Paul E. LeClaire

July 3, 1930 - December 30, 2020

COLEBROOK – Paul E. LeClaire, 90, of Colebrook, passed away peacefully Wednesday afternoon, December 30, 2020, with family members by his side. Paul was born in Groveton, NH, on July 3, 1930, a son to the late Delphis and Clara (Aube) LeClaire. He attended local schools and was a long-time resident of Groveton. In later years Paul & Lorraine wintered at their Florida home and spent summers at their home at Maidstone Lake, Maidstone, VT. A move to a year-round home was made to Lemington, VT, in 1996, then to Corliss Lane, Colebrook in 2016. Paul’s work life began as a teen helping his father at his garage in Groveton, then as a machine tender on the #6 paper machine, and later as oil car unloader, both at Groveton Papers Company. Possessing an entrepreneurial spirit, Paul established, and for many years operated, LeClaire’s Little Engines in Groveton, selling Rupp snowmobiles, minibikes, and Indian motorcycles. Winters were busy with repairing snowmobiles and participating in the area snowmobile race circuit. Paul and Lorraine established and operated P & L Mini-Mart for several years, also located in Groveton. Paul enjoyed visiting with the patrons and trying to meet their needs, with a gas fill-up, a homemade sub or renting a movie. For much of his life Paul was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a long-time member of the Groveton Fish & Game Club and proudly served as its President; he was also instrumental in the establishment of GF&G’s shooting range on Lost Nation Road in Groveton. Paul enjoyed golfing, especially with his sons and brothers. Bowling was another great pasttime while wintering in Florida for Paul and Lorraine. He enjoyed summers at Maidstone Lake boating and waterskiing with his family. Playing cards was something that Paul enjoyed doing with family and friends, and building and flying R/C airplanes was a great sport for Paul. Gardening (especially growing tomatoes) was something Paul looked forward to each spring. Later in life Paul enjoyed going camping with his 5th wheel camper to Lake George, Little Field Beaches in Bethel, ME,and would finish out the season at the Fryeburg Fair. He was known for baking the best homemade bread, which was always in demand by all family members. Everyone knew there might be a loaf under the Christmas tree for them; when you stopped by for a visit you would probably receive one to take home with you. Paul also loved watching old western movies on TV (with no commercials) and listening to country music. He enjoyed family get togethers as there were always many stories to be told and heard and sometimes there might even be some dancing going on. Paul will be forever remembered as a hard worker and as a dedicated, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather to his family. Paul is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Lorraine (Foss) LeClaire; beloved children, Paula Haynes and husband Kevin of Colebrook, Lorne LeClaire and wife Joan of Pittsburg, Richard LeClaire and wife Rosalie of Merrimack, Brenda Rowell and husband Mark of Stratford, and Lisa Cady and husband Scott of Lyndonville, VT. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Justin Livingstone, Hailey Livingstone, Kirk Serbian, Gideon Rowell, Shaina Warren, Jason Flynn, Steven Foster, Katie Crosby, and great-grandchildren Trey Rosamilia, Avery Rosamilia, Kyle Serbian, Allison Serbian, Mya Warren, Kardir Warren, Timonee Warren, Gracelynn Rowell, Elias Rowell, Mason Flynn, Kohen Flynn, Beckett Flynn and Kamea Crosby. Paul is also survived by his brother Roma LeClaire, brothers-in-law Leo Richard, Roland Godin; and many nieces & nephews. In addition to his parents, Paul is predeceased by his sisters Yvonne Richard, Louisa McMann, and Rena Godin; and brothers Raymond Leclere, Edward (Bud) Leclere and Leo (Tiny) LeClaire. There are no public calling hours. A graveside committal service will be held at a later date at the Summer Street Cemetery in Lancaster, NH, of which notice will be given. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Paul may be made to New Hampshire Fish & Game, ATTN: Business Division, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH, 03301, of the Inland Fisheries Stocking Program. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home, Colebrook, NH.