys and Dolls and Foot Loose plays. As an Air Cadet he favored the Air Forces Division of the Armed Forces. Mathieu was a dedicated and an extremely hard worker who would always go the extra mile for an employer. Mathieu was a tremendously bright and gifted young man who touched many lives. A life that touches others is a life that will go on forever. Mathieu will live on in us and in our memories with great love and much fondness. Mathieu was a very, very special young Man. Resting at Brenan's Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (506-634-7424) with visitation on Saturday and Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from St. Joachim’s Church, 603 Loch Lomond Road, Saint John on Monday, March 5, 2012 at 12 Noon. Interment will take place in St. Paul’s Cemetery, Upper Golden Grove, NB. For those who wish, donations to the Royal Canadian Air Cadets Simonds Squadron #527 or P.R.O. Kids would be appreciated by the family.