Donald Frederick LeClair

Peacefully at his home in Sherwood on January 8, 2026, the death occurred of Donald Frederick (Don) LeClair in his 88th year. Devoted husband for almost 62 years of Carlie Ann (nee Sullivan) formerly of Montague, PEI. Loving father of Paula (Brent Thompson), Stephen (Skipper), Ronnie (Silvia), Katie (Andrew Doherty) and Terry. Adored Grampie/Poppa of Bryce and Carly Thompson, Reece, Nathan, Eric and Scarlet LeClair, Ella (Roman Tiessen), Colin, Rebecca and Jonathan Doherty. Don is also survived by his brothers in law John (Helena) and Billy (Cathy) Sullivan, Ralph Kennedy (Maye deceased), sisters in law Maureen (Robert Taylor), Jane (Dave Adam), Marion (Paul deceased) and Sandra LeClair, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Peter and Lucy LeClair, his brothers Peter and Leonard, and sisters Katherine (in infancy), Ina, Marion, Sr Mary Gabriel, Sr June, Maye and Pauline.

Don’s post secondary education began at McGill University where he studied before returning home to PEI to complete his first degree at St Dunstan’s University. He later went on to obtain a second degree at UPEI. Don spent 12 years as a high school teacher before moving to a position within the provincial government that focused on health and fitness. It was during his time in that position that Don was instrumental in the development of Sport PEI, serving as its first director, and was heavily involved with PEI’s earliest Canada Games contingents, attending multiple games as Chef de Mission. Don completed his career with the provincial government as Director of Sport, Recreation and Heritage, before accepting a position with Health Canada where he remained until his retirement. During his younger years, Don was a multi sport athlete, including being a member of the football and track & field teams at St Dunstan’s. Throughout his life he was a firm believer in active living which he continued into his senior years whether it be long distance running, brisk walks or in a coaching capacity. He coached a wide range of sports at a variety of ages and levels, including football, basketball and track & field. However, no sport could compete with his beloved baseball. As a player, a coach and a fan, Don loved baseball - whether it was hitchhiking to Boston at the age of 16 to watch the Red Sox, coaching the 1977 PEI seniors men’s baseball team to a national silver medal, dragging the infield at Sullivan’s baseball field in Montague, serving as volunteer president of Baseball PEI for 10 years, or sharing his love of the game with his own sons. Don’s love of sport was only surpassed by his deep love for his beloved, cherished wife, his children, his grandchildren and his entire extended family. 

Resting at Belvedere Funeral Home, with visitation on Tuesday, January 13 from 4pm - 7pm. Funeral mass will be held from St. Pius X Church on Wednesday, January 14 at 11 am. To live stream of view his funeral please click on the following link Remembering Don. If you have difficulty accessing the livestream, please call 1-877-895-2739. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don's name to the Upper Room.