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AURELE J. LECLAIRE Obituary pic

AURELE J. LECLAIRE

Born: Mar 19, 1963

Date of Passing: Aug 15, 2020

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AURELE J. LECLAIRE
March 19, 1963 - August 15, 2020

The love of my life, the joy in my world, and the sparkle on my soul are gone. I have lost the most wonderful, kindest, and funniest man I ever met.
Aurèle J. LeClaire died on Saturday, August 15, 2020 at the St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg, MB. After making some positive progress against his illness, his situation took a sudden turn and his journey ended. He passed peacefully with family at his side.
Aurèle is survived by and will be deeply missed by his best friend and loving partner of 26 years, Shirley Denesiuk. He will also be mourned by his siblings, Albert, Marjorie (Armand) Beauchemin, and Reginald ("Reg"); his nieces and nephews, Joëlle Leclaire, Rossel and Régan (Lemieux), Danel and Mandi (Martin), Michel and Simone (Buissé): Danielle (Lloyd) Waldner, Réjean, Andrée (Cliff) Halaburda, Gaëtan and Joanne (Maguet), Clode (Eric) Péloquin, and Camyle (Martin) Jolicoeur; 23 great-nieces and great-nephews; two special cousins, Monique Leclaire and John Kenny; his sister-in-law Linda Denesiuk and her husband Mark; his mother-in-law Justine (Stella) Denesiuk; and by his many, many dear friends.
He was predeceased by his father Victor, mother Albertine, father-in-law Nicholas Denesiuk, and sister-in-law Debi Denesiuk.
Aurèle was born and raised in St. Adolphe, Manitoba. Gifted with natural compassion and deep empathy, Aurele found his calling as a funeral director, serving families at their most profound times of need. He worked part-time from 1978 to 1981, learning the profession with Kerr's Funeral Chapel and Albert Leclaire Funeral Service. At a young age, he received his professional licenses in 1981 and 1983.
He worked for various employers in the funeral industry until he and his brother Reginald started LeClaire Brothers Funeral Products and Service in Winnipeg in 1993. In 2013, after Reginald retired, he continued helping bereaved families with his partner, Shirley, a licensed funeral director. Aurèle was always adamant about putting his service to families first and foremost.
While the funeral business was his first calling, with entrepreneurial spirit and a love for new challenges, Aurèle also found success in a range of other endeavours. He developed, opened, and owned a florist shop in 1983, which, in just three years, was Winnipeg's largest single location florist. He took a two-year sabbatical from the funeral business to help a good friend in a nine-location retail business. He also opened and successfully ran a breakfast-and-lunch restaurant, selling it a few years later. Aurèle also acquired and managed several rental properties; he earned a reputation as a generous and caring landlord. To say he was a busy man is an understatement.
With a passion for service, in 1981 Aurèle ran for Provincial Election as the Progressive Conservative candidate in Logan. While he didn't win, he was proud to have run and he often joked that he was probably the youngest candidate, who voting for the very first time, voted for himself!
Aurèle was an active member of the St. John Brebeuf Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 1107, and had served as their Treasurer for many years.
A private Funeral Mass will be celebrated at the St. John Brebeuf Parish, 1701 John Brebeuf Place, Winnipeg, MB. Entombment of Aurèle's body will take place in his mausoleum in the St. Adolphe Parish Cemetery.
Kind, gentle, ethical, compassionate, and often hilarious, Aurèle has left us far too soon. There is comfort in knowing that Aurèle enjoyed the journey of his life with passion and joy.
Thank you to Dr. Chakraborty for his compassionate care and concern, and to the team at St. Boniface Hospital who provided care and comfort to Aurèle in his final days, and to Father Rheal Forest who administered Aurèle's last rites.
If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Canadian Blood Bank Services:
www.blood.ca/en/ways-donate/financial-donations/how-give
or to Siloam Mission
www.siloam.ca/take-action/donate/

Rest in well-deserved peace, Aurèle.

