RICHMOND — Paul V. “Bud” LeClair Jr. lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on Friday, Nov. 23, 2012, at his home and surrounded by his family.

Mr. LeClair was born on Oct. 31, 1937, the second child of parents Paul V. LeClair Sr. and Josephine I. (Clary) LeClair. Paul attended schools in Pittston and Gardiner, graduating from Gardiner High School in 1957.

Following high school, Paul entered the U.S. Air Force. He married his high school sweetheart, Nina H. Pitcher, on Nov. 11, 1961 and together they raised four children. Paul traveled the world while in the Air Force, going to various military bases throughout the United States, Japan, Thailand, Germany and Iceland.

In 1983, Paul retired after 26 years with the USAF, returning to Maine. He and his wife purchased The Goldenrod Farm, which enabled Paul to expand his gardening hobby into a small fruit and vegetable business. Paul sold produce from a farm stand on the property and participated in the Bath and Augusta farmers markets for a number of years. It was difficult to tell if Paul liked gardening or the social aspect of selling his produce more, and he met many people through his business, some who became lasting friends.

Paul enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and riding his personal watercraft and motorcycle. Paul served his community by being active in the Richmond Fire Department, St. Ambrose Church and the Grange. Paul also enjoyed being a member of the Sagadahoc Beekeepers Association and the Augusta HAM Radio Club.

Paul is survived by his four children, Joe LeClair and his wife, Debbie, of Smithfield; Va., Karen LeClair of Hermon; John LeClair and his wife, Rebecca, of Durham; and Judith LeClair and her husband, Jim Greene, of Litchfield, N.H. He is also survived by his “lady fiend” Marlene Rines of Edgecomb; two sisters; three brothers; and several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours were held Sunday, Nov. 25, at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner. A Mass of Christian Burial was scheduled to be celebrated Monday, Nov. 26, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gardiner. Burial with full military honors will be held today, Tuesday, Nov. 27, at St. Joseph Cemetery, Gardiner.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paul’s memory to CHANS Hospice, 45 Baribeau Drive, Brunswick, ME 04011.


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