LECLAIRE BROTHERS
475 Provencher Blvd.,
in care of arrangements


Publish Date: Aug 22, 2020

AURELE J. LECLAIRE

Aurèle J. LeClaire died on Saturday, August 15, 2020 at the St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg, MB, with family at his side.
A longer obituary will follow in the Saturday, August 22, 2020 edition.

LECLAIRE BROTHERS
475 Provencher Blvd.,
in care of arrangements


Publish Date: Aug 19, 2020

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 19, 2020, Aug 22, 2020

Condolences & Memories (31 entries)

  • Thinking of you often Shirley and the loss you feel from losing someone so dear to you. Offering our prayers daily that you have comfort and peace. May you feel God’s Presence. Aurele Be at peace ❤️🥰🙏🤗 - Posted by: Patricia and Larry Krause (Friend and Neighbors across the way) on: Nov 29, 2021

  • My sincere condolences to Shirley, Albert, Reg and family. I have enjoyed many conversations with Aurele over the years, as well as assisting him in serving many bereaved families. He had a terrific sense of humor, but when it came to work, he was always there for the bereaved. Always paying attention to the smallest of details, and the importance of the memory that would be left. Thank you Aurele! Rest in peace my friend, you have left a wonderful legacy of care and compassion. They say, "You are what you do", and Aurele was a caregiver. - Posted by: Lee Barringer (Colleague) on: Sep 22, 2020

  • It is with very great sadness that I learn of Aurele's passing. I have always admired his entrepreneurial abilities, his business acumen and his gift for relating to people in positive and uplifting ways. Most of all, I have enjoyed all those times we shared discussing and enjoying each other's company in laughter and in seriousness along with his best friends, Shirley and Reg. To you both, my deepest condolences for your loss, and I wish you courage and faith in these times. May he rest in peace. Maurice Smith - Posted by: Maurice Smith (long time friend) on: Sep 11, 2020

  • Dear Shirley, Reg and family I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Aurele. My heart hurts with yours Gentle hugs to you all. - Posted by: Marion Doerksen (friend) on: Sep 05, 2020

  • LECLAIRE BROTHERS was the Funeral Home chosen by our family when my sister Rita passed (Feb. 1999). The family was so impressed by Aurèle's compassion, attention and service that we returned to him for my father Adélard's funeral in August 1999, brother-in-law Claude's service (Dec. 2000), mother Antoinette's funeral (Dec. 2013), and brother-in-law Clément's funeral in 2019. In March this year, my wife chose Aurèle to look after her aunt Yvonne's funeral. Through all these encounters Aurèle and more recently Shirley have offered kindness, comfort, support and healing humour. We have lost a wonderful caregiver for times of stress and grief. Sincere condolences to Shirley and the LeClaire family. René Perreault and Diane Sabourin - Posted by: Rene Perreault (Client) on: Aug 28, 2020

  • Our Sincere Condolences to Shirley, Reginald and all Family and dear friends. We are sincerely sorry for your loss of the light and love of your life Shirley. May you find peace that he awaits on the other side and we will all see him again. He is forever in your heart. Gone too soon. Love and prayers Patsy and Larry across the way. We feel your pain. Aurele be at peace. ❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🤗🤗🤗 - Posted by: Patricia and Larry Krause (Friends and Neighbors ) on: Aug 26, 2020

  • Aurele will be remembered by us as a humbly generous man, putting foremost the dignity of others as seen in his career and volunteer work. His clever remarks were able to lighten the mood of events and gatherings. We could see how devoted he was to you Shirley. Know that we hold you and his loved ones in our hearts. May he Rest in Peace. - Posted by: Todd and Janice Dobson (friend) on: Aug 26, 2020

  • My sincere condolences to Shirley and the Leclaire family. Through the Funeral industry I had the pleasure of meeting and at times assisting Aurele (and Shirley) with funeral services over the last 8 years. While I witnessed his professionalism and compassion I also witnessed his wit and sense of humour (which he could turn on/off at the appropriate times). It is an honour to call him a friend! Rest In Peace Aurele! - Posted by: Neil Avery (Friend) on: Aug 24, 2020

  • Dear Shirley, Reg and family, John and I send our love and sincere condolences for your loss. I had the honour and pleasure to get to know Aurele over the years from working with him and Reg on the LeClaire Brothers memorial cards. After I closed Éditique, our friendship with Aurele and Shirley grew and we will always treasure the memories of our laughter-filled dinners out together. Rest in peace, Aurele, we sure will miss you! - Posted by: Louise and John Stockwell (Friends) on: Aug 24, 2020

  • Nos sincères condoléances à vous tous. Le décès d'Aurèle nous a surpris et nous portent de la peine. Ces voeux viennent de la famille d'Anna et feu, Camille Michaud. - Posted by: Rachel Pilon (Cousine) on: Aug 24, 2020

  • Mes sincères condoléances à toute la famille d’Aurèle. I keep a deep appreciation of all the funerals I presided where Aurèle, Shirley, Réginald and other helpers were undertakers. Thank you Aurèle for being such a great person with whom it always was pleasant to work! - Posted by: Marcel Chaput (Cousin ) on: Aug 23, 2020

  • Condolences to the entire LeClaire family. It was an honour and a true pleasure to have met Aurele through several funerals. - Posted by: Luc Durand (Business) on: Aug 23, 2020

  • Having worked in a Personal Care Home for many years..I had many encounters with Aurele...I also attended many Funerals...So when my Mother passed away late one night..I called Aurele...He came right away..even at that late hour. That gave me extreme comfort knowing exactly who I had entrusted her to...I always had the greatest respect for that man. I hope the Peace he gave me is now with his Family at this difficult time...Sincere Condolences....Cecile - Posted by: Cecile Restiaux (friend) on: Aug 23, 2020

  • My sincere condolences to you and your family Shirley. I looked at the LeClaire name as I know some of the family in Ile des Chenes, and I was surprised to see your name, Linda, Debi (RIP) and your mom Stella as I was reading about your wonderful husband Aurele. I think of you and your family often, and always wondered how you all have been doing over the years. I am so very sorry for your loss. Gina - Posted by: Gina Remillard (Gina Loran) (Friend of the Denesuik family) on: Aug 23, 2020

  • Fond memories of our much loved landlord Aurele from when I lived in “the block” on Carriere Ave. Aurele turned our 15 apartments into a family watching out for one another. He was always a delight and a friend to each of us. I’m so sad to hear of Aurele’s passing and extend heartfelt condolences to you Shirley and to all of Aurele’s family. Rest in God’s peace Aurele. - Posted by: Wanda Brockie (Friend) on: Aug 22, 2020

  • My husband Louis passed away in 2004, and had the honor of being served by the LeClaire Brothers. Compassion was #1 for them, I was very impressed by their professionalism also. When my sister in law Irène Gareau passed away, I suggested my brother in law to go and see the LeClaire Brothers (I went with him) and he was also very satisfied. All I can say is my condolences to the family and hope they are able to continue on. MERCI BEAUCOUP. - Posted by: denise gareau (client of LeClaire Brothers) on: Aug 22, 2020

  • Sincères condoléances Shirley et la famille Leclaire (Albert, Marjorie, Réginald). Nos prières vous accompagnent. - Posted by: Lucille & Gilles Chaput (Cousins) on: Aug 22, 2020

  • Mes condoléances à toute la famille. - Posted by: Georgette Legal (Cousine) on: Aug 22, 2020

  • Shirley, Albert and to the rest of the family I want to wish my sincerest condolences. He was one of a kind and it was always fun to work with him. He had a great sense of humor and shared it with everyone that was within his presence. Gone far too soon, but never will be forgotten. Hugs thoughts and prayers for the family, to help get you through this difficult time. - Posted by: Lisa J Holgate (friend and businessmate) on: Aug 22, 2020

  • Dear Shirley, Reg and Family, Sending sincere sympathy and loving prayers. Aurele was a gift to so many in their hour of need (members of St. Ann's Parish and my own family). His kindness, professionalism and friendship are remembered with gratitude. May God's comforting presence and strength be with you. - Posted by: Sister Alice Konefall (Friend) on: Aug 22, 2020

  • À toute la famille, nos plus sincères condoléances, surtout à Majorie et Armand et leurs enfants , ainsi qu'à Réginald. - Posted by: Rachlle et Jean-Maurice Lemoine (friends of the family) on: Aug 22, 2020

  • Sincères condoléances à la famille. Nos prières sont avec vous. - Posted by: Philippe et Jacqueline Lavack (Confrère de professioñ) on: Aug 22, 2020

  • Shirley, you and Aurele did my husband Karl 's funeral and you were so kind. It is hard to lose your Soulmate as I did. Shirley I am so sorry that you to have to experience this. My thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of Aurele, he was so funny and full of life, a true genuine quality in a person. May you find peace in knowing that others are with you in thought and prayer. - Posted by: Janice Latschislaw (Client) on: Aug 22, 2020

  • Nos sincères condoléances à Shirley et toute la famille. Son décès nous fit beaucoup de peine. Il était un homme super gentil. Ils nous a tellement aidé à passer à travers de nos propres deuils. Il était aimable, chaleureux, compatissant, calme et toujours disponible. Le Seigneur nous avait donné un ange et il l’a rappelé! - Posted by: Jeannine & Allen Porteous (Cousin) on: Aug 22, 2020

  • Condolences to the entire LeClaire family. It was an honour and a true pleasure to have met Aurele through the funeral industry. His generosity and unique sense of humour will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace Aurele !! - Posted by: Joe Kanaski (Friend) on: Aug 22, 2020

  • Aurele. You were a lifesaver for us when our mother passed. We relied on you to help make her funeral an awesome send off. And you and Shirley knew Mom. She loved you guys. She will be opening her arms to you, Auréle. Go peacefully into those many arms waiting to hold you. Many prayers are being sent to you. - Posted by: The McInerneys (Client and friend) on: Aug 21, 2020

  • To Shirley, Albert, Reg, Rejean and family, with a sad 💔 on the passing of AJ. Many decades of friendship and business,,and good times! Gone far to soon,but will always be remembered for your brilliance,and your sense of ha ha !,everyone in the Colonial Caskets and Currie family will remember you with fondness and smiles, may you RIP my friend, till we meet again ❤️ - Posted by: Daryl Currie (Friend and business mate) on: Aug 20, 2020

  • Désolée de votre perte. M. Leclaire a toujours été bon avec nous. Nous en sommes très reconnaissants. Nos plus sincères condoléances. J'imagine que vous serez en contact avec nous pour nous indiquer comment procéder avec vous désormais. Merci pour tout ce qu'Aurèle a fait pour nous. - Posted by: Gilberte Proteau (Client) on: Aug 20, 2020

  • Ah, Aurele! Such a life. God speed, my friend. - Posted by: Bill Spornitz (Old friend) on: Aug 20, 2020

  • Sincere condolences to the LeClaire family. I had the pleasure of getting acquainted with Aurèle ten years ago, when he directed a dignified funeral for an Army Veteran friend of mine. I'll always be grateful for his professionalism, compassion and generosity. Rest in Peace my friend. - Posted by: Paul Dufault (Friend) on: Aug 19, 2020

  • Je n'ai pas eu une longue connaissance avec Aurele. Mon frere m'a signale qu'Aurele etait decede suite a des complications avec ses rognions. Mes plus sinceres sympaties a toute la famille LeClaire specialemnt les plus raproches d'Aurele. C'est difficile accepter un deces si jeune mais c'est toujours la decision du plus Grand, notre Seigneur. Je me joins a vous pour cette occasion et prie qu'il soit pres de Dieu sous peu. Clement Leclaire - Posted by: Clement LeClaire (Cousin) on: Aug 19, 2020

